Rules of Surrender Read Free

accepted her tea and confessed the least of her problems. ”My grandchildren have lived abroad all their lives.“
    ”Abroad?“ Lady Charlotte arched her brows.
    Adorna ignored the delicate inquiry as to the place. ”They are, I’m afraid… savages.“
    Miss Setterington looked startled at such an un-grandmotherly statement, but Lady Charlotte said, ”Of course they must be. The lack of a stabilizing English influence will have worked against them. As the eldest, I suppose the son is the worst.“
    ”Actually, no. Leila is…“ Adorna thought of that wild child and words failed her.
    Lady Charlotte nodded. ”The demands on a girl in the ton are much more extensive, while the freedoms are much curtailed. She’s probably rebellious.“
    Her insights astounded Adorna, and Adorna began to see how this Lady Charlotte had tamed and trained so many defiant youths. ”Rebellious. Yes. And angry, I think, to have left her home.“
    ”Is there something she liked to do there she could do here that would help with her adjustment?“
    ”She rode horses, apparently very well, but not sidesaddle, and she will not allow us to seat her without her legs astride. She says it is a stupid position.“
    Charlotte nibbled at her lip. ”How about the boy? What does he like to do?“
    ”He likes to throw knives.“ Adorna pleated her skirt. ”Into my imported French wallpaper.“
    ”Why?“ Miss Setterington asked, looking properly appalled.
    ”Because the decorative roses made a proper good target.“
    To Charlotte’s credit, she didn’t show a flicker of amusement. ”He’s good with a knife, then.“
    ”Excellent,“ Adorna said gloomily. ”As their governess, Lady Charlotte, you’ll be in charge of explaining our ways to the children, helping them adjust, teaching them manners and, as you said, reading and geography, and“—Adorna took a breath—”all must be done quickly.“
    Lady Charlotte sipped her tea, her little finger crooked at the perfect angle. ”How quickly?“
    ”Before the end of the season, I am to host a reception for the Sereminian royal family during their official visit to England, and the royal children will participate. Therefore, my grandchildren must participate.“
    Miss Setterington’s teacup rattled as she set it down. ”That’s three months.“
    ”So it is.“ Lady Charlotte set down her cup, also, but it did not rattle. ”So let me understand you, Lady Ruskin. If I train your grandchildren to behave like civilized Englishpeople in three months, your plan is to keep me on as their governess until Leila makes her bow.“
    ”That is correct.“
    ”That’s ten years.“
    ”So it is, but this first three months will irrevocably try your patience.“
    The slightest of a patronizing smile touched Lady Charlotte’s lips. ”With all due respect, Lady Ruskin, I believe I am capable of handling two small children.“
    Adorna knew she ought to tell the rest. She ought to. But really, Lady Charlotte would find out soon enough, Adorna needed her too much—and besides, Lady Charlotte’s vainglorious smile made Adorna itch to remove it.
    Adorna knew how to salve her guilty conscience, and she did so by offering a magnificent salary.
    In this matter, Miss Setterington proved her worth, asking for a finder’s fee which took Adorna’s breath away.
    ”This guarantees your complete discretion?“ Adorna asked.
    ”This guarantees everything.“
    Adorna rose, and the other women rose with her. ”Lady Charlotte, I’ll send a carriage for you at eleven. We go to Surrey, so we shall arrive by late afternoon.“
    Adorna had not thought it possible, yet Lady Charlotte stiffened more.
    But she said only, ”I look forward to the journey, my lady.“ And she curtsied as Adorna took her leave.
    Charlotte and Hannah stood silent and listening as Lady Ruskin’s footsteps crossed the foyer. They waited as Cusheon fetched her wrap and bowed her out the front door. Even after the door shut behind her, they