“Thank you.” She nodded once.
“There you go with the formalities again.” He chuckled. “No need for any of it. Should you need ten more dresses from the same shop, then I shall see to it that you have them as well.”
Their gazes locked again, and neither of them looked away immediately.
Frances felt a jolt of something—a spark, a connection. And then Christopher smiled at her.
She realized justhow muchshe loved seeing him smile like this.
“I should see what the children are doing…” She hastily tore her gaze away when she found herself getting too lost in the moment.
He looked disappointed, but only for a brief second.
“Off you go, then. Godspeed.”
She hurried out of the room, her heart fluttering with excitement.
Thedress.She was not sure if she was more excited to wear it, or for him to see her in it.
* * *
The next day, Frances found herself in the drawing room, waiting to meet the potential governess Christopher had mentioned. She felt a mix of anticipation and nerves, hoping this woman would be the right fit for Ernest and Edwin.
Mrs. Bellum escorted the governess into the room, and Frances stood up to greet her. The woman was in her mid-thirties, with a calm and composed demeanor. Her name was Miss Margaret Harper, and she carried herself with an air of quiet confidence.
“Good afternoon, Miss Harper,” Frances greeted, offering her a warm smile. “Please, have a seat.”
“Your Grace,” Miss Harper replied, curtsying politely before taking a seat opposite her. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”
Frances nodded, folding her hands in her lap. “Thank you for coming. I’ve heard good things about you, but I’d like to get to know you a bit better before making a decision. Could you tell me a little about your experience with children?”
“Of course,” Miss Harper said, her voice steady. “I have been a governess for over ten years, working with various families. My most recent position was with the Crawfords, whose three children I looked after for five years. I believe in a balanced approach to education, focusing on both academic and personal development.”
Frances looked over at Mrs. Bellum, who did not show any emotion at all.
“I see. And what experience do you have with boys specifically? They can be quite mischievous, but their upbringing must have the right balance of encouragement and discipline.”
Miss Harper nodded. “Yes, I agree with you. Though I am not too fond of using discipline.”
Frances nodded at once. “That is the right attitude to have.”
“I am glad that I have your approval.”
Frances continued to ask her a series of questions. At one point, she felt as though she was asking too many. But she had to be thorough.
After nearly an hour, she finally felt satisfied that she had all the information she needed.
“Well, Miss Harper, I have to say, I am very impressed with you.”
Miss Harper smiled. “I am glad.”
“I believe you can get started right away. In fact, Mrs. Bellum can introduce you to the children.”
“That would be ideal.”
After the governess left to see the children, Frances wasted no time and marched straight up to Christopher’s room.
She wanted to tell him the news. Knocking on his door, she was met by his curious gaze just a few moments later.
