Christopher pulled out the chair next to him for her. “Please, sit down.”When sat down, he asked, “Did you sleep well?”
She nodded. “I have to admit, the sleep did me wonders. Thank you for arranging that.”
He waved his hand in the air dismissively. “It was nothing. You deserve far more. In fact, there is some news I would like to share with you after lunch if it’s alright with you.”
Her curiosity was piqued, but she resisted pressing him for more details.After all, it could be something that he did not want to discuss in front of the children, and so she should be careful.
Edwin was in a talkative mood and kept making little remarks about the lunch to Christopher.
Ernest, as usual, kept to himself.
Frances nudged him gently.“Are you not enjoying your food?”
Ernest shrugged his shoulders. “I am not too hungry.”
“Well, why is that?” Frances asked, smiling. “Perhaps you need to work up an appetite first. Why don’t you play outside with your brother after lunch?”
Ernest nodded eagerly at the idea. “Would you join us?”
“As soon as I can.”
He ate the rest of his lunch quite quickly after that.
Christopher stared at Frances, quite impressed once lunch was over.
“Remind me again how you do it…” he trailed off as he led her upstairs to his study.
“It’s not too difficult, you know. You just need to give them the right incentives.”
They entered his study, and he turned to face her with both his hands clasped together.
“I believe you could make a shrewd businesswoman if you were so inclined. Your skill for knowing the right thing to say must be studied.”
Frances shook her head, laughing at his exaggeration. “You said that there was something that you needed to tell me.”
“Oh, yes.” Christopher nodded. “Well, actually, I have some good news for you.”
“You must not keep me in suspense a moment longer,” Frances pressed.
“I found a potential governess for the children. I would like you to meet her and approve of the choice before we hire her.”
Frances looked at him in surprise, her tone faltering slightly. “You found a governess? That’s wonderful news.”
He shot her a look. “You do not seem too enthused. Why?”
Frances shook her head, straightening her back.
Truthfully, she had no right to be upset. But somehow, it felt like taking care of the children washer job,and no one else’s.
“I just did not think that you were going to hire one, considering I am here now…”
Christopher smiled gently. “You are here to be their mother, not their governess. And you are also my wife. You have your own duties and deserve to have some time for yourself as well.”
She blushed. It happened each time he referred to her as his wife.
Was she ever going to get used to that?
“What is she like?”
