“Yes.” Preston hadn’t gone into the details of his desire, as Delia was only fifteen, but he told her of dancing with Miss Claywell, of calling on her, and their stroll in Hyde Park. He did not, however, tell her of the marriage proposal or the reason Miss Claywell was on the mail coach. Those matters were too private. Further, he didn’t trust that Delia might not slip up and say something.
“It explains why you were quick to hire her as a governess, but I do feel bad,” Delia admitted. “I accused her of wanting the position to gain a husband.”
“Why would you do that?” he demanded.
“I had believed that Miss Halton wanted to marry you, and you rejected her. I didn’t want another governess who was more interested in pursuing my uncle than educating my sisters.”
Preston may be willing to discuss Miss Claywell, he was not going to tell his niece the truth about Miss Halton.
“What did Miss Claywell say?” Preston asked out of curiosity.
“Had your uncle and I shared an interest beyond a waltz, I would not be in your home as your governess.”
His interest went far beyond a waltz, and it was his fault for not making an impression then.
“Miss Claywell also stated that she had no wish to marry. I’m not certain if the statement was made because it is truly her wish, or simply to convince me that she wasn’t here to pursue you.”
Preston hadn’t even considered that Miss Claywell wouldn’t want marriage. He assumed that was the desire of all misses. If they didn’t marry, what else were they to do? Society had few respectable options for women in such a position.
“Why don’t you tell her?” Delia asked.
“It isn’t so simple.”I am a governess in your household. A separation that we must respect. “It’s too soon to make my intentions known. She might run away.” That was what he feared most.
“If you put off for too long, then she will be gone.”
His niece was correct, and he looked down to Delia. “You do not mind that I wish to court her?”
“I like Miss Claywell. I minded when I thought she had an ulterior motive, which she does not.” Delia sighed. “Talk to her, Uncle Preston. It’s not so difficult.”
Why was being in the cavalry so much easier than speaking to a woman?
That wasn’t it and he knew it. There was a lie hanging over his head and the longer he put off the truth, the angrier she would be, and the more likely he’d lose her.
Preston knew in that moment that he couldn’t put it off any longer. He would tell her tonight and hope that she didn’t give notice and return to her uncle.
“You shall not tell Miss Claywell or your sisters about our conversation.” He was already having misgivings about confiding in his fifteen-year-old niece. He must truly be desperate for assistance.
“Of course not,” she assured him with a grin and if he wasn’t mistaken, there was determination in her blue eyes.
“Delia, you will not interfere.”
“I prefer to call it assistance.” She laughed and ran off toward the manor.
Bloody hell! What had he just unleashed on himself and Miss Claywell?
After all the greenery had been removed from the house, Althea made her way to her chamber where she intended to remain for the night.
Cook was preparing a Twelfth Night Feast, which included cakes, according to Winifred, and then the family would enjoy games in the parlor. As it was a celebration for the family, she’d asked Mrs. Wilson if it might be possible to have a tray in her room.
The housekeeper had begun to answer, then looked behind Althea. She had turned to see what the woman was looking at but only noted Delia reading to Winifred on the settee.
“I’m sorry, Miss Claywell. That will not be possible.”
It was probably because she was a governess. Whereas Melcombe or the girls could make a similar request, servants should not. “Would it be possible to come to the kitchens for a plate?”
Again Mrs. Wilson looked beyond Althea, and she turned again, but neither Delia nor Winifred was paying them any mind. Odd that.
“I’m sorry, Miss Claywell. If it were any other night, possibly, but the kitchens are already overrun, and we’ve still much to do. You’ll just need to eat with the family as you always do or go without.”
