Page 27 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
“It is normal to feel angry too, and eventually, the anger will also get less,” Beryl said.
She could only imagine the girls’ heartbreak, angst, uncertainty, and anxiety.
“Mother was pretty, like you, Lady Beryl,” Mattie said, breaking the somber moment.
They all laughed and Beryl stood. She turned to face Theodore, and his gaze bored into her. It made her feel naked, and Beryl’s heart began to flutter.
“Shall we return to the house? It is almost time for dinner,” Theodore said.
Mattie immediately perked up. “Let us race to the house, Louise.”
Off Mattie went in a mad dash down the path before Louise shouted after her.
“That is not fair, Mattie. I did not count to three.” Louise complained before she rushed after her sister, her curls bobbing from side to side.
Beryl laughed.
“Lady Beryl, would you join us for dinner?” Theodore asked.
Beryl gave a start. She was not expecting it. Her governess did not usually eat with her unless her parents invited her to join them or to attend a dinner party. She wondered if governesses of genteel birth found such an invitation pleasant and refreshingor if it reminded them of their past status in society. It could be awkward and difficult, or perhaps they hated it.
Theodore was offering her a way to live in the way that she was accustomed to. He was being quite charitable, and she appreciated his kindness.
“Thank you, Theodore. I shall,” Beryl replied.
As they walked toward the house, Theodore said, “You were very good with the children. I must admit I have been a bit selfish. I thought more about my own grief and the new demands and less about what they have been experiencing. The way you spoke of grief made me realize how foolish I have been.”
Beryl stopped, and they both turned to face each other.
“I meant what I said, Theodore. We all grieve in different ways. Who am I to say the way you are grieving is wrong? It is enough that you recognize that the girls need you.”
“I think you would get on very well with my uncle. He is sure to visit as soon as he discovers you are here. I am beginning to think he has a spy in my household.”
“Considering how we met, are you certain you want to accuse someone of spying?”
Theodore threw back his head and gave a hearty laugh, which caused his shoulders to shake. “Touché.”
“I suppose you do not normally eat with the children.”
“I do not. I certainly do not intend to eat with them every day, but I wanted to do it tonight.”
“It is not for me to say how you should treat your nieces,” Beryl said.
“One thing that I can say about you, Lady Beryl, is that you are refreshingly direct. This stood out from the first day that we met. Please feel free to speak frankly,” Theodore encouraged.
“Well, the girls need support to manage their emotions and to feel secure. They want to feel that they are loved and understood.”
“I believe you are right, but I must admit that I feel ill-equipped to do these things. I am actually quite relieved that you are here to assist me,” Theodore said.
Later that evening, in the sanctuary of her room, Beryl recalled the conversation. Theodore’s words had warmed her. He should not be having this effect on her. She reminded herself that her feelings would only cause her trouble. She must not be tempted to give in to them and risk her position. She was penniless. Her honor and virtue were all that she had, and they were priceless. To risk losing them would be foolhardy. It is a harsh fate, but she already had a sample of the world’s cruelty.
She had only just arrived and being a governess was not so bad … so far so good. It would all be fine as long as she remained ladylike, modest, and respectable. If she lost her head with the viscount, it would not go well for her.
I must be clever and maintain my composure.
Theodore wanted to be the veritable bachelor, daunted by marriage, and she needed a husband. If it was one thing that she knew, water and oil do not mix. She deserved more and better than he was prepared to give. Beryl would ensure that the dresses Theodore commissioned for her would be modest and that she was dressed neatly and becomingly. She would do whatever she could to retain this position and gain experience which would serve her well later when she moved on. It was inevitable that she would leave once the girls were grown.
Beryl was fortunate because a governess did not always have her own room. She had a small, private sitting room as well. She had written to Flora, and she was pleased to receive a reply, but she had not had a chance to read it. Sitting on the window ledge, she opened the letter.
