“We didn’t wish to disturb you.”
“Disturb me?” Someone should really write a book explaining the female mind. The entire male population would be grateful for such a guide. “I assure you, the distractions would have been quite welcome.”
A smile burst as tears leaked out the corner of her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Preston.” Then she threw her arms around him, gave him a hug, a peck on the cheek, then hurried down the stairs to join her sisters. They were all grinning up at him as well.
Yes, a manual into the female mind would be quite beneficial, especially when raising five girls.
The dinner conversation was livelier than it had been in the past months. The girls always told him of their day and chattered throughout, but he hadn’t realized how nearly polite they’d become with little levity. Tonight, there was laughter.
“Winifred set off after a sheep and tumbled into the ditch. As we attempted to pull her out, we each ended up sitting in the mud as well,” Delia laughed. “Except Miss Claywell.”
They were animated and laughing in a manner that he’d not witnessed in such a long time, and it warmed his heart. The only change to the household was the addition of Miss Claywell. What had she said or done to bring about the change?
When dinner concluded, Althea rose with her charges but was stopped.
“Please join me in the parlor for tea, Miss Claywell.”
She understood the request the evening before as she was new to the home. Althea did not know why he wished to see her again unless it was to explain what she was allowed to do, such as teach and not allowed, such as style hair. Of what other rules was she unaware?
“The girls are quite taken with you,” he said after the tea had been delivered and served. “You were not upset about the pranks?”
How did he even know? “They were harmless.”
“And Delia, has she given you no further difficulty?”
“Please be assured that I have cleared up any concerns that she may have of me being in the household.”
Melcombe grew serious “What concerns?”
While he did have a right to know the nonsense the former governess had filled the girl's head with, Althea also didn’t wish to betray Delia’s confidence.
Oh, the dilemma of what she should report and what should be kept to herself.
“What are you not sharing with me, Miss Claywell?”
He did need to know the truth because the girls were his responsibility and what Miss Delia had believed wasnota minor matter. However, he had righted that on his own this very evening.
“What I tell you must remain in the strictest of confidences.”
“Shouldn’t I decide what should remain a secret, as it applies to my wards?” he reminded her.
The sudden cool tone took her aback. Was this how he addressed his subordinates while in the cavalry. “If your nieces believe any concern they bring to me will be taken directly to you then they’ll not trust me. Females sometimes need another female to talk to on matters that they may not feel comfortable mentioning to an uncle.”
Lord Melcombe pulled at his cravat as if uncomfortable.
“I understand.”
Given Delia’s age, he probably assumed it was a matter far more personal than what they had discussed.
“In this instance, you should know why Delia has behaved more like a mother than a sister. However, I must implore upon you not to say anything to her, as I’d like to keep her trust.”
“Very well.” He sighed.
“Your former governess made them believe that your life was ruined because you were now stuck raising five girls without the support of a wife.”
“She told them this?” Lord Melcombe’s jaw tightened as he sat forward.
“They did not wish to be a burden, nor do they wish to create further difficulty in your life. Therefore, Delia tried to shoulder the responsibilities of mother and governess.”
