Page 57 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“Probably not,” Amelia pointed out. For some reason, this made her think that Vivienne meant it as an insult, although she did not see it as such.
“Yes.” Vivienne nodded, then seemed confused. “But…why would you leave such a high-class position to come…here, in the middle of nowhere?”
Amelia bit her tongue in time not to tell this prying woman that this was none of her business, and they were not friends to be discussing such private matters. But she had been taught better than that. She, unlike this woman, had manners.
“There had been some…differences in the way I conduct my business,” Amelia said as convolutedly as she could. “And it was mutually agreed that I was to leave that position. The next one I found was this one.”
Vivienne eyed her menacingly. “Oh, but I’ve heard that—”
Just as she was about to say something, Anna came rushing back, wearing a crown of flowers in her hair. “Look, Miss Wycliffe! Isn’t it lovely?”
“It is, my dear, absolutely lovely!” Vivienne interfered before Amelia could say anything. “Could you make one for me as well?”
Anna was still smiling when she replied. “Of course. Would you like one, too, Miss Wycliffe?”
“Yes, please,” Amelia agreed.
Upon those words, Anna rushed back into the garden, where she had been instructed to pick only wildflowers, and she obediently listened. Amelia didn’t want to continue the same conversation from before, so she seized the moment to ask a question of her own.
“So, you are the earl’s distant cousin?” Amelia asked, endeavoring to sound curious.
“More or less.” Vivienne chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. “Our grandfathers were cousins. Close ones, too.But I suppose family loses touch over time, and that is such a sad state of affairs, don’t you think so?”
“I do.” Amelia nodded.
“I remember,” Vivienne continued without being asked, her eyes shining with the flicker of warm memories, “when Frederick and I were growing up, our house was always filled with merriment and laughter. There were always guests around. Our parents threw lavish balls, with numerous friends and family in attendance. Ah, it was such a marvelous time.”
“I can imagine,” Amelia agreed politely.
“But the time of balls is gone,” Vivienne said unexpectedly.
“Why?” Amelia wondered. “You are a young lady who, if you will permit me saying, is on the cusp of marriage. Balls are the perfect place for that.”
“I could say the same thing about you.” Vivienne eyed her in that odd manner yet again. “And here you are, hiding yourself from the world. Is there not a young gentleman waiting for you back in London?”
Amelia felt that this conversation was crossing the line of familiarity, but she reminded herself that people of theton,to which Vivienne obviously belonged, were simply like that. Theyasked whatever questions popped into their minds, and they expected answers.
“No,” Amelia said simply. “I am focused on my work.”
Vivienne smiled. “I suppose a woman of your status ought to be.”
Amelia didn’t know if that was an insult or not, but she didn’t have time to ponder more on it because Vivienne continued immediately.
“As for me, I have a bit of a secret to share,” she said in a conspiratorial manner, leaning closer to Amelia. “I am hoping to catch Sebastian’s eye. After all, we would make such a lovely match. Don’t you think so?”
Amelia didn’t know what to say to this. She was completely stunned by this comment, as she was not expecting it. Still, she managed to regain enough composure to nod and smile.
“Yes,” she managed to muster, a simple word that reminded her of a painful truth, and that was the fact that she was nothing but a lowly governess, and as such, she would never be able to marry an earl.
“I do find this a bit too far away from civilization, but we could spend half a year here and the other half in town,” Viviennecontinued to daydream about her future life with Sebastian. “I could spend my time with Anna and do what you do!”
Amelia’s blood turned cold. Was she just suggesting that her services would no longer be needed if such a thing as a marriage happened? Amelia gritted her teeth furiously, fighting off the little green-eyed monster which was eating her alive. But she had to remain calm and composed, not revealing any of the turmoil inside of her.
Shortly afterward, Anna rushed back to them, bringing the promised flower crowns. Vivienne gushed over them, completely taking the focus of attention. Amelia could see that Anna was slightly uncomfortable, but Vivienne did not seem to notice or mind.
“Well, I do believe we need to get back to our lessons now.” Amelia stood up, and Anna quickly nodded.
“So soon?” Vivienne whined.
