It was not a determined act; there was nothing spiteful in it that Georgette could silently berate the woman for. It was simply the way of things. It was simply the same as she herself would have done just six months before. It was society, and nothing more.
Feeling thoroughly low, Georgette was greatly relieved when it came time for the party to move on and regain the carriage. In truth, she would rather sit with the Duke in silence for ten minutes or more than stand awkwardly to one side in the pretty little churchyard, an interloper in the world that was once hers.
Chapter 13
For days after her first visit to the little church in Marsden, Georgette had felt entirely out of sorts. She had been so busy with the children and coming to terms with her new surroundings that she had quite forgotten what her life had once been. Standing outside the church being entirely ignored by people who, no doubt, thought themselves her social betters, had been an all too sobering experience for Georgette.
Given the rest of Sunday to herself, Georgette had done absolutely nothing with it. She had quite intended to take a walk and write some letters but had, in the end, simply laid upon her made bed and stared rather desperately at the ceiling.
For the next two days, it seemed that nothing could shake her from her low mood, and only the children gave her any respite from her cares. However, when she was delivered purposefully blackened toast for her breakfast by a rather desperate-looking Daisy, Georgette was brought back to her senses once more.
“I am so very sorry, Miss Darrington,” Daisy said with a slight tremor in her voice which made Georgette fear that the young woman might actually cry.
“Please, do not worry yourself so. I know that you have not burned this toast, Daisy. And I know that you would not have enjoyed for one moment bringing me such a breakfast. You must not blame yourself.”
“It is just because His Grace has gone away, Miss Darrington. It always gives the housekeeper a little bit too much free rein, and I am afraid that this is the result.”
“His Grace has gone away?” Georgette said and, despite her unchanging low feeling towards him, she found herself feeling curiously vulnerable.
Perhaps even a little more than vulnerable; in truth, Georgette felt a little afraid. And yet, there was no reason to feel so. After all, had the Duke been there, he most certainly would not have stepped into the breach over the matter of burnt toast. A man who cared nothing for the feelings of small children would most certainly not care a thing about the feelings of a governess who had just been delivered a most desultory breakfast.
“Yes, His Grace has some business or other in London and is staying at his house there. He has only taken his valet, two footmen, and three of the maids with him. Quite often when he goes to London, he takes the housekeeper and butler also. However, that is generally when he is due to stay a little longer.”
“And how long is he reported to be staying away for this time?” Georgette truly hoped she did not sound as nervous as she suddenly felt.
“He is only to be gone but a week, Miss Darrington. I overheard Mr Pearson say that he might even return a little earlier, dependent upon the business he must attend to.”
“Oh, well, I am sure that we shall manage,” Georgette said without conviction.
“Please do not worry too much, Miss Darrington. I shall do what I can to see that decent food comes to you.”
“Daisy, you are not to make yourself uneasy about either the state of the food or the coolness of the water in my jug. It will only be a week, and I shall manage very well. I shall not see you make trouble for yourself on my account.”
“I promise I shall not get myself into trouble, Miss Darrington.” Daisy smiled. “Forgive my intrusion, Miss Darrington, but do you feel a little better today? I had thought you seemed a little upset these last days.”
“In truth, I have been a little out of sorts, Daisy. But I rather think I have come out of it now quite successfully.”
“And how did you get on at church, Miss?” Daisy spoke a little falteringly, almost as if she feared being accused of intrusion.
“In truth, not well. I mean, I managed well enough, but I found the atmosphere a little trying at times. Strained, more than anything.”
“Between His Grace and Lady Lyndon?” Daisy said, her voice a whisper as she looked over her shoulder to be sure that they were alone.
“Quite so, Daisy. Tell me, is it always so?”
“Of late it is, Miss Darrington. I think that Lady Lyndon cares very greatly for the little girls, you see. I have myself heard cross words between them when I have been taking their tea tray into the drawing room.”