A Most Unusual Governess

Amanda Grange

'Out with it, Constance!'

Lady Constance Templeton, startled out of her reverie, almost dropped her porcelain teacup in surprise. 'Really, Isabelle!' she retorted. 1 don't know what you mean.'

The two ladies, both vigorous despite being over seventy years of age, were taking tea in the splendid drawing-room of Templeton House. It was a hot afternoon in the summer of 1814 and the tall windows were open to let in the cooling breeze.

'How long have we known each other?' demanded Isabelle, fixing her friend with a shrewd eye.

1 don't see what that has to do with anything,' returned Lady Constance evasively.

'Oh, don't you?' snorted Isabelle. She put down her cup with a determined clatter. We have been friends for the best part of fifty years, Constance, and I know instinctively when something is wrong. And something is wrong now. No, don't bother denying it,' she said, with a firm shake of her head. 1 won't be put off. And I won't rest until I know what it is. Although, from the way your eyes keep drifting to the portrait of your nephew, I can guess. It is my belief it has something to do with James.'

As she spoke, her own eyes turned to the large portrait that hung above the magnificent Adam fireplace. It was of a strikingly handsome young man, with black hair and coal black eyes. High cheekbones and a determined chin defined his face, in the same way that long, firm limbs and a broad chest defined his body. Strong hands held the reins of the stallion he was riding, and although the animal was rearing, he controlled it with an air of arrogant ease.

'Arrogance,' said Isabelle, as she continued to look at the portrait, not realising she had spoken out loud.

Lady Constance gave a heavy sigh. 'Arrogance,' she agreed. 'Pride, pigheadedness and downright stubbornness!'

'Aha!' said Isabelle triumphantly. 1 knew there was something. What has James been doing to make you so distracted this time?'

Lady Constance shook her grey head with vexation. It is too bad, Isabelle, it really is. Especially after the last time. He has scared yet another governess away.'

'Another one? But Miss Raistrick only left six weeks ago! Miss Gale hasn't had time to be scared away.'

'Miss Gale!' exclaimed Lady Constance. *My dear Isabelle, you are behind the times. Miss Gale lasted only two days. Which is a great pity, as she spoke not only fluent French and German but Russian besides. No, it is not Miss Gale this time, it is Miss Dove who has packed her bags and, like her namesake, flown away.'

'But why?' enquired Isabelle.

'Because James issues orders in such an arrogant way that the governesses quail before him, and his demands are so outrageous that they lose their confidence and give notice.'

'And what does he demand?' asked Isabelle.

'Perfection.'

Isabelle laughed, for James had been the same, even as a boy.

'I can see why they would be disheartened, but really, they should stand up to him.'

'Have you ever tried standing up to James?' asked Lady Constance, raising her eyebrows.

Isabelle remembered the last time she had encountered James and pursed her lips. At just over six feet tall he had a commanding presence, and as an earl - Lord Randall, no less - he was used to being obeyed.

'I see,' she said.

'Really, Isabelle, I don't know what to do. It is not so bad for the boys, their tutors find it easier to stand up to James, but Lucy has had half a dozen governesses in the last three months. When the children's parents were killed my heart wept for them, it was such a tragedy, but James has always been a loving uncle and of course he took them in. Unfortunately he knows nothing about children.' She gave a sigh. 'He shows his affection for them by employing all the best masters for the boys and a constant string of governesses for Lucy, but he does not know what is really important. He never plays with them. Indeed, he is so serious these days that I think he has forgotten how to play.'

His own wife being killed in the same accident that robbed him of his brother and sister-in-law cannot have been easy for him.'

'No, of course not, although I always thought that she was not the right wife for him. But it is all very well being serious at twenty-eight. It is a different thing being serious at eight, which is all that Peter is, and dear little Lucy is only six, whilst even William is only twelve. I do wish I could make him see that they need more than studies in their life.'

'You must take a hand. You must invite the children here for the holidays.'

'I have already tried, but James refused to let the boys come to me. They missed a great deal of schooling when their parents died and he told me he wants them to catch it up before they return to school after the summer.'

'But Lucy is here?'

'She is, though the poor child is a shadow of her former self. She arrived yesterday.'

Then you must appoint a new governess yourself. Some sensible young woman who will be kind and loving, and who will stand no nonsense from James.'

'Even if I could, by some miracle, find someone like that, it would not answer, because James has forbidden me to interfere. He is quite capable of appointing his own staff, he told me - in no uncertain terms.' She leaned back on the sofa, and for the first time her full age became apparent. There was a tired set to her shoulders, and there were deep lines around her eyes. 'Besides, at the moment I have problems of my own.'

'Ah! Yes. I had forgotten, you have been having trouble with your knees. Poor Constance: it is a trial to grow old.' She continued on a brighter note. 'Have you had any luck in finding a companion yet? Any answers to your advertisement? I must say I think it is a good idea. Having someone to fetch and carry for you will save a great deal of wear and tear on your legs. One doesn't always want to be asking the servants.'

'I am beginning to think it is impossible to find anyone who will suit.' Lady Constance's eye fell on the beautifully chased silver teapot that stood on the low table next to the sofa. 'More tea, Isabelle?' she enquired.

Thank you, Constance, I will.'

Lady Constance filled both cups with the clear, fragrant liquid and together the two ladies enjoyed the refreshing drink. To answer your question,' Lady Constance continued when her cup was once again empty, 'no, I haven't found a companion - at least, not yet. I have seen three ladies so far, and they have all been impossible. One of them was even older than me!'

'Oh, Constance, that would never do! Have you anyone left?'

Lady Constance sighed. I'm seeing Miss Rodgers tomorrow, and Miss Davenport this afternoon. I only hope one of them will do. Someone not too young, for I tire easily and the chatter of a young person is not to my taste, and not too old.'

