“I still think it’s a great shame if you don’t marry. I overheard some of the ladies saying that you are far too beautiful to spend the rest of your life as a governess. If you set your mind to it, you could even trap a duke or someone like that.” Adelaide’s eyes sparkled with mischief as her demeanour brightened considerably.
“It’s true, you know, I don’t often listen to gossip, but I overheard one of Mama’s friends discussing your beauty. Lady Hamstead said she would pay any price mentioned to have a waist as thin as yours. Not to mention, your pale skin rivals a peach,” Olivia added as a matter of fact.
“Girls! I will have to keep a closer eye on you when we are in public. Your ears stray far too wide for your own good. And I can assure you that I will not be trapping anyone of the sort; honestly, what books have you both been reading?” She shook her head in disbelief and laughed at the daily banter she had to deal with. Adelaide would certainly be a handful for the man she married.
“I just meant that you should give it some thought. There is no need for a woman as beautiful as you to remain unwed,” Adelaide said unperturbed and reached for the book she had placed on the end of the blanket before leaning back.
Olivia let out a sigh and shook her head in disapproval. Livinia knew that she would follow in her mother’s footsteps and become the picture of elegance in her home and marriage. Adelaide, however, was a force to be reckoned with.
Livinia felt her breathing deepen as she lay back on the blanket and looked at the fluffy clouds passing overhead. Marriage wasn’t something that she had ever imagined. She had to admit, however that the thought of romance made her pulse race and her abdomen flutter. What would it be like to have her breath catch in her throat at the mere sight of a man? Her skin tingled with curiosity as she pictured a handsome stranger sweeping her into his arms.
What would it be to be kissed?
Her lips felt strange as she ran her tongue over the plumpness of her lips, imagining the feeling a caress would bring.
***
Livinia took a deep breath and straightened her clothes, ensuring that no blades of grass had been left behind in her hair. It wasn’t unusual for Lady Northfork to summon her, yet she couldn’t help feeling her stomach knotting with concern. The girls were nearing an age where her position was no longer secure.
Passing a gaggle of maids who greeted her with smiles, she made her way down the winding passages of the busy manor. She always felt it strange to be in a large house where she wasn’t seen as a servant or as one of the family. She filled a role that allowed her to live in a world entirely of her choosing.
“You wanted to see me, Lady Northfork?” Livinia announced her presence with a polite curtsey as she entered the parlour.
The room was bright and sunny, with light pink furnishings in French style. Lady Northfork prided herself on keeping up with all the latest fashions and styles. The lady herself was tall and elegant, with blonde curls pinned behind her head and kind brown eyes. She was everything that Livinia thought a lady of the ton should be.
“Please, come in, Miss Campbell.” Lady Northfork placed her cup back on the tray and welcomed her in with a warm smile. She put her delicate hands in her lap after gesturing for Livinia to take a seat.
Doing as she was asked, Livinia crossed the room and sat at the small brown table across from her employer.
“I trust the girls didn’t wear you out on your little picnic. They do so dote on your presence.” Her eyes wrinkled at the sides as she smiled, hinting at her forty years despite the youthfulness of her appearance.
“It’s always a pleasure to spend time with the young ladies, My Lady,” she answered honestly, her heart beating a little faster in her chest as she wondered what Lady Northfork had to say.
The woman took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, allowing the ruffles of her light blue dress to shift on her slender arms. “As you know, the girls have reached an age where they will soon be presented into Society.”
Livinia swallowed hard as her fears turned to reality. She would have to find a new position as soon as possible. There wasn’t a home she could return to or even a family she could rely on.
“You have given us many years of wonderful service, and I am truly grateful for the time and devotion you have offered. The girls are more refined and content since you joined our home.” Lady Northfork seemed to be delaying the inevitable for as long as she could.
“I am grateful for the treatment I have received in your home, My Lady.” She faked a smile, hoping that the anxiety she felt rushing through her body wouldn’t be apparent.
“With that being said, His Lordship and I have decided it’s time for you to move on to your next position.” She delivered the news with a final blow. The moisture in her eyes did little to ease the shock.
Livinia knew it had been coming; she had been preparing herself for days. Yet, hearing the words was entirely different from hearing them confirmed. Time seemed to halt for a second as she inhaled sharply.
“Now I know this will be as difficult for you as it is for the rest of us. I have done all I can to ensure a smooth transition.” Lady Northfork’s eyes lit up as she turned her attention to the tray and reached for a letter. “In fact, I have already secured another position for you if you are willing to accept it.” She held out the letter to Livinia with an uncertain smile.
Catching her breath, Livinia snapped out of her daze and accepted the folded piece of parchment.
Another position?
She hadn’t been expecting such a kind gesture, but then again, the Fletcher family was as kind as they were wealthy.
“I’m afraid it won’t be as lively as it is here, but the Earl of Sheffield requires a governess for his younger sister. From what I hear, the girl has lived a somewhat sheltered life, but that shouldn’t be a problem for you. Olivia is, after all, a very quiet girl compared to Adelaide. I’m sure the sheltered upbringing of your new charge will have made her just as reserved,” Lady Northfork chattered kindly with an encouraging nod towards the letter.
Livinia worked up her courage and unfolded the letter that conveyed all the information that Lady Northfork had said with less enthusiasm. Whoever had written the letter was curt and to the point. A governess to look after Theodora Beaumont.
Her mind wandered a little as she tried to picture the man whose penmanship gave little hint about the man behind the quill.
“Being the governess for the sister of an Earl will be a step up for you in life; I’m sure that great adventure awaits you.” Lady Northfork blinked back her tears and reached for her cup of tea once more.
“Thank you, My Lady. I will accept the position with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.”
No matter how scary the prospect of change may seem.
Chapter 2
Livinia took a deep breath and clutched the handles of her bag a little tighter in her hands. The carriage driver had unceremoniously dropped her off in front of the gates and left.
So much for chivalry.
She shook her head and glanced back over her shoulder at the carriage quickly disappearing around a bend in the road. Part of her wondered if she’d got the right address.
Sheffield Manor was large and impressive, with fine masonry and tall pillars that spoke of affluence and wealth. Yet Livinia couldn’t help noticing the signs of disrepair. Vegetation and vines grew up the walls in a hauntingly beautiful sight, and the large stone fountain in front of the steps desperately needed cleaning.
Her attention was suddenly drawn to the large front doors as they swung open with a loud crack. A tall man with jet-black hair and handsome features came hurrying down the steps. His livery spoke of service, yet his manners were brisk and stately.
“What do you want? We aren’t expecting any deliveries from the village today,” he barked at her before even reaching the gate that barred her entrance to the house.
