Page 31
What kind of depraved woman did that make her?
Biting the nail of her forefinger and hidden in the fern-toned draperies, Purity stood to the side of the window. Unlike many aristocrats, the Mumfords had spared no expense for the servants’ chambers. They were as well furnished and comfortable as any guests’, which spoke to her hosts' generous and magnanimous nature.
The Ceddes’ coach had arrived before the grand entrance some fifteen minutes ago. Footmen loaded the luggage with practiced efficiency.
Tears threatened, but Purity summoned every ounce of stalwartness and blinked them away. As her vision cleared, the sleepy-eyed Ceddes family emerged from the house. This was the earliest Purity had ever seen his lordship or her ladyship out of bed. Their pinched, peevish expressions conveyed their displeasure at the inconvenience.
Dressed as a miniature gentleman and his chin tucked to his chest, Pomeroy held his sisters’ small hands. He attempted to hide his sorrow, but the girls openly wept.
Purity’s heart wrenched, and she bit her lower lip to temper the cry hurtling to her throat.
Unfair. Unfair, her soul wailed.
It wasn’t those sweet innocents’ fault. Regardless, they suffered for their father’s sins. God curse Lord Ceddes for a reprobate and libertine. A neglectful and self-centered father, an adulterous degenerate, and a pinch-penny, demanding employer.
Amaris lifted a tearful face toward the upper windows as if she searched for Purity.
Purity couldn’t resist waving and was gratified to see a small smile curve Amaris’s mouth. She said something to her siblings, and they all three peered upward.
Purity moved into full view—devil take Lord Ceddes—and blew them a kiss. They must not depart thinking she didn’t love them.
A soft scratching came upon her bedchamber door.
“A moment, please.” She raised her gaze ceiling-ward and whispered a quick prayer of favor and grace that it wasn’t a note asking her to depart the premises post-haste.
With a final, heartrending glance out the window, Purity gave one last wave. The children waved but stopped abruptly when their father snapped something and swung his attention upward.
Heart hammering in her chest, Purity retreated into the draperies’ protective shadows.
A knock sounded again.
She forced herself to cross the chamber on wooden legs, unlock the door, and with composure she was far from feeling, accept the neat rectangle from the fresh-faced maid.
Too much to hope it was a letter of reference after all.
“Thank you,” she told the wide-eyed maid whose gaze lingered a fraction on the packed satchel before darting away.
“I was told to wait for a response, Miss.”
That was odd.
Forehead furrowed, Purity opened the folded sheet, and grateful tears sprang to her eyes.
I am uncertain what has prompted your employer’s hasty departure, Miss Mayfield. Nonetheless, I would be ever so grateful if you could remain for the duration of the house party as Bernadine’s governess. I shall pay you generously for the inconvenience.
M. Mumford
What inconvenience?
Lady Mumford had provided an unexpected blessing.
Purity wasted no time in penning a brief affirmative response. Nearly a month more employment and wages before she had to impose upon Chasity was a welcome reprieve. How the Countess of Mumford had convinced her nephew to agree, Purity wasn’t sure. Despite the circumstances, she quite looked forward to getting to know Bernadine.
~*~
Entering the nursery a few minutes later, Purity steeled her resolve and summoned a sunny smile for the other servants. Undisguised surprise and curious stares met her entrance—a few exchanged startled glances as well.
“Good morning.” Her face might crack from the artificial smile. “At Lady Mumford’s request, I shall be acting as Miss Bernadine’s governess for the duration of the house party.”
