A Loving Governess for the Duke (Preview)

Chapter One

Caroline checked herself in the mirror. She looked presentable enough to go out and interact with other people. Nobody could say that she was unable to look after herself.

If only people would actually see that and not my age. It’s just not fair.

Sighing, Caroline pushed that out of her mind. She would not ruin her good mood by thinking about how cruel people could be. Today was not about that.

Then again, she was going to be around a happy couple, which would put a dampener on her because of how loved-up the two of them would be. She shouldn’t be so gloomy about it; Eleanor deserved happiness, and this would be a good marriage should Richard Talbot ask her to marry him. Caroline wanted her to be happy.

And yet …

“Are you well, Lady Caroline?”

Caroline caught the look of the maid in the mirror, the young woman standing behind her as she adjusted the pins holding up her mistress’ hair. Caroline managed a smile.

“I’m fine, Madeleine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You were looking a little sad for a moment.” Madeleine looked sympathetic. “Do you want to stay home today? I’m sure Lady Eleanor won’t mind if you do that.”

Caroline really wanted to stay home, but Eleanor had invited her over, and it would be rude to call off for something now. Caroline didn’t want to disappoint her friend. Sighing, she smoothed her hands down her dress.

“I’ll go and see her. It’s a lovely day, so I don’t want it to be wasted by me being indoors all day. And you know my parents will ask questions.”

“I see.” Madeleine paused. “Even so …”

“Don’t worry about me, Madeleine.” Caroline turned to the young woman and took her hands. “I can take care of things myself. And thank you for helping with my hair. I know you’ve got a lot of work to do today.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m more than happy to help.” Madeleine smiled. “It’s like the old times when you were a little girl, and I was always doing your hair. It brought back some happy memories.”

Caroline didn’t know how doing someone’s hair would bring back happy memories, but she wasn’t about to break the maid’s good mood. It was not her parents’ fault that they barely had anything for the servants, and the family had had to downsize their household staff. Things had not been good lately, so they had to make cuts somewhere. Caroline hated that their small fortune was significantly diminished due to stupid choices, but there wasn’t anything they could do about it. They had to hold their heads up and smile, which was easier said than done when everyone knew about it. And add to that her father’s health …

Caroline didn’t want her mood to lower again. Not when it was such a beautiful day outside. She squeezed Madeleine’s hands and headed towards the door.

“You’d better go and get on with what Baxter told you to do today. I don’t want you getting into trouble for being behind.”

“You let me worry about Baxter.” Madeleine straightened up. “He wouldn’t dare get upset with me.”

Caroline didn’t doubt that. From how the butler had been looking at the maid, it was clear that something was in the air. And that it was mutual.

God, even the servants were flirting with love, while Caroline …

Stop it. There’s no point wallowing in self-pity. Focus on something else.

Even when the something else is enough to lower my mood?

Caroline headed downstairs and went into the morning room. Her parents were there, settled in their favourite chairs by the window, which had the sunlight streaming in. At this time of day, it was perfect to trap the warmth from the sun, and the view when the weather was perfect was beautiful. Caroline had spent several hours sitting in the window seat as a little girl, marvelling at the scenery before her. Hertfordshire was just a lovely county. She couldn’t think about living anywhere else.

Although, the way things had gone for her, it would be her permanent residence.

Lady Gabrielle Fairfax looked up from her book and smiled as her daughter approached.

“Are you off today, Caroline? You’re looking lovely today.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Caroline kissed her mother’s head. “I’m going to see Eleanor. She wanted to see me today.”

“She told us all this at breakfast, Gabrielle,” Sir Geoffrey reminded his wife, frowning at her from his own book. “Have you forgotten already?”

“Oh. Of course.” Gabrielle’s face went a little red. “I just … I was so wrapped up in my book …”

“It’s fine, Mother,” Caroline assured her, squeezing her shoulder before giving her father a sharp look. “You don’t need to apologise.”

Although it was beginning to show that her mother’s mind was slipping a little. She had been saying that it was fine, and she was distracted, but she was still struggling to remember the simplest things. It had been like this for the last couple of years. At the ripe old age of fifty, it was a little disconcerting. Caroline didn’t like seeing her mother’s mental agility slipping and her father getting grumpier as a result.

Another reason for her to feel like a failure for not finding a husband. She wouldn’t be able to properly look after her parents should things get worse.

“Anyway, Baxter and Madeleine are in the house, so you know you can call for them. I won’t be long, I promise.”

Sir Geoffrey smiled at her and accepted the kiss on his head.

“Don’t worry about hurrying back. We’ve got a lot to do today, so we’re going to be nicely occupied for some time.”

Caroline didn’t doubt that. Even with their reduced mobility, her parents found many things to do. She admired that they could still go on like they were and not be too encumbered by things. For everything happening between them, they were tough.

“Even so, I’ll return soon.” Caroline headed towards the door. “Just keep yourselves out of trouble, alright?”

