Page 22 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
In response to Peter Alderson’s demand, the driver jumped down to collect Rose’s trunk. Mr. Alderson held the door for Rose to step into the cab, offering is his gloved palm to help her up. She accepted his hand, again aware of how dirty were her gloves, but he did not seem to notice and Rose was grateful for his tact.
Of course, he has the benefit of good breeding,she thought, perching on the edge of the leather interior near the window.I cannot imagine what that is like. Will I assimilate in Buford or will it be stunningly clear that I do not belong?
Rose second guessed accepting a job so far from all she knew. She saw that Peter Alderson joined her, closing the door to block out the cold.
“It is much warmer in here than the stagecoach from Dartford,” she commented aloud.
She had not meant to speak so freely but the tension of her situation was wearing down on her wits and she had expelled the words through sheer nervousness. To her surprise, Mr. Alderson chuckled.
“You will find that the Duke demands niceties in all aspects of his life,” he explained. “He and the duchess believe in doing all matters well. That is why they have successfully run Rosecliff Manor. It is not a rotten borough in Buford.”
Rose did not want to admit that she did not understand the term and instead nodded. She assumed it had some noble undertone.
I have much to learn about this way of life.
The carriage pulled away from the curb and Rose eased against the seat. Peter Alderson’s voice calmed her. It was not so much his pitch but his eloquent words lulled her.
“Are they good people, the duke and duchess?” she heard herself ask and once more, Rose wondered if she was possessed by some impish spirit, overtaking her mouth. Peter nodded wisely, his eyes intelligent.
“I have been with the family since Lord Buford was in his infancy. If I did not believe strongly in the duke, I would have found a new placement long ago.”
“Forgive me,” Rose said, her eyebrows knitting as she tried to recall what Eloise’s letters had told her. “I was under the impression I was caring for Lord and Lady Arlington.”
Now it was Peter who appeared confused.
“You shall be,” he replied. “Lady Arlington is nearly a woman now and does not require much in the way of governing. She spends her days in etiquette and music classes with Miss Valentine, albeit there seems to be some question as to whether she has taken to them.”
Rose felt foolish that she was not better versed in the ways of the duchy. “Who is Lord Buford?”
The secretary’s face lost its perplexity and he nodded with understanding.
“Ah, I assure you, Lord Buford has no need for a governess any longer. He is the grown son of the duke and duchess.”
“The marquess,” Rose murmured wondering why there had been no mention of him in Eloise’s letters.
He must not be of much consequence.
In her mind’s eye, Rose could already envision him as being pompous, spoiled and coddled, spending his days engaged in whoremongering and golf.
“Indeed,” Peter agreed. “The marquess.”
She was silent for a long moment, watching as the green of the land began to turn white with snow. Her eyes widened at the lovely sight.
“It is late to come this year, the snow,” Peter commented, noticing her expression. “We had quite a long summer this year. A bountiful harvest.”
“You were blessed,” Rose replied, her eyelids growing heavy.
“You may rest, Mrs. Parsons. It is quite a journey to Buford and you must already be quite tired. If you require a stop, inform me at once and Jack will stop.”
“You have been most kind, Mr. Alderson,” she replied shyly. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the company.”
“Nonsense, Mrs. Parsons,” he replied. “You are a member of the family now. The duke ensures that all the household is well cared for.”
A wave of relief washed over Rose like flow tide.
Eloise did not misrepresent life in Buford. All will be as promised.
She nodded gratefully and allowed her fatigued eyes to fall closed; the rhythm of the carriage lulling her into sleep. When she woke, night had fallen, and Peter Alderson sat across from her, staring out the window into the night.
