It was a calculated gambit. Serena had done her research, had learned what she could about the Cranes’ connections, had armed herself with whatever weapons a governess could wield.
Lady Crane’s expression shifted—only a fraction, but enough. “You are acquainted with Lady Ashworth?”
“I was governess to her children for two years. She was kind enough to furnish me with a strong reference.”
“I see.” Lady Crane reassessed her openly now. “How… judicious of Lord Greystone to engage someone so well recommended.”
“I take the children’s education very seriously,” Nathaniel said smoothly. “It admits of no compromise.”
“Speaking of the children—” Lady Crane glanced about the hall. “Where are they? I had anticipated greeting them upon our arrival.”
“Ella is present.” Nathaniel gestured, and his niece stepped forward to execute a curtsy that was faultless in form and notably restrained in warmth. “Samuel and Rosie remain in the nursery. I thought it prudent to allow them time to settle before introductions.”
“Prudent?” Lady Crane’s tone sharpened. “I am their aunt, Lord Greystone—their mother’s sister. I should think they would welcome family.”
“I did not suggest otherwise,” he replied calmly. “Only that they might benefit from preparation. They will, of course, join us at dinner.”
Lady Crane appeared poised to object, but Sir Harold interjected mildly.
“That seems sensible, my dear. The journey was fatiguing, and I should value a period of rest. My constitution is no longer what it once was.”
Lady Crane cast him a look of faint irritation, then inclined her head. “Very well. We shall defer to your arrangements—for the present.”
The implication was unmistakable.
“Mrs McConnor will see you to your rooms,” Nathaniel said, as the housekeeper appeared with well-timed precision. “Dinner will be served at seven. I trust that will give you sufficient time to rest and refresh yourselves.”
“More than sufficient.” Lady Crane gathered her skirts and moved toward the stairs, then paused. “Oh—and Lord Greystone?”
“Yes, Lady Crane?”
“I should like to observe Miss Collard’s methods during our stay. A governess exerts considerable influence over her charges. I trust that influence has been…appropriate.”
The emphasis on that final word was deliberate. Calculated. A warning shot across the bow.
Nathaniel did not flinch. “Miss Collard’s influence has been exemplary. I am confident you will find the children’s progress most satisfactory.”
“We shall see,” Lady Crane repeated.
She ascended the stairs, Sir Harold following, leaving a chill behind her that had nothing to do with the grey morning light.
***
The moment the Cranes had disappeared, Nathaniel turned to Serena.
“Are you well?”
“I am quite so, my lord,” Serena replied evenly, mindful of listening ears. “Lady Crane is… formidable.”
“That is one description.” His mouth tightened. “I regret not having prepared you more thoroughly.”
“You prepared me well enough. I expected suspicion.” She smoothed her skirts. “The question is what she intends to do with it.”
Ella, who had stood silent throughout, spoke.
“She intends to watch. Everything.” Her tone was precise, almost detached. “That is what she did after the funeral. Shequestioned the servants. Examined the accounts. Consulted Papa’s solicitor. She was assembling a case then—and she is doing so now.”
Nathaniel looked at her, pride and sorrow mingling. “You observed all of that? You were nine.”
