A Governess for the faithless Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Tales Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

conversation make her gloomy.
    Mrs Thomson had invited her to take tea that afternoon and she was grateful for the respite, and truth be told, she was also grateful for the company. The life of a governess was a lonely one, to be sure, with only the children for company. Even the nursemaid had a place amongst the servants that the governess did not share. Charlotte was grateful to the housekeeper for taking pity on her, especially during these first trying days, when Eliza was making life so much harder, both for herself and her tutor. The conversation she had just had, however, seemed to indicate that the days of tantrums might be over. But given the way it had ended, Charlotte needed a reprieve from her unhappy thoughts.
    As she sat down to tea with the housekeeper, Charlotte again expressed her appreciation.
    “I am truly grateful to you, Mrs Thomson, for sharing your tea and your time with me,” she said with a smile.
    “Oh, think nothing of it, my dear. I’m sure your mother will be happy to know you’ve someone looking out for you here.”
    Mrs Thomson bustled about getting the tray ready, and when she at last sat down, she presided over the table like a grand lady.
    “So, how are you finding the children?” she asked, pouring tea into a delicate teacup and handing it to Charlotte.
    “Mary Anne is quite a pleasant child, whilst Eliza has been most difficult,” Charlotte replied. “But I think we have turned a corner, her and I. I don’t think she will be quite such a misery moving forward.” She sipped her tea and sighed appreciatively. “This is delicious, Mrs Thomson,” she exclaimed.
    “Do, help yourself to a sandwich and scones,” Mrs Thomson said, sipping her own tea. “Mr Milton would have joined us today, but he has a meeting with the male staff. We’re to have a house party in a week, when the Duke’s Great Aunt visits.”
    “I’m sure the entire household will be very busy,” Charlotte said. “I shall do my best to keep the children away as much as possible.” She paused, a cucumber sandwich halfway to her lips. “Perhaps I should ask the Duke what his wish is in the matter.”
    The housekeeper turned a sharp gaze on her young guest, and after a moment, seemingly satisfied by what she saw on the young woman’s face, she said, “Perhaps that would be best. He might wish to introduce his nieces to his Great Aunt, though I cannot imagine Her Ladyship caring too much for fidgeting children.”
    They spoke of generalities thereafter, and Mrs Thomson informed her that there was to be a fair in the village the following Saturday, should she wish to go with the staff for the day. Charlotte was thrilled both by the invitation and the prospect of getting away from the schoolroom for a day. She accepted enthusiastically, and then thought of what she had to wear. She broached the subject with her hostess.
    “I only have three serviceable gowns, and I cannot afford to ruin any one of them in a day of fun,” she said, her brow furrowed.
    “Have you not yet ordered any material to make yourself a new gown?” Mrs Thomson queried with a frown.
    “I cannot afford it,” she admitted. “It is too soon, and I have not as yet received a wage for my labour.”
    She didn’t wish to appear to be complaining, but the thought of how she was to keep herself looking presentable without the means to purchase fabric for that purpose had crossed her mind before. She just had not known how to broach the subject with the Duke, who had not returned to the schoolroom since his first visit.
    “You should speak to His Grace, especially as he expects you to be present at dinner when his Great Aunt is here. I’m sure he will provide the necessary funds for you to be prepared. Perhaps you should bring this matter to his attention immediately after tea?”
    Charlotte hesitated. “I don’t wish to intrude on His Grace’s time, Mrs Thomson, and he has not summoned me.”
    “Don’t be silly, girl! If you can handle