“Is your son here today, Lord Mitchell? I would very much like to meet him before tomorrow’s lessons begin.” Vivienne smoothed hands over her thick dark blue satin skirt.
“Now that I have your word you have taken the position, follow me.” Lord Mitchell pulled his large girth from the gilded chair. “If you wish to meet my son, I will take you to him.”
Vivienne trailed after the Lord as they moved down the great hall. House staff nodded and curtsied as he passed. They entered a cheery sunroom decorated in yellow and gold brocade and walled in ancient tapestries.
Lord Mitchell strode across the room before stopping in front of a settee. He jabbed the shoulder of the sleeping man with his cane. The man rolled their direction and opened his eyes.
“Father?” the man asked and rubbed bleary eyes.
“Look at you… get up.”
The man began to pull the blanket off his legs. Vivienne felt heat flush her cheeks as she said a silent prayer of thanks when she saw he wore his pants. What kind of a game were this father and son playing? Her excitement over the position hire faded quickly into uncertainty.
“This is my son, John,” Lord Mitchell announced. “John, this is Vivienne Ravenhill, Graeme’s new governess.”
Vivienne wasn’t sure what she should do in a situation such as this. The younger Lord Mitchell held his face placid, as one did in social settings, but the man was obviously as embarrassed as she. He ran a hand through his dark hair and cleared his throat as he stood.
“Miss Ravenhill, I… did not know we were expecting company this morning. Much less that my father had taken it upon himself to hire a governess for Graeme.” His large hands and long fingers lay quiet against his thighs.
“It’s Mrs. Ravenhill. I am a widow. My son Charles and I will be moving into our room in the east wing this afternoon.” She paused. “Am I to understand that decisions regarding Graeme will be brought up to you?” When he nodded, she added, “I feel I must allow for your additional approval of my position.”
Lord John watched her for a moment. “Of course. Graeme needs… someone. I am sure you will be a fine choice as governess and that my father has screened your credentials thoroughly.”
Vivienne nodded. “I would like to discuss any guidance or suggestions you have for Graeme’s education. There is no rush. If you have suffered a difficult night, continue your rest and have the staff call for me when there is a more convenient time later today. Are you ill, Lord Mitchell?”
His father grumbled, “Ill? Ha, just another night’s drinking bout. Worthless.”
The hurt from his father’s words reflected clearly in John’s eyes. He looked from his father back to her. “I insist you call me John. I have never been concerned with titles.” His eyes were the color of rolling hills near the farm where she grew up, a bright, deep green, but they were filled with sorrow. Vivienne thought of her son. She hoped she never put that look in her son’s eyes.
“I will call you Lord John if you do not mind.” She extended her hand and said lightly, “If I am dismissed, I really must find Charles and begin to unpack our belongings.”
The men dipped their heads as she left the room.
John followed Vivienne to the doorway and closed the door after she entered the hall. As she walked away, she heard the elevated voices of Lord John and his father. She was desperate to find a governess position, but at what price? What was going on with this father and son, and why did she sense such animosity between the two? Lord John might be slightly bold, but why had his father called him feeble-minded? She expected to meet a man much more challenged. Lord John seemed to have all his wits about him. Why had his father said this?
Vivienne would unpack, but not all their belongings. Only a few things. Even if there were more problems, Lord Mitchell would cut her free with some kind of severance package, wouldn’t he? At least this would buy Vivienne time to look elsewhere.
If this turned into a volatile household, she would move away without a second’s thought. No matter how desperate finances were, she would make the best decision for Charles.
He was always her first priority and all she had.
Chapter Three
Vivienne was pleased to see how fast Charlie and Graeme became friends. It worked out well that the boys were within a year in age. They also held similar tastes in activities. They tolerated her daily lessons, but both boys would much rather chase pheasants in the field or climb trees. As soon as they finished their lessons, off they would run to play.
At first, she wondered if the men would think Charlie not a worthy social companion for Graeme. She was relieved to see the time the boys spent together hadn’t disturbed either Lord, or at least neither had mentioned it.