Passionate Secrets (The Secrets Trilogy Book 2) by Lana Williams Read Free Book Online Page B

ground, unwilling to tell her more despite her suspicions. Not yet. Whether or not Professor Grisby had somehow survived the accident was something he didn’t want to discuss until proof had surfaced.
    “Her family has not fared well since the professor’s death. They live in a tiny flat on Trenary Lane. Miss Grisby appears to be the main supporter of her family, but she is currently without a governess position and has no prospects for one.”
    “Oh dear. It sounds as if she’s in rather desperate circumstances.”
    “Indeed.”
    “But she’s willing to entertain this idea rather than find another governess post?”
    “That remains to be seen.” It occurred to him that it would be far easier to simply give Emma money but he knew she’d never accept that. It wasn’t an option if there was any chance her uncle lived and could take the money. Instead, he’d have to concoct some excuse to make this whole scheme sound logical and appealing. How on earth was he to manage that?
    “I’ll leave her in your capable hands.” She sipped her tea. “I assume she’s intelligent if she’s held the position of governess.”
    “Knowing her uncle, yes. From my brief conversation with her, she seemed so.” He finished a biscuit in one bite and helped himself to another. “I realize this is a lot to ask of you.”
    “We shall see if she’s worthy of the time and effort required, not to mention the cost.” His grandmother continued to study him as though he were an oddity at a museum.
    “I’ll take care of that part. It’s your time I’m worried about. If you’re willing to consider this, I’ll make arrangements to introduce her to you.” He just had to determine how to make that happen.
     
    ~*~
     
    Emma scanned the advertisements in the paper, hoping to find a suitable position for which to apply. She’d spent the morning at Dr. Barnes’ office, assisting him with his notes and intended to return on the morrow to finish up the project. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t need her for much more than that.
    “Anything?” Tessa asked from where she sat propped up against the pillows on the bed. She seemed to feel better today although she was still far too pale to suit Emma.
    “Still looking,” Emma replied, her finger skimming along the lines of newsprint.
    “Read them to me,” Tessa demanded. She rarely had the energy to read herself but enjoyed hearing news of the outside world.
    “Hmm... What do you think of this one? ‘Wanted, a superior resident governess to twin boys and a little girl in South Wales’.”
    “That would never do. It’s too far away. We’d never see you.”
    “True.” Nor did it pay enough to make the distance worthwhile. “Here’s another: ‘Wanted, a thoroughly respectable governess for a family of six young children. Must be experienced, really fond of children, and a good needlewoman’.”
    “How could you possibly have time for needlework with six children to look after?” Tessa dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “The parents would expect you to fill every spare moment with work.”
    Emma sighed. “You’re probably right. What of this one? ‘Wanted, a superior young lady experienced in the management of children, able to teach them, attend to toilettes and wardrobes and assist with domestic duties. Some knowledge of cooking desirable. Good health and energetic disposition essential’.”
    Silence greeted her words. She looked up to find Tessa staring at her in disbelief.
    “You’re joking,” she accused.
    Emma frowned and looked back at the advertisement. “It seems a legitimate situation.”
    “You’d be nanny, maid, governess, and cook. Of course you’d need an energetic disposition. It makes me tired listening to the list of duties. That’s ridiculous.” Tessa drew a shallow breath, the slight rattle in her chest worrying Emma, but she knew better than to voice it.
    “Tessa, I can’t be too selective,” Emma reminded her sister. “I must find a post