Althea walked to the window and glanced outside to the fat snowflakes still falling. She was furious at her behavior this morning, furious for running away like a childagain, and furious for letting the girls down by not returning in time for their lessons.
Once she’d finished telling Monique what happened this morning, Althea knew that she must return to Ambrose Hall. She couldn’t disappear as she had from her uncle’s home in London. In the best scenario, Winifred hadn’t mentioned what she saw, thus there would be no cause for the servants to gossip. She also prayed that Melcombe hadn’t noticed that she’d not returned.
In the worst case, talk would have spread throughout Ambrose Hall and Mrs. Wilson would be waiting for her return and would sack her immediately for behavior not becoming of a governess and for not attending to her duties. Althea would be asked to pack her valise and leave. What wasn’t productive was hiding here and putting off the inevitable.
She looked outside, furious with the weather as well.
Heat flooded her face, and she placed her forehead against the welcoming cold of the glass. It probably didn’t matter that she hadn’t returned in time for lessons. After this morning, Melcombe would probably turn her out without reference or worse, expect her to become his mistress, something she would never do.
“You should wait until the snow stops,” Monique insisted.
Althea glanced back at her, bit her lower lip then turned to look out the window again.I should just go. I am not so far from the manor.But the wind! It was blowing the snow almost sideways.
“I’ll put on more water, and we’ll continue to enjoy tea while we wait for the snow to stop,” Monique offered in a cheery tone. “This can’t last much longer, and I can assure you, such snow is highly unusual.”
With reluctance, Althea returned to her seat at the small table near the stove. She was still chilled even after being here for so long. It was likely because her shoes and wool stockings were still damp, but there was nothing she could do about that now, and only a fool would go outside and walk in this, especially without the appropriate footwear.
How could she ever face Lord Melcombe again? What must he think of her?
“Thank you.” Althea took the steaming cup of tea from Monique.
“You are welcome.” She smiled and returned to her chair.
“I should enjoy this little luxury before I am landed on my bum, out in the streets.”
“I doubt he will dismiss you.”
“I doubt he will retain me as his governess.”
Monique sat forward. “If he has a mind to retain you as something else, you come right back here. I’ll find room for you.”
Althea smiled, grateful for the offer. She may just need to do that until the next mail coach came through town.
Until the last month, Althea had always behaved with caution, was levelheaded, and not one to act on impulse. She watched her words and actions, especially while in Society. She never stepped out of line or did anything that would cause others to whisper her name behind fans. Then, in one night, after eavesdropping, Althea had reacted in a rash manner with no thoughts of consequences.
Had she suddenly gone mad?
Was she slipping into insanity?
There was no other explanation.
As she was to remain here for a bit longer, Althea pondered her own situation, and her thoughts mingled with the rumors about the former governess. If she knew the truth, perhaps she’d have a better idea of what would be expected of her. But did she really wish to know if Melcombe made a habit of seducing governesses?
Did she already know that answer?
Heat flooded her face again. He wasn’t the only one at fault. She’d walked into that chamber of her own volition.
“Do you know why the former governess left Ambrose Hall?” It was a question that had been burning in the back of Althea’s mind, especially since Melcombe refused to offer an answer.
“Yes.”
“I supposed I should ask if you know for certain since I’ve heard whispers that contradict.”
“I was told by a servant, who I trust, and who witnessed everything,” she confirmed. “This maid witnessed Miss Halton attempt to enter Lord Melcombe’s set of rooms early one morning. She was poor at lock picking and broke the latch. She also didn’t close the door very well, luckily for Lord Melcombe.”
Or perhaps he wanted her there.
Althea dismissed the thought.
