Page 12 of The Trouble With Her Duke
“You are, of course. But truly, the Duke of Danforth is so well-built! I would certainly set my cap for him. If only I were four or five years younger—”
“In what, Bianca? Dog years?” Dora shot back.
“Oh, you are just jealous because I’m the youngest, most beautiful, and vivacious in our group!” Bianca exclaimed, adding the second tart back onto her plate.
“Ladies, this isn’t helping,” Sophy admonished.
Lydia’s stomach churned. In one fell swoop, she’d lost her job and her independence. Her family would no doubt redouble their efforts to marry her off to Jacob Nichols, the son of their fiercest competitor, to expand their emporium. “I’m afraid that I don’t have any direct experience as a governess,” she said, her voice sounding faint to her ears. Not to mention her altercation with the duke just that very morning. But these ladies did not know of that. They thought she’d never met the duke before, let alone accused him of purposely hitting her with his carriage door. Damn and blast! Why did I let my temper get the best of me? Mind you, she had apologized for it. And the duke had been kind in the end.
Sophy smiled broadly. “Nonsense. You’ve been my companion for a year.”
“And weren’t you Lady Davenport’s companion for two years before that?” Dora asked.
“Yes, but when she re-married, she referred me to the Dowager Duchess of Featherly.”
“Well, that’s plenty of experience, dear.” Rosalind gave an encouraging smile. “Besides, my nephew is desperate.”
Abruptly, Sophy cleared her throat. “What she means is that these children are bright and lively, and . . . and the duke simply has not engaged the right person,” Sophy said.
“And I would never describe Mandy and Michael as spoiled,” Rosalind added, absently biting into a creampuff.
“Besides, if anyone behaves like a spoiled child, it’s Gertie Davenport,” Bianca added. “So, your experience with her counts.”
“How are you with frogs?” Rosalind blurted.
“Excuse me?” That’s the second time they’ve mentioned frogs.
“I must be honest with you,” Sophy said, patting Lydia’s hand. “I’ve met these children and found them charming, but they do enjoy their little pranks.”
“What sort of pranks?” Lydia asked.
“Oh, just minor hijinks here and there with a tiny toad or a friendly frog. Nothing to fear, my dear,” Rosalind said, daintily dabbing the corners of her mouth with a napkin.
Lydia exhaled a shallow breath. “Your Grace—Rosalind, I grew up with three older brothers; frogs and toads do not scare me.” But being without employment does. As far as Lydia was concerned, she only had two options: be a governess or marry Jacob. Marriage was not an option Lydia would consider.
Rosalind clapped her hands. “Marvelous! My grandniece and nephew need someone like you. Your interview is tomorrow. But it’s just a formality.”
“My dear, Lydia. I know you will succeed. I have never met a young woman with as much pluck as you have,” Sophy said.
“Here, here!” Dora seconded.
“Lydia reminds me of myself when I was, er, younger,” Bianca added, popping the last bite of apple tart into her mouth.
“Yes, if by younger you mean forty years ago,” Dora shot back.
Rosalind stuffed the last bite of her biscuit in her mouth and licked her lips. “It’s the lemon,” she exclaimed. “My cook doesn’t put enough lemon in hers.”
“Perhaps I should try one,” Bianca said, reaching for one.
“They are good, I assure you,” Rosalind said. “I should have one more.” With an overt glance in Lydia’s direction, she murmured, “Damon won’t even see it coming,” as she dabbed the corners of her mouth.
Lydia looked at Rosalind tentatively. “I’m sorry, Your . . . Rosalind.” She quickly corrected herself. “I don’t think I quite heard what you said.”
“Oh, forgive me,” she said, smiling and taking a bite of the biscuit. “I said I didn’t see this coming. These biscuits are delicious, but I must make this my last.”
“It’s hard to talk with your mouth full, my dear,” Sophy said, giving her friend a quelling look.
Lydia grinned. “I understand. These are my favorite, too.” She squared her shoulders with determination. “Thank you for your vote of confidence, Your Graces.” It had been a day of tumbles, twists, and turns, but she was made of sterner stuff than one might think. “Thank you for this opportunity, and I give you my solemn vow I will be the best governess those children have ever had.”