There was a whirring sound. The long case clock in the corner was preparing to strike the hour.

'Good gracious!' exclaimed Isabelle as the first chime reverberated through the room. Is that the time? I must go. Edward is taking me to Mrs Skeffington's this evening, and it will take me an age to dress.' She stood up in a rustle of silk. 'You must come to me on Thursday and let me know how you get on.'

'I will.' Lady Constance, rising, did not sound hopeful.

Isabelle kissed her friend on the cheek. *You will find someone, Constance, I'm sure of it.' She took her friend's hands and gave them an affectionate squeeze. 'Miss Davenport may be just what you need.'

* * * *

Sarah Davenport was at that moment waiting in the hall below. The butler had left her alone whilst he went to enquire whether Lady Templeton was ready to receive her, and she was making the most of the opportunity to tidy herself in front of one of the hall's gilded mirrors. Her auburn hair was arranged neatly in a bun, but one or two tendrils had fallen loose. She tucked them in, securing them with a pin, then turned her attention to her yellow muslin gown. It had grown limp with the heat, but otherwise was not too shabby. She puffed out the short sleeves and adjusted the buckle that trimmed the high waist, then arranged her reticule so that its barest patches were hidden. Having checked her appearance, she began to walk around the hall.

She was not looking forward to the coming interview. She had been raised as a gentlewoman and the idea of seeking employment was hard for her, but as she had fallen on difficult times the interview was a necessary evil, for she needed to earn her living. She was just taking a turn around the hall yet again when, to her surprise, a little girl of about six years of age came into view.

Sarah smiled. The little girl was as pretty as a picture, with golden hair curled into ringlets and large blue eyes. She was exquisitely dressed in a blue silk frock and frilled pantaloons.

'Hello,' said Sarah.

The little girl looked startled and guiltily put her arm behind her back, but not before Sarah saw that it was grazed.

'You've hurt yourself,' she said kindly. 'Did you fall over?'

The little girl did not reply.

Well, run along then, dear, and show your mama,' said Sarah. 'Shell soon make it better for you.'

The little girl, whilst never taking her eyes off Sarah, stood on one pantalooned leg. Lifting the other leg behind her she held it there with one hand. Then, balancing precariously, she said, 1 don't have a mama. My mama is dead.'

Sarah's face fell.

'I'm sorry to hear that,' she said gently. 'Run along, then, and show your nurse, my dear.'

The little girl put down her leg and lifted the other one.

'Nurse will be cross. I was jumping on the steps outside. Nurse doesn't like me to jump on the steps.'

'How very odd of her!' said Sarah.

'She says Uncle James wants me to do my sewing instead.'

'Does he now? Well, I would have thought there was time in your busy life for both,' said Sarah. 'But if you don't want to show your nurse, then we must mend matters ourselves. Show me your arm.'

Lucy hesitated and then, putting down her leg, she held her grazed arm out to Sarah.

That doesn't seem too bad. I think we can manage without troubling anyone else. Now,' she went on, taking a clean linen handkerchief out of her threadbare reticule, 'spit!'

Lucy's eyes widened in horror.

'It's quite all right,' said Sarah with a twinkle in her eye. 'Just this once.'

Lucy gave a gurgle of laughter and then did as she was asked, standing patiently whilst Sarah cleaned the graze.

There. It's as good as new,' said Sarah. 'And now... '

But she was interrupted by Lady Templeton's butler, returning to say, 'Her ladyship will see you now.'

Sarah turned to say goodbye to the little girl, only to see that she was already running down one of the corridors, back to her needlework. She folded her handkerchief and tucked it away in her shabby reticule as the butler said majestically, 'Be so good as to follow me.'

Sarah followed him to a small study leading off from the hall, where an old but still beautiful woman was seated.

'Come in, Miss Davenport. Do sit down,' she said.

Sarah dutifully sat down, and Lady Templeton continued. 1 think we will begin by discussing your background, and then you may tell me why you decided to apply for a position as my companion.'

Sarah embarked on an explanation, but she became aware that Lady Templeton was barely listening. Her worst fears were realised when Lady Templeton said, Thank you, Miss Davenport. Most clear. Unfortunately, I don't think this is the right position for you.1

Lady Templeton stretched out her hand for the silver bell that sat on the edge of her desk.

'May I ask why not?' enquired Sarah, whose situation was verging on the desperate.

Lady Templeton's eyebrows raised in surprise and Sarah thought, She isn't used to having her decisions questioned.

'Since you ask, you are too young to be a suitable companion for me,' said Lady Templeton. 'From your letter I'd gained the impression you were older. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the fact of the matter is that I need a mature woman. Unfortunately, you're not suitable for the position.'

Sarah listened to this speech with dismay, but as her small savings had dwindled into almost nothing she didn't accept her dismissal and said, 1 am not as young as I look, and my experiences have matured me beyond my years. I am used to being with older people. As I told you, I spent many years nursing my mother before she died. I believe you wouldn't be disappointed if you took me on.'

Tou certainly have spirit, Lady Templeton said thoughtfully. But you cannot be more than twenty-one or two, whereas I am looking for a companion who is nearer forty years of age.'

Then I do wish you had said so in the advertisement,' said Sarah. 1 have had a long journey on hot and dusty roads, and I could have been spared the trouble if you had given a little more thought to your advertisement.'

She rose to her feet and prepared to leave the room but Lady Templeton stopped her.

'Are you always so outspoken?' she asked.

'I'm afraid so,' said Sarah coolly. 'My father called it my besetting sin.'

'I think, in this case,' said Lady Templeton thoughtfully, It might just be a virtue. Tell me, Miss Davenport, have you ever thought of becoming a governess?'