The Governess Club: Bonnie Read Online Free PDF

I meant to ask if you take tea at this time regularly.”
    “Most evenings, yes, once the children have fallen asleep. Is it permissible?” She tried to keep the worry out of her eyes and voice. The viscountess had not minded, but this guardian was still unknown.
    “Aye,” he replied, inclining his head. “I have no intention of disrupting the household overly much.”
    Relieved, Bonnie looked into her tea. These moments alone in the kitchen had become a sort of sanctuary, even more so since the accident. She did not know what she would do if it were to be taken away.
    “You don’t believe me?” His voice cut into her thoughts.
    “If I may be so bold, sir, this household had the largest disruption one could possibly fathom. The arrival of the guardian, while appreciated, hardly warrants panic.”
    “Are you suggesting that any changes I make would be received gladly?”
    “I am saying that you are the master of the house. It is not our place to question whatever changes you make.”
    Stephen couldn’t let that challenge pass. “So if I were to let you go, you would not object?”
    Those hazel eyes revealed her shock again; she had quite expressive eyes. “Let me go?”
    Stephen shrugged and took a drink of his tea. “Henry is of age to need a tutor and Arthur seems more in need of a nurse than a governess. On paper, it does not make sense to retain a governess at this point.”
    Bonnie couldn’t speak. Was she truly being let go? While it would free her to go to Ridgestone Manor, the stain of having her employment terminated would attach itself to her professional reputation; the only acceptable time for a governess to be let go was when the last child graduated from the schoolroom. Besides, Henry and Arthur still needed her. They still had so much to recover from and taking away the one person they depended on would likely hinder that process even more.
    And to leave them with this man who regretted his guardianship only nine days in? She could not do it; every part of her being screamed in denial. What would he do for the next thirteen years if he already wanted to forget his responsibilities?
    “You would get a glowing recommendation, of course,” he continued speaking. “Anyone with eyes can see the good you have done, especially given these strained circumstances.”
    “Thank you,” Bonnie managed to say around the blockage in her throat.
    “I am confident you would find another post. You are a governess and there are always families in need of one.”
    Oh, what a way to put her in her place. Of course she was just a governess. Her employment depended on the whim of those controlling the money and making the decisions.
    Heaven help her, she had grown too secure with the thought that the boys needed her so desperately. She had forgotten everything her mother had taught her, everything her father had shown her. She had even ignored the warnings Louisa had given. This was the very reason why she wanted the Governess Club formed, to protect herself and the others from arbitrary decisions and mistreatment. How could she have been so stupid as to relax?
    Bonnie cleared her throat and stood. “Would you prefer me to leave immediately or to remain until the tutor and nurse are found?”
    Stephen raised his eyebrows. “You have no objections?”
    “It is not my place to object, my lord.”
    He sat back and regarded her closely. She had said any changes would be accepted by the servants without objections, and here she was, standing in the face of dismissal with dignity and poise. It appeared she was a woman of her word, indicating she could be trusted.
    “Sit down, Miss Hodges,” he said. His voice was again quiet, but Bonnie felt the order in his words nonetheless and complied. “Tell me what I said.”
    Bonnie stared at him and said, “You said you were letting me go.”
    “Did I?”
    Bonnie furrowed her brow and thought again. “You said there is no reason to keep me and so were letting me