Page 10 of A Lady Never Tells
Maxwell tapped his fingers impatiently against the arm of his chair. He hated when he was kept waiting. Didn’t they know he was a duke? Duke’s were never ignored. Yet that was exactly what was happening to him. It was a novel experience. One he wasn’t entirely certain he liked. No. He definitely did not like it. This was beyond ridiculous.
He clenched his mouth into a firm line. If someone didn’t join him in the infernal sitting room soon, he’d leave. That would show them. They wouldn’t snub him ever again.
And he was starting to sound like a snob. It was a good thing no one could read his mind. Then again, if that were possible, there would be several shocked ladies about town. There were definitely times he had more lascivious thoughts. It might even be amusing to have some of those prudish women privy to some of those desires. Too bad it would be too scandalous or he might actually speak them aloud.
“Your Grace,” a female said from behind him. “My apologies for keeping you waiting. Would you like some refreshments? I can ring a servant to bring some.”
He swiveled around to meet her gaze. “That is not necessary.” He frowned. She was not at all what he had expected. “Are you in charge of this agency?” He lifted a brow. Women didn’t…well work wasn’t the right word. Many women worked. But they didn’t run businesses. At least not to his knowledge.
“I do.” She nodded her head as she spoke. “I am Mrs. Banks,” she told him. “I opened this agency after my husband’s death. It’s a long story best left in the past. The gist is that I have a thriving agency that helps employ many women. It is my hope that I will be able to accommodate your needs.”
She walked around at sat in the seat opposite of him. She wasn’t an elderly widow. In fact, he would even go so far as to say she was attractive and young enough to secure a new husband if she wished. Much like Lady Moreland… Why couldn’t he keep that young window out of his mind? Maxwell held back a groan. She wasn’t for him. He didn’t want to marry a widow. If he married, and he fully intended to do so in the very near future, he wanted a woman that hadn’t already been attached to another man. It was archaic, of course, but he wanted to be the only man that ever touched his wife. Lady Roslyn was lovely and she would be perfect for him. She seemed biddable and had the right pedigree. Her only downfall was that scandal her brother had caused. What if she were anything like that rakehell? He knew he shouldn’t judge Lady Roslyn by her brother’s actions, but he had his niece to consider. It wouldn’t do to have a hellion for a wife. What kind of example would that be for Sarah?
Which was what brought him to this meeting… “I need a governess,” he told Mrs. Banks. “As I mentioned in my earlier missive to you.”
She nodded. “I understand your niece is the child that one of my ladies will be instructing. May I inquire as to her parents’ whereabouts?”
He frowned again. She was being presumptuous. “What does that matter?” The last thing he wished to discuss was his brother and how he had handled the death of his wife. “How does that have anything to do with a governess instructing my niece?”
She sighed. “In order to appoint the right governess for your niece, I need to know what type of child she is and what needs might arise. Some governesses are more suited to certain types of children. Does that make sense?”
He shook his head. “Do they not all teach?” This was becoming more and more irritating. Could a man not simply hire a governess anymore?
Mrs. Banks let out an exasperated breath. “For example,” she began. “Some children are more unruly and require a strict hand. For them, I have a list of specific governesses that can keep them on task and help them to learn. Others might be emotionally withdrawn and they will need a lighter touch.” She met his gaze and held it firmly. “If I am to assign the right governess, I need more information. So please tell me about your niece’s parents.”
She would not let him sidestep the information. If Sarah didn’t need a governess, he would have already told Mrs. Banks to shove it. “They’re both dead.”
“I see,” she said. Did she really see, or was that another platitude? “Both recently?”
She was relentless. “No,” he said through gritted teeth. “She never knew her mother.” He would not give her any information regarding how Sarah’s mother died in childbirth. Let her make her own conclusions. “Her father more recently in a riding accident.” Damn fool had been bloody foxed and went riding. If he could bring his brother back to life would only to strangle him. How could he have left his daughter alone? Then again, he hadn’t. His brother would have known Maxwell would take care of Sarah. Hadn’t he always done so?
“And you are unmarried?” Mrs. Banks asked.
“Yes,” he said in a clipped tone. “But I hope that won’t be the case for too long.”
“You’re seeking a wife.” She nodded. “That is good. A governess should never be a replacement for a mother, and it sounds as if your niece has been lacking that role for some time.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I think I have the perfect candidate for you. I will see if she is available and send her to your London home in a few days.”
“A few days…” He had hoped for someone sooner. “They can’t come quicker than that?”
“I’m afraid it isn’t possible. She isn’t in London currently and I am not entirely certain she wishes to take on another assignment. I will send word to her immediately and if she does not wish to take the position, I’ll send someone else instead. I do think the lady I have in mind is the perfect candidate, though.”
What else could he do? There were no other agencies that came as highly recommended as Banks Vocations. Sarah’s education was sorely lacking. One maid at his brother’s estate had taken to teaching her, but she was still behind. He didn’t want Sarah to feel as if she didn’t fit in. Once she was properly educated at home, he could think about sending her to a finishing school. Though that would happen much, much later. She was only eight years old, and he didn’t want her so far away yet. It might be different if she’d been born a boy. Then he would be more prepared to send her away to Eton.
“I’ll trust your judgement,” he said in a curt tone. “Have your candidate come as soon as possible. I expect to know as soon as possible if I should expect someone else. I want to prepare my niece for the arrival of her new governess. Any information you can share with me beforehand will be appreciated.” He stared at her. “What is the name of your first choice?”
“I’d rather not say until I know for certain.” She pinched her lips together. “You must understand, I take every precaution with those under my wing. I’ve made mistakes when I opened this agency, and the biggest was giving out names before I was certain. Those ladies were harassed unnecessarily.”
“I would never…” How dare she insinuate such a thing? “But I understand your caution.” He couldn’t risk her ire. This was all for Sarah, and he would keep reminding himself of that until it fully sank in. He would do anything for his niece. Even bite his tongue before Mrs. Banks. “I trust you’ll inform me when you’re certain, then?”
“Of course,” Mrs. Banks said. “I’m always professional.” She stood and then gestured for him to follow. “My assistant will have contracts for you to look over and sign. That is nonnegotiable.”
She was all business. In another time and place, he might appreciate that side of her. Though that was not this time or this place. He wanted to be done with this whole situation and return home. He had another society function to attend to later. Would Lady Roslyn be in attendance? If so, then that would mean her chaperone would be as well. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her? And everything had come full circle back to the lovely widow… Maxwell sighed.
She was not for him.
And if he kept telling him that, along with his mantra for Sarah, both might stick. Somehow, he didn’t think it would be that easy. He wanted Lady Moreland in his bed, but not as his wife. He couldn’t have her and a wife. Which was a pity… Time to sign some contracts and get his niece a governess, and then forget about one very sultry widow.
Tediousness had nothing on societal functions. At least as far as Eden was concerned. They had attended several in as many days, and none stood out. Every single one had been bland, boring, and dare she say it…mundane. It shouldn’t bother her. The last thing she wanted to do was gain any attention. She liked blending in and hiding in plain sight. Eden hated socializing and would much rather be at home with a nice book.
