He made his way through the house toward the drawing room, where he knew his sister and father would likely be at that time in the evening.
To his surprise, when he stepped into the room, he found Emily sitting by the fireplace with a book in her hands and a glass of sherry on the little table next to her. She glanced up at his approach and smiled.
“Oh! Edward! I was wondering when you might show your face again. I assume you had dinner at the club?”
He nodded. “I did, yes. Where is father?”
She closed the book and put it on the table next to her. “He had some business he wished to take care of, so he went out after dinner.”
“I see,” he sighed. “And Lily? I assume she has gone to bed already?”
Emily chuckled. “Yes indeed. I would not be so calm and relaxed were she still awake.”
Edward crossed the room to the sidebar, where there were several decanters of drink. He chose a bourbon and poured himself a glass before turning and returning to Emily. He settled in the chair across from her and took a long sip.
“How went the interviews with the nannies?” he asked, lowering his glass.
Her face lit up, and she exclaimed, “Oh, wonderful! I have selected a woman who is perfect for the role.”
Edward arched his brows at her enthusiasm. “Indeed? You found your Mrs Fields?”
She let out a laugh and shook her head. “She is quite the opposite of Mrs Fields, I can assure you that.”
Edward sat back in his chair and swirled the liquid in his glass. He did not relish the idea of a stranger moving into his home. He valued his privacy, and having another person moving about his house, interrupting his peace and quiet, was far from appealing.
“It is going to feel quite crowded around here, do you not think?” he grumbled.
Emily furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged, feeling irritable. “You and Lily are family, so it does not bother me to have you here as you wait for James’ return. This other person, though…I do not relish the idea.”
Emily gave him an indulgent look and shook her head. “Oh, you do not need to worry, Edward. Miss Clifford will fit in here splendidly. You will hardly know she is here, I am sure.”
Miss Clifford. So that was the nanny’s name. Not that he could glean much about the woman from her name alone.
“Is she old and stodgy?” he mumbled.
“Not at all,” Emily answered. “She is a delightful young woman. Quite pretty, I must say. Lily took to her immediately. It was rather amazing to see, if I am being honest. She is usually so shy with people…she was even hesitant with you. With Miss Clifford, though, she opened up within just a few minutes of talking to the woman. They were so charming together, Edward. I can not wait to see how she helps Lily to bloom here.”
Edward regarded his sister and considered her words carefully. He was happy that she was so pleased with her choice. He would not deny that. As much as he hated the idea of opening his home to someone, he trusted that Emily knew what she was about. She would not bring someone around their family, especially not her daughter, if she was not certain of their character.
If this governess was as good for Lily as his sister claimed, he would not do anything to ruin that fledgling bond.
Sighing, he took another long drink and said, “Well, so long as she is good to Lily, I suppose I cannot complain too much. Do try to keep her out from underfoot, though, yes?”
Emily nodded. “Yes, Edward. I promise you will not be bothered by Miss Clifford in the least. As I said, you will hardly know she is here.”
Edward was not certain how true that would be, but he was willing to give Emily the benefit of the doubt. So long as this Miss Clifford was quiet and kept to herself and her duties, Edward doubted he would have any issues with her.
Chapter 11
Her heart raced as she approached the townhouse, her single suitcase clutched in her hands. Victoria paused at the bottom of the steps leading up to the door and took a deep breath. Excitement and trepidation tangled within her. It was early morning of Monday the following week, and Victoria had arrived to begin her new position. She was nervous but eager to get started.
As the previous week passed, Victoria had grown more and more comfortable with the fact that she had kept her past hidden from Mrs Radcliffe. It would be all right, she told herself. What were the chances of Mrs Radcliffe ever finding out about what had happened to her family? So long as she did her job well and took excellent care of little Lily, she would give her new employers no reason to look deeper into her past.
Taking another breath, she climbed the steps of the house and knocked on the door. It only took a few moments for it to be answered, and she was once more met by Mr Carter.
“Good morning, Miss Clifford,” the butler greeted her with a wide smile. “It is so good to see you again.”
