Four
The next morningMeredith gathered her books from her chambers and headed below stairs to wait in the castle yard. It was earlier than the appointed time to meet the carriage that would carry her to Blackwood Castle, but Meredith was hoping to avoid her sister. Last night they had argued about her acceptance of the governess position, and Meredith didn’t want to revisit their quarrel before meeting her charges. Starting on the right foot was important.
Meredith and Felicity rarely had disagreements, but when they did, neither was quick to admit to being wrong. Mama said they were both too stubborn for their own good—a trait they had inherited from their father. Also like Papa, she and Felicity had an innate desire to contribute something worthwhile to the world. If anyone should be able to understand Meredith’s desire to teach, it should be her sister. Felicity’s refusal to see anything through Meredith’s eyes was disappointing.
Meredith swept past her sister’s closed door, noting the bedchamber was quiet. Her sister was likely still abed. Sleep had become a precious commodity at her advanced stage of pregnancy, so everyone allowed her to sleep as late as she wished.
Reaching the end of the corridor, Meredith raced down the stairs. She was halfway to the front door when her sister strolled from the drawing room wearing a blue print cotton day gown fashioned to accommodate her expanding belly.
“There you are,” Felicity said. “I was beginning to wonder if you had changed your mind about the governess position.”
Meredith drew to a reluctant halt. She was put out with her sister, but she also loved her a great deal and hated being at odds. “I am on my way to the castle yard to await Lord Blackwood’s carriage. I suppose you are disappointed that I didn’t come to my senses overnight.”
Felicity smiled ruefully. “This morning Julian reminded me of some of the things I said at supper, and I realized I owe you an apology. I would like to blame everything on my pregnancy, but that is the coward’s way.”
The rigidness of Meredith’s spine melted a little, but she hugged the books close to her chest. She wasn’t quite convinced that her sister’s comment was evidence of acceptance of her decision.
Felicity came closer to place her hand on Meredith’s shoulder. “Please, try to understand that I only wish to see you happy. If our situations were reversed, I believe you would feel the same. You have a home with us as long as you need it, therefore, entering service is unnecessary.”
Meredith swallowed a groan. She should have kept walking and pretended she hadn’t seen her sister. “I haven’t much time. Could we postpone this discussion until later?”
She would be returning to Danby Castle that evening because it was the only way her family would agree to allow her to take the position. No matter how many times Meredith had pointed out that residing under her employer’s roof was not only acceptable, it was expected of a governess, Felicity and Mama had refused to listen. Her brother-in-law had been quick to agree with them, too.
She suspected everyone except the duke believed she would forget about her unsuccessful Season and return to London next year, but she wouldn’t. The marriage mart was the most unnatural phenomenon she had ever experienced. How a lady was supposed to decide if she wanted to marry a man after only a few dances baffled the mind. If she had paid attention to her initial reservations and stayed in Bath, she wouldn’t have humiliated herself in Town.
Meredith’s sister sighed and turned back toward the drawing room. “We will have approximately ten minutes on the ride to Blackwood Castle to discuss this further. I don’t wish to leave it until this evening.”
“Wait a moment. Are you coming with me?”
“Yes.” Felicity disappeared into the drawing room only to return a few moments later with a pair of kid gloves and her bonnet. She stopped in front of a looking glass hanging on the wall and donned her hat. “You cannot go alone. You require a chaperone.”
“I am a governess now. Arriving with a chaperone will appear ridiculous.”
Felicity shrugged as she secured the bonnet’s ribbons beneath her chin, her reflection copying her movements. She spun around to face Meredith with a determined gleam in her eyes. “You are an innocent young lady, and I won’t have the locals spreading gossip about you.”
“What do you think will be said about you for gallivanting around the countryside in your state?”
“There is nothing improper about calling on the neighbors, and I expect everyone will commend me for protecting my younger sister’s reputation.”
“You are impossible,” Meredith mumbled and stalked for the front door.
Felicity followed her outside. “I am completely impossible,” she chirped happily. “I almost pity you for having such an impossibly caring sister.”
Meredith rolled her eyes. It was hard to argue when her sister agreed with her. She found Felicity’s knack for playfully twisting another’s words amusing—most of the time.
“I’d planned to practice my elocution in the carriage,” Meredith said, “but it will feel awkward now. Making a good impression is vital.”
“I am certain you have no cause for worry. Lord Blackwood seemed satisfied by the duke’s personal recommendation.”
Meredith was more concerned with impressing the earl’s wife. Danby had been tightlipped about his neighbors at dinner last night, forcing Meredith to send her lady’s maid on a mission to learn everything she could about the residents at Blackwood Castle. What she had learned did not put her at ease.
Reportedly, Lady Blackwood tossed aside governesses like a debutante discarded ball gowns. There was a chance Meredith wouldn’t make it through the first morning before the countess turned her out, and her stomach had been fluttering with nerves all morning.
“I wish you were more concerned with earningmyapproval, Meri.” Her sister inhaled sharply and held her breath a moment before slowly exhaling.
Meredith frowned. “Are you all right?”
“Of course.” Felicity sounded suspiciously out of breath. “You must know we enjoy having you with us. Julian is no more eager to see you go than I am.”
