Page 32 of The Trouble With Her Duke
His brow furrowed. “What could this be about?”
“Your Grace, they have requested your presence tomorrow morning. I believe they wish to be of help. Shall I confirm for you?”
Damon wanted to sleep and was glad they had not demanded a visit today—although he had no desire to visit the Golden Duchesses, as they’d dubbed themselves. Recalling Miss Hammond had been companion to the Duchess of Featherly, he changed his mind. He might learn more about her. For some reason, that seemed important. He summoned a smile. “Yes, I will be there.”
Mrs. Jenkins squared her shoulders and met his gaze. “I am most excited about this governess, Your Grace. Miss Hammond is smart and feels certain she can win them over—enough to benefit their educational needs. I am not worried about her ability.”
“Then, what are you concerned about?” Watching her draw in a deep breath, he knew he would not like the answer.
“I mean no disrespect, Your Grace, but I am worried about you.”
“Me?”
“She needs to be taken seriously; she needs to feel seen and heard,” Mrs. Jenkins said. “The past governesses—well, quite frankly—were not suited to the temperament of our sweet children. I take responsibility for that.”
Damon waved dismissively. “They came with recommendations.”
“I know, Your Grace. But this one—she cares.” Mrs. Jenkins said. “I’ve been most impressed with her and the young maid she brought.”
“There is a young maid. I hadn’t been apprised . . .”
“This is my first opportunity to make you aware. The Duchess of Featherly requested that she be allowed to attend Miss Hammond as a lady’s maid-in-training until you arrive. The duchess is sending for her this afternoon.”
“Has the maid been helpful?”
“I believe so,” Mrs. Jenkins replied. “The young woman is bright, intuitive, and I believe they have become friends. She traveled to London with her for the holiday.”
“And the maid . . . where does she sleep?”
“I placed her in an empty room upstairs with the servants.”
“Send word to the duchess asking if it would be all right with her to delay the exit of the maid until I speak with Miss Hammond. Thank you for telling me.”
“I will take care of it immediately.” Mrs. Jenkins bobbed a courtesy and left.
A maid? For a governess? He shook his head in disbelief. However, the Hammonds were wealthier than most ton families. She may have been used to having a maid. The dowager may have had someone there to assist her while serving as a companion.
The clock on the fireplace mantle chimed seven bells at the same time a knock on his door sounded and opened.
Jenkins stepped inside. “Miss Lydia Hammond, Your Grace.”
“I’m expecting her.” Damon stepped from behind his desk.
When the door shut behind her, he gestured to the seats to the left of his desk in front of the fireplace. “Let us sit here. It’s a little nippy in the room. May I offer you tea?”
“Yes, Your Grace. I can pour if you’d permit me.”
He nodded and watched her pour both cups. “Sugar or milk?” Why was she a governess when she could easily be married? Had her father been of the peerage, she would have been a diamond of the first water at her come out. Yet, from what he heard, she had avoided marriage. Why?
“Neither for me.” He noticed she took a small cube of sugar and slowly moved the teaspoon around the cup, dissolving it before she took a sip.
“I plan to introduce you to the children shortly, but thought meeting ahead could lay some groundwork and make things easier for you,” he began.
“Yes, Your Grace. I would like to know as much as possible about the likes and dislikes of the children—that sort of thing. And how you would like reports on their progress, and how often.”
He inclined his head. “My children are delightful but need a firm—but caring—hand. They may test you since your predecessors gave . . . indications of weaknesses . . . and the twins quickly gained the upper hand. I plan to be much more attentive to their behaviors and wish to observe you occasionally.”
“I see no problems with that.”
