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“What are your views on female education?” Isabel asked.

“A lady should speak at least four languages, know Debrett’s from top to bottom, pour impeccable tea, play flawlessly on the pianoforte, and be passable at two more instruments appropriate for a lady, such as a violin and a harp. Her stitching should be perfect, and she should be able to watercolor.”

“And you can teach all of this?”

Mrs. Pemberley pursed her lips. “I am not a lady. I do not possess all the necessary knowledge. I believe a governess’s main task is to teach the lady the basics. Music, dance, and art are not my forte. However, I always sit in on the lessons with other tutors to monitor my charge’s behavior.”

Isabel flipped her journal shut and leaned closer to Mrs. Pemberley. “I have to be quite honest with you. Millie is… She is not quite ready for music lessons and dancing. I think she needs a bit of guidance. She needs to learn manners first and foremost. And perhaps just the basics.”

Isabel had spent a few hours each day in Millie’s company since their first outing. And as much as she enjoyed spending time with the girl, she never managed to teach her anything useful. The moment Isabel tried to instill discipline in the girl, Millie immediately rebelled.

“Everything is interconnected, my lady. Dance teaches the lady correct posture, music teaches her persistence, and watercolors teach her patience. There is not one without the other.”

“Very wise.” Isabel smiled. She liked the older lady. Being around her was like being wrapped in a warm motherly embrace, although there was strictness in her voice and posture.

She was thin and tall. And even though she was probably in her late fifties, she still had a bounce in her step, although she carried a cane with her.

“Mrs. Pemberley, thank you very much for taking the time to journey here. I think you are a perfect candidate and your recommendations are exemplary. But my husband is the one who will make the final decision. Would you be willing to stay the night in the guest room and speak with him on the morrow?”

“Oh, certainly. I am too old to travel back to London right away, anyway. I appreciate your hospitality. But may I ask for one more thing before I settle in for the night?”

“Of course.”

“I would like to meet the young lady.”

Isabel smiled tightly. She did not think that was a good idea at all. But perhaps, she was wrong. Maybe that was exactly what they needed to do before selecting a governess. “Certainly.”

They went up to Millicent’s nursery a moment later. Millie sat there with Edith, flipping through her books.

“Good evening, Millicent,” Isabel said with a smile. “I want you to meet Mrs. Pemberley. Mrs. Pemberley, this is Lady Millicent.”

Millie raised her head to look at the older lady but did not say a word.

“The polite thing to do is greet a person to whom one is introduced,” Mrs. Pemberley said softly.

Millicent just stared at her. Isabel shifted uncomfortably. “I apologize, but as I said, she isn’t quite ready.”

“Do not worry, my lady.” Mrs. Pemberley smiled and stepped closer to Millicent. “And what are you doing, Lady Millicent?”

Millie looked down at her book. “Reading.”

“And do you mind if I listen to you read?”

Millie shook her head.

Mrs. Pemberley settled next to Millicent and listened as Millie recited the passages from the book by heart, flipping the pages in all the right places.

Isabel stood in the doorway, watching the pair read. Mrs. Pemberley murmured something, and Millicent promptly straightened in her chair.

Isabel blinked in surprise. This lady was truly a miracle worker.

* * *

Isabel went in search of Vane to tell him the good news. She thought Mrs. Pemberley was a perfect candidate for the governess, but she needed to get Vane’s approval before she could hire her.

The marquess was nowhere in the house, although it was rather late, and he was usually back by this time.

Isabel approached the butler. “Mr. Monroe, have you seen my husband?”