Delia crossed her arms over her chest, studied Althea then gave a nod.
“I’ve no wish to marry.” At least she had no desire to marry any of the gentlemen who had called on her, and most especially no desire to marry Mr. Smith. The closest she’d come was a desire for Melcombe. “As a female of a certain age, in possession of a large inheritance, and whose guardian is a viscount, it is expected that I marry well. By remaining in Willanton, I can avoid the constant instructions from my family and well-meaning friends of how I’m to go about come spring or listen to the endless names of eligible bachelors for whom I should develop an interest.” Althea warmed to the topic because she had received such instruction, and it spoke to the truth of how she’d been feeling these past few years. It was almost liberating to say the words aloud. “It’s not as if I could court anyone. I must wait on gentlemen to court me. I saw this as an opportunity to be free of family and their good intentions and do as I wish.”
Delia studied Althea, not yet won over, not that she expected her to be so quickly.
“My uncle is still a stranger to you. Such a rash decision could be dangerous.”
To that, Althea chucked. “I made Lord Melcombe’s acquaintance in London last spring. He is not a stranger.”
Delia narrowed her eyes again. “Ah, so perhaps your situation offered an unexpected opportunity missed in London. Did you fail in your attempt to bring my uncle up to scratch and hope to do so now that you are in his home?”
“Had your uncle and I shared an interest beyond a waltz, I would not be in your home as your governess.” It pained her to speak the disappointing truth.
Delia stared at Althea as if weighing her words before deciding if she’d believe her. “Your parents are dead?” Delia asked in a more curious and less defensive tone.
“They were killed when I was six and my uncle became my guardian.” Perhaps if Delia realized that their circumstances weren’t so different, they’d be able to reach an understanding.
“My parents were killed not long ago,” Delia admitted what Althea already knew.
“I’m sorry for that. I know how painful it can be.”
“It’s difficult being the oldest.” Delia settled into a chair. It was almost as if she’d capitulated and accepted Althea’s presence.
“I can imagine that it is. Your sisters look up to you for guidance. While you are lucky to have them, it also carries responsibility.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“No” Althea would have loved to have a sister or even a brother. However, Uncle Clarence had four sons that were near Althea’s age, so it was almost like being raised with brothers.
For the first time, the hardness left Delia’s blue eyes.
“I am simply here to be a governess,” Althea assured her. “Teaching is a burden that I can lift from you so that you can be the sister they need.”
“It is hard sometimes,” Delia admitted again, as the stiffness left her shoulders and her posture relaxed.
“Some days will be more difficult than others, and some days will be easier, and it will be different for each of you.”
She nodded.
“I am also here for you if you ever wish to talk. Even the oldest sister should have someone to confide in.”
“Miss Halton says we are not to wallow in self-pity and move forward.”
“Your former governess?” Althea blinked, aghast.
“She said that self-pity is a weakness that is to be overcome if we are to take our place in Society or we will be unable to endure when life delivers true difficulties.”
As if the loss of even one parent wasn’t difficult enough, and they’d lost both on the same day. Did their former governess have no heart? “If you deny your emotions then you will eventually become hard and cold, and I don’t think you want that for yourself or your sisters.”
Delia looked up into Althea’s eyes, worry lay in the blue depths. “She also insisted that we not bother Uncle Preston with our silly emotions and reminded us that his life was now ruined by being forced to raise five girls without the support of a wife. We are to do what we can to make it easier for him and not be bothersome.”
Althea gasped at such a ridiculous notion. “Is that why you’ve tried to be governess, mother, and lady of the manor?”
“I didn’t wish to burden Uncle Preston. I don’t always succeed…I shouldn’t have left my sisters to look at fur muffs yesterday.” Delia dropped her chin to her chest. “I made him worry, thus he made the rash decision of hiring you.”
“Delia,” Althea sighed. “Whether you had gone off or not, that did not change the need for a governess.” She reached forward and grasped the girl’s hands. “You are but fifteen and too young to carry this burden. Enjoy being young.”
“You don’t think he resents being saddled with us? I’ve tried not to be bothersome, and have kept the girls above-stairs, or we are out of doors riding or playing so the noise doesn’t disturb him, though Lila and Winifred do occasionally escape and play…” Tears began to fill her eyes, and Althea realized the true depth of Delia’s fear. She’d lost her parents and didn’t want to lose a beloved uncle, stranding her alone with her sisters.
