If her desires came to nothing, then so be it. At least she would know for certain and could then decide her next course, which again included Willanton.
By all appearances, women were allowed more freedom here than in London, or so she assumed. Monique was not much older than herself and owned a dress shop. Mrs. Hawthorn was an artist and her husband allowed her to consult with Melcombe on wool production. If Althea remained, might she also be given opportunities to do something other than what had been expected of her from birth? Perhaps she could explore options never considered.
Her reasons for running away may have been foolish and impetuous, but she was certainly not sorry that she did. Even though Willanton was a village in England, it was almost a new world to her, and she wasn’t going to leave.
With those thoughts and renewed determination, Althea’s wish was that Melcombe would court her. But, if that never came to be, being a governess would allow her to reflect on what she really wished for herself, and not what had been decreed by others, and she’d embrace this opportunity with her whole heart.
After repairing her hair, Althea returned downstairs with a renewed confidence, and almost joy, at her future prospects. She’d first focus on Melcombe, then an alternative to her future.
She’d expected that Lord Harwich would still be meeting with Melcombe, but he’d already gone. Instead, when she glanced into the parlor, she found her employer sitting beside a window, a pensive look upon his features and sipping brandy.
He turned more fully when she entered the room, his blue eyes darkening as he stood.
“Is all well?” She’d be bold and not wait for him to talk to her but approach him when the opportunity arose. She was now in charge of her own fate, future, and destiny.
“Yes. Please come in.”
Althea took a deep breath and made her way to the settee. “As it is my day off, I’ve reconsidered the earlier offer of brandy.” Uncle Clarence let her sip some when they were in for the evening, and she did enjoy the taste. “I assure you that I would never presume to drink while the girls were here, especially while they are under my care.”
“I am not concerned.” He crossed to the sideboard, poured, and returned the tumbler to her, their fingers brushing, and the tingling spread through her hand.
She pushed her physical reaction aside.
Althea took a sip, enjoying the burn at the back of her throat and the heat filling her being.
“When I accepted the position as governess, it was rash and not fully considered,” she began because he could never know the truth of what brought her to Willanton. One day he was certain to learn, but Althea hoped it was in the far future. “I believe it may have been one of the best decisions I made for myself.”
“Is that so?” he asked with curiosity.
“I needed something new. Something for me, and I think I found that in Willanton.”
“What of the Season?”
He assumed like all other gentlemen that she must be in want of a husband because what other purpose was there for a female of her standing.
“I find the idea of enduring another Season unpalatable, to be honest.”
“You may grow bored here.”
Did he not want her to remain? Had he already decided she’d be gone in a month?
“I have no desire to return to London, or my uncle’s home in Gloucestershire. I’d like to remain, and not simply because we had an agreement. I’d like to determine what I’d like for myself instead of what Society deems I should want.”
He smiled and shook his head. “Very well, Miss Claywell.”
“Thank you. I’m certain that I’m going to like it here.” Even if she didn’t remain at Ambrose Hall, she hoped to remain in Willanton.
Chapter Ten
Shewantedtostay.More importantly, she liked being at Ambrose Hall, or at least in Willanton.
Preston had three concerns when he knew that he’d need to take a wife. The first being his nieces, and they already liked Miss Claywell. The second, Ambrose Hall was far removed from any larger town, and to use Matilda’s phrase, Willanton was rather provincial. The third was that his future wife liked him, though he’d hoped for more.
Two of the three had been accomplished in a short time, however, he still faced the biggest challenge, and that was her regard of him.
The clock chimed the hour and Miss Claywell frowned. “Shouldn’t the girls have returned by now, or are their art lessons lengthy?”
“They are going to remain the night with Charlotte and return home in the morning.”