Sir Geoffrey snorted.

“Us, get into trouble? Would we do that?”

Caroline laughed. He didn’t want her to answer that. Taking her hat from the cloakroom – it was too warm for a coat – she headed outside and down the drive. It was only a short walk to Eleanor’s estate further down the hill. The walk back would be a little tough in this warm weather with the slope, but it was worth it. Caroline was content with it, even if she would be a little red-faced and sweaty once she met her friend.

Eleanor always said she would get her carriage to come and collect her, but Caroline didn’t want to put her out. Besides, she wasn’t infirm; she could walk. And on a day like this, who wanted to waste it by being inside a hot and stuffy carriage?

As Caroline left her family estate and started along the road, she wondered how things would go. Eleanor was always warm and inviting and knowing that her twenty-year-old friend lived not too far away made it a good reason to get out of the house; Caroline liked having a reason for her walks and enjoyed talking to many people on her travels. The people who lived in their little village were willing to stop and talk to anyone, no matter who they were.

Not like the stuffy, snobbish people of the ton. They saw status and wealth, and that made a decision for them. Caroline had been dealing with it for some time, which was incredibly frustrating. All she wanted to do was interact with others and be sociable; talking to people felt refreshing and satisfying. But now she was five-and-twenty and still unmarried, which meant she was considered unworthy of people’s attention. While it wasn’t something everyone did, she did notice how others would give her a wide berth, almost like she was carrying the plague. It was embarrassing that she was at this age and didn’t have a husband or one in the wings waiting for her.

She wasn’t considered ideal. And that hurt. A lot.

At least Eleanor wasn’t like that. She was younger, warm, and vivacious, just what members of the ton wanted. And she knew when to be quiet when she was supposed to, something Caroline had never been able to do. She had no idea why she struggled with this, but interjecting with quips and comments that she thought were amusing didn’t seem to go down well with anyone.

If only she could keep her mouth closed at the right times and listen. Caroline thought that she could, but it was easier said than done. Nobody in her family cared, and her closest friends were fine with it, but further than that …

It was probably no surprise that she couldn’t find a husband. No man wanted a wife who didn’t know when to be quiet.

Caroline scoffed at herself. That was not fair on her. She could behave in mixed company, yet everyone tried to find a flaw in her. It drove her insane, trying to match everyone else whenever she was out. What was wrong with being herself? How was that a crime to Society?

She was going to put herself in a lower mood if she kept thinking like this, and Caroline didn’t want to go to Eleanor’s home with a dark cloud hanging over her head. Taking a deep breath, Caroline straightened up and squared her shoulders. She would not have anyone comment on her mood and say that she needed a husband.

Why did people think things could be fixed by getting a spouse?

***

When David woke, it took him a few moments to remember which room he was in. He stared at the ceiling, waiting for clarity to set in and remind himself where he was.

At his childhood home in Hertfordshire, having spent the night here as the new Duke of Bayntree.

It still didn’t seem real. It had been three weeks since his father had been buried alongside his wife, David’s mother, and the title didn’t feel right. David was very aware that he was the one who would inherit the title, but he never thought it would happen at this point. His father had been so fit and healthy, and there wasn’t any indication that he was going to pass away.

Then he fell from his horse and broke his neck. Death had been immediate, and David was left with the constant burning sensation of bile in his throat. After all, he had been riding with his father and witnessed the accident. It was a memory that David couldn’t get rid of.

He knew it wasn’t his fault, and his sisters didn’t blame him, but it didn’t stop David from feeling guilty that he couldn’t do anything.

There was a knock on the door, and David lifted his head, only to groan and have it fall back onto the pillows.

“Who is it?”

“It’s George, Your Grace.”

David didn’t think he would get used to being called that. He rolled onto his side.

“What do you want?”

“I have your breakfast tray. Do you want me to bring it in?”

David was about to say no and go away, but then his stomach started growling. The sound was actually quite embarrassing. Sighing, he adjusted the pillows and eased himself up.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and his valet came in carrying a tray. The aromas coming from the freshly cooked food wafted past David’s nose, and he felt his stomach rumbling again. He tried to remember if he had managed to eat anything the night before, and he barely recalled having half of his delicious meal. But his stomach had been churning at the memories in the house, so David couldn’t eat anything.

Now he was paying the price for it.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” George said as he put the tray on the bed across David’s lap. “I’ll get your clothes ready for the day, shall I?”

“Please.” David looked at the food, his mouth watering. “What time did Nanny Drew say that they were arriving today? I can’t remember.”

“I believe it was just before lunch. They’re going to set off early to get here.”

“And Mrs Lazenby knows about this? The girls have really big appetites and will be starving when they arrive.”

George smiled.

“Mrs Lazenby is very much aware of what you said, and she’s been cooking up a feast in the kitchen.”

That was no surprise. Even when they had lived in the house David was now occupying, Mrs Lazenby would make everything perfect for them. She didn’t let anyone have an empty