Chapter 17 #2
"Would it die down, though?" Eveline stared into her teacup as if it might hold answers.
"Or would I simply become 'that governess with the scandal in her past,' forever condemned to positions where my employers feel they're doing me a favour by overlooking my history?
Today it's the Harringtons. In five years, it might be someone worse, someone who feels my gratitude should extend beyond teaching their children. "
"You're expecting the worst."
"Am I? You didn't see the way Mrs. Harrington looked at me—like she was purchasing damaged goods at a discount.
Oh, she was perfectly polite about it, but we both knew why someone of my qualifications was applying for a governess position.
" Eveline set down her tea with shaking hands.
"I think the worst part was that she was right.
I am damaged goods. I'm a cautionary tale with a classical education. "
"You're nothing of the sort." Harriet's voice held the fierce loyalty that had sustained their friendship through years of social navigation. "You're a brilliant woman who was caught in a storm...literally and figuratively. That doesn't diminish your worth."
"Doesn't it?" Eveline rose, moving to the window to stare out at the street below.
"Tell me, what worth does society place on a ruined woman's knowledge of ancient Greek?
What value do my translations have when my name makes publishers flinch?
Adrian was right about one thing. I've spent so long believing my mind would be enough to sustain me that I never considered what would happen when society decided my mind didn't matter. "
A knock at the door interrupted what promised to be a descent into genuine self-pity. Mary appeared, looking flustered and carrying a calling card on her small silver tray.
"Begging your pardon, miss, but there's a Mr. Cadwell here to see you. He says it's about some translations?"
Eveline frowned, taking the card. James Cadwell of Cadwell mostly dusty monographs that twelve people read, but still, publication is publication.
" Thornbury handed back the translations with obvious reluctance.
"I must say, Your Grace, this is quite a crusade you're mounting on the young lady's behalf. "
"It's not a crusade," Adrian said quietly. "It's simple justice. Her mind deserves recognition regardless of her social standing."