His Unusual Governess by Anne Herries Read Free Book Online

fair-haired girl and an equally attractive youth were standing in front of the open hearth with Lord Myers. They looked cross and upset, a contrast to the carefree children she’d observed in the grounds. The girl’s English-rose colour heightened as she turned and saw her.
    ‘Ah, here is Miss Goodrum,’ Lord Myers said into the hushed silence. ‘As you can see, ma’am, the truants have returned. I have decided they will receive no more than a warning for this day’s escapade, but I shall not be so lenient in future.’
    ‘I dare say no harm was done,’ Sarah replied. ‘It was a perfect day for fishing after all. Since we did not arrive until half the day was done, it would have been a shame to waste it all indoors. I am hoping to walk with you both on pleasant days. There is no need to sit at a desk to learn. We can observe nature and practise our Latin verbs while on a walk, John—and I think you, Francesca, may find the discussion of your favourite poets as interesting in a meadow as a musty schoolroom.’
    The girl’s cheeks went white and then pink. She was clearly undecided whether to show appreciation or hold on to her reserve.
    ‘Mr Morton made me spend the whole morning doing exercises while he sat in his chairand read a book,’ John exclaimed indignantly. ‘I want to play games and do things.’
    ‘So you shall.’ Sarah and Lord Myers spoke at the same time. ‘There are many ways to learn,’ Sarah finished while the mentor looked at her through narrowed eyes.
    ‘What about me?’ Francesca gave them a sulky look. ‘What am I supposed to do?’
    ‘Learn some manners for a start,’ Lord Myers said. ‘You’ve neither of you welcomed Miss Goodrum to Cavendish Park.’
    ‘She didn’t have to come here.’ Francesca said rudely. ‘I’m too old for the schoolroom.’
    ‘That is why I intend to teach you to dance,’ Sarah said, unruffled by the girl’s sulky manner. ‘We should discuss society and what kind of people you may encounter—and the conversations you may have with friends and acquaintances. Also, you will need to know how to spot a rake and how to avoid being compromised by ruthless gentlemen.’
    Francesca’s eyes opened wide. She stared in disbelief, her mouth slightly parted. ‘What did you say?’
    ‘We shall naturally discuss poetry and literature and you will need to practise your drawing, embroidery and the instrument of your choice—but learning to dance, to enter a room, to curtsy and to hold your own when a gentlemanflirts with you is very important. You will need those skills before you have your Season.’
    ‘You don’t want me to write an essay on the decline of the Roman Empire or conjugate French verbs?’
    ‘I imagine you’ve had a varied and extensive education. We can discover the boundaries of your knowledge together in conversation. A young woman of fashion must be able to converse intelligently, do you not agree, my lord?’
    Sarah risked a look at Lord Myers, who was watching her with narrowed eyes. She was not sure whether they expressed suspicion or disbelief.
    ‘Most young ladies of my acquaintance are too missish to say boo to a goose. They repeat phrases parrot-fashion and then lapse into embarrassed silence if asked a question.’
    ‘Too harsh, my lord!’ Sarah laughed, her face lighting with amusement. ‘Well, I shall hope that Francesca will have more to say for herself on her debut. If she has not, I shall have failed in my duties.’
    ‘Remarkable …’ Lord Myers’s eyes held a look of calculation. ‘Francesca, I think you have been more fortunate than any of us imagined in your new governess. My only question is—how did Lady Mary ever bring herself to part with you?’
    Sarah refused to lower her eyes. He was probing, trying to get beneath her skin, but she would not allow him that privilege.
    ‘Lord Myers is using mockery, Francesca,’ she said in a calm and composed manner. ‘Were I a young woman of fashion I might do one of