Breaking the Governess’s Rules Read Free Page A

Season?’
    ‘Next Season, if my stepmother gets her wish.’
    Louisa took another deep breath. Icy politeness, talking about inconsequential acquaintances. But equally she had to know—what had happened to her rival. Had he married her?’And Clarissa Newton?’
    ‘We married a year after you … disappeared,’ Jonathon said in a measured tone. ‘Clarissa nursed me back to health and everyone agreed that it was the correct thing to do. Chesterholm needed an heir.’
    They had married. Mrs Ponsby-Smythe had told thetruth. Louisa’s insides churned as she forced her back to be ramrod straight. Clarissa had been everything that she was not—well connected, accomplished and possessing looks that were in fashion. With the little misalliance out of the way, he had married Clarissa, no doubt in a huge wedding with all the
ton
in attendance.
    ‘And is Lady Chesterholm with you?’ Miss Daphne asked.
    ‘Regretfully, Miss Elliot, Lady Chesterholm died eighteen months ago. She contracted a fever and died hours after giving birth.’ Jonathon inclined his head and his face showed genuine sorrow.
    Died.
Louisa’s retort withered on her lips. Clarissa was dead. Despite everything that Clarissa had done, all the petty remarks about governesses getting above their stations and all the boasting about how she’d rule the
ton
as Jonathon’s wife and how they had been betrothed in the cradle, Louisa had never wished for the woman’s death.
    ‘I am sorry for your loss,’ she whispered.
    ‘As am I,’ Miss Daphne said, putting a handkerchief to her eyes. ‘It is so tragic when a young woman loses her life in childbirth.’
    Louisa silently put the shawl about Miss Daphne’s shoulders. If she was very lucky, she would be able to escort Miss Daphne home now. Miss Daphne loved a good weep. This night and her meeting with Lord Chesterholm would be behind her. Tonight demonstrated how easily she could lose everything she held dear if she failed to keep to her rules.
    ‘And now, my dear lady, it is my turn to offer condolences.’ Jonathon captured Miss Daphne’s hand, andprevented Louisa from leading her off. ‘Lord Furniss informs me that your sister recently died. You both visited Furniss several times at Eton for the Montem celebrations.’
    ‘How good you are.’ Miss Daphne’s eyes shimmered. ‘We always brought iced buns. They were Rupert’s favourite.’
    ‘My dear mama always forbade them as she thought it bad for my figure,’ Lord Furniss said, puffing up his chest. ‘But there is something glorious about an iced bun—sugar on the top and soft dough underneath.’
    ‘And now you have returned to the land of your birth, Miss Elliot,’ Jonathon said.
    Louisa frowned, trying to work out why Jonathon was determined to prolong the painful encounter. Silently she willed him to give up and go.
    ‘For a fleeting visit. Dear Louisa wishes to return home as soon as possible.’
    ‘I am hoping to persuade them both to stay in the country,’ Lord Furniss said, reaching for Louisa’s hand.
    Louisa avoided it. Tomorrow, she promised silently, tomorrow she would check the steamship timetable.
    ‘I regret, Lord Furniss, our schedule …’ Louisa said, inclining her head.
    ‘How long are you here, Miss Elliot?’
    ‘Louisa took charge of all the arrangements, even though England holds few good memories for her. She has a wonderful talent for scheduling and making sure all the details are sorted.’ Miss Daphne gave a tremulous smile. ‘But then you know Louisa, how kind she is and what a wonderful eye for detail she possesses.’
    ‘Yes, I do know her.’ His eyes shone like cold emeralds. ‘I will take your word for her kindness. And I’m pleased to learn her eye for detail has improved.’
    Louisa flinched. Once he had proclaimed her the kindest of women and told her that he’d love her until he died. She refused to let his words have any lasting sting. They were only words. And she wanted nothing from him. She