My Lady Governess (Zebra Regency Romance) Read Free Page A

daughter of his late brother, the previous Marquis of Trenville.
    All three children were presently residing in Devon. Since the marquis spent much of his time traveling for the Foreign Office, he preferred to keep them in his home seat, though they occasionally came to town with him. Would Miss Palmer object to removing to the country? No, Miss Palmer would not object at all.
    Miss Palmer was then asked to wait across the hall for a few minutes as the marquis and his mother conferred.
    “Well?” He raised a quizzical brow.
    “She is very impressive,” his mother said slowly.
    “But you have doubts.”
    “Not about her education and she strikes me as someone who can handle children ...”
    “But ... ?” His tone was impatient.
    “I do not think she is telling us all there is to know of one Miss Palmer.”
    “Good lord, Mother. Even a governess is entitled to her privacy. What did you see that I did not?”
    “It is probably nothing. Just that the cut and quality of her clothing—not to mention its current style—is superior to what one expects of a governess.”
    “Seemed perfectly ordinary to me.”
    “I am sure it did.” Her tone was dry. “Still,” she added, “it is not unusual for a governess to receive an employer’s cast-off clothing.”
    “Miss Palmer does not seem the type for castoffs,” Adrian said.
    “Whatever type that is,” his mother replied. “Well ... she seems decidedly superior to others we have interviewed. And we have talked with how many—five? Six? I would not have allowed that last one near my grandchildren. I suggest you hire Miss Palmer for a trial period at least.”
     
     
    Miss Palmer—the real Miss Palmer—had been waiting anxiously for Elinor to return.
    “You certainly came home in style,” she said, as Henderson stood by to take Elinor’s pelisse and bonnet. “How did the interview go?”
    Elinor whirled before her. “You see before you Miss Harriet Elinor Palmer, governess to the children and ward of the Marquis of Trenville. He insisted on sending me home in a carriage.”
    “My goodness. A position on your very first application! When are you to start? I hope you held out for a decent salary.”
    “I did not have to. What they offered was most generous. I think they were impressed that I can do more than read and write and embroider.” Elinor laughed and grabbed Miss Palmer about the waist to dance a step or two. “Oh, thank you, thank you for helping me. I am finally truly confident this will work.”
    “Of course it will, my dear,” said Miss Palmer, infected by Elinor’s enthusiasm. “We must celebrate. Henderson, some sherry, please. Now, tell me.” She ushered Elinor into the drawing room.
    Elinor quickly summarized the events of the early afternoon.
    “And,” she ended, “I am to report for duty tomorrow. I am to stay at the Trenville town house tomorrow and the next morning we will depart for Devon, for that is where the children are.”
    “So soon?” Miss Palmer asked with regret. “I have so enjoyed having you here. And I shall miss you.”
    “And I, you,” Elinor said. “But the sooner I am out of the city, the better, I am sure.” And, she thought, I will no longer be a drain on your resources, dear friend.
    That night she lay in bed recalling the interview. Working for the marquis would be a challenge. He had been polite and gracious, albeit reserved and proud—not unusual in a man of his status, she told herself. And what does it matter, so long as he is satisfied with the performance of your duties? All that matters is that you stay hidden for the next twelve months. But her thoughts strayed back to the person of her employer.
    He was tall and sturdy-looking. He had deep brown hair and eyes, a broad forehead, well-defined brows, and high cheekbones. His nose might have been straight once, but it now had a slight bump in it as though it had been broken at some time. Rather an ordinary-looking man, she thought, until he smiled