A Governess for the Brooding Duke(28)

“Good morning, Daisy. I hope you are well this morning,” Georgette said, her keenness to engage the young woman in conversation for just a few moments a very distinct indication of the loneliness she was beginning to feel.



“I am very well, Miss Darrington. And I was able to sneak just a little hot water into your jug this morning, Miss.” Daisy smiled at her with an apologetic wince.



“Oh, how very kind of you, Daisy,” Georgette said and reached out to lightly touch Daisy’s upper arm. She knew it was a curious move and yet had been compelled to do so. “But you must be sure not to get yourself into any trouble over the thing. After all, I am growing rather accustomed to my chilly ablutions.” Georgette grinned and was pleased to see Daisy laugh in a somewhat more relaxed manner.



“I still do not like such poor behaviour, Miss Darrington. You must not think that all the servants are the same. It is just that nobody would like to lose their position here, and so they do exactly as Mrs Griffin and Mr Pearson say. You see, if either one of them suggests to His Grace that somebody be dismissed, he simply falls in agreement with them. I do not know if His Grace particularly agrees with their opinions or if he simply does not have the time or inclination to look at things any closer.”



“And that is why you must not be caught putting hot water into my jug, Daisy. I could not bear it if I did not see your happy face every morning. In truth, you rather keep me going.” Georgette felt her throat tighten a little with emotion and, despite knowing that she ought not to be so very open with one of the servants, still, she could not help herself.



“Please, do not upset yourself, Miss Darrington,” Daisy said and, somewhat cautiously, touched Georgette’s arm in exactly the same way as Georgette had touched hers. “And I promise, I shall not get myself into any trouble with Mrs Griffin. I shall be very careful.”



“Thank you kindly, Daisy,” Georgette said and was relieved to find that she had successfully blinked back the little tears which had threatened to make themselves known. “I must say, I think I am feeling rather nervous about my trip to church this morning.”



“Just busy yourself with the children, Miss. Let His Grace simply see to himself. If you keep your attention on the little ones, you will not have any attention left to worry about the Duke.” Daisy smiled, and Georgette felt suddenly lighter. “Now then, I really must return below stairs, Miss Darrington.”



“Of course, Daisy.” Georgette smiled at her, already mourning the loss of the young woman’s company. “And thank you again.”



Daisy smiled at Georgette before turning and hurrying back down along the attic corridor to the stairs which would take her back into the servants’ area.



Georgette had washed and dressed in higher spirits than she had initially woken with. Young Daisy really had done much to improve her mood and settle her nerves and, by the time she was ready to make her way downstairs, Georgette felt more than equal to the task ahead of her.



She had, once again, chosen to wear a dark blue gown. She had begun to think that the colour suited her very well, and she had an exceptionally well-made blue velvet bonnet which matched the gown perfectly. It had very thick ribbons to it and, once tied, they set the bonnet off beautifully.



Her gown was a very deep and rich blue in lightweight cotton. The fabric had tiny flowers of matching thread embroidered upon it which gave the light and summery gown a certain depth. Over the top, she wore a short spencer jacket which had been purchased with the bonnet and was made in the same blue velvet. It had three buttons over the bust, and its hem reached just beyond the empire line of her gown. It was an outfit she had worn many times, and one in which she always felt rather confident about her appearance.



With her hair neatly coiled and fastened at the back of her head, the rags which she had worn tied in the front of her hair overnight had produced some very small and neat ringlets with which to frame her face once the bonnet was in place.



Taking a final look in the small glass she had brought with her from home, Georgette was satisfied with her appearance. She paused briefly to look out of the window into the bright blue sky of the morning and, taking a deep breath, finally turned and strode out of the room.



Once downstairs, Georgette walked into the schoolroom where she had arranged to collect the children.



“And remember, girls, children are not expected to speak in church. And you might do well to say nothing whatsoever when you are in the carriage with His Grace. After all, he does not like to hear anybody speak as you do.” Georgette could hear the strident and somewhat uncultured voice of Mrs Wells drifting through the partially open door of the schoolroom.