A Bouquet of Thorns by Tania Crosse Read Free Book Online Page A

bright, happy and interested. The world suddenly seemed a friendlier place.
    â€˜My husband and I had settled on a wage of three and sixpence a week, rising to four shillings after a year’s satisfactory service. I do hope that will be acceptable to you. Payable at the end of each quarter, but we could advance you a little to begin with, if it will be of help.’
    Rose felt her soul plummet like a bird shot dead in full flight. ‘Three and sixpence,’ she echoed tonelessly as the little boy slipped from her lap.
    â€˜Well, perhaps we could start at three and nine, if you wouldn’t mind helping Nanny with her duties. She’s too old to manage on her own now, but she’s been with our family for so long – she was
my
nanny, you know – so we can’t possibly dismiss her. You would have to share her room, I’m afraid, but it is very warm and comfortable. And our servants share our own fare. We like to look after them well, and expect their honesty and loyalty in return. Now
do
say you’ll accept the offer!’
    Her enthusiastic words were pricks of ice in Rose’s wounded heart. There was nothing she would have loved more than to join this household, but . . . ‘I’m afraid I cannot live in.’ Her voice quavered as her throat closed with sadness. ‘You see, my father recently had a terrible accident that has left him paralysed, and as a result he has lost his position and the accommodation that went with it. We are about to move to one of the Westbridge cottages. Our housekeeper will come with us to care for him, but there are certain things that she cannot manage alone, so I must return each evening. And . . .’ She looked up and met the woman’s sympathetic gaze, but would she understand? ‘I have a horse. Not just any horse that I could easily sell on. He has a certain temperament . . . I fear it would mean having him put down, and I couldn’t bear that. I have somewhere to keep him, but I should need to see to him every morning and night, so altogether I couldn’t possibly live in.’
    Her face was a mask of taut muscles, matched by the compassion of the woman who had listened to her. ‘Oh, my dear, I am so sorry to learn of your plight,’ she said with such feeling as she reached out and touched Rose’s arm. ‘If only we had space, I should willingly offer your father a home also, for I’m sure he is as amicable as yourself. As for your horse, I’m afraid we have no stables, either. Oh, dear. What a pity,’ she sighed. ‘But
please
think it over. I shall keep the position open for . . . a fortnight, shall we say? So, if you change your mind, just let me know. But,’ she hesitated, biting her lip, ‘I must warn you that
any
position as governess is bound to be live-in, you know.’
    Rose lowered her eyes. ‘Yes, of course. I suppose . . . I hadn’t really thought about it properly. I’m so sorry to have wasted your time.’
    â€˜Not at all. The boys and I have enjoyed your visit. I just wish . . . A fortnight, remember.’
    The woman’s kindness had made the tears glisten in Rose’s eyes and she angrily brushed them away as she walked back down the street. What a fool she had been! A governess was a servant like any other, with a servant’s wage supplemented by full board. Alone in the world, the position would have been ideal, but she had responsibilities, and though she would do anything in her power, she wasn’t sure she could satisfy them all. So where would they end up? In the workhouse? Good God, no! She couldn’t bear the thought. They would only take her father, of course, and possibly Florrie if she could not find other employment, but male and female were strictly separated and they would never see each other again.
    She shook her head. How could she even think of it! Perhaps she could set herself up as a dressmaker. But you needed time to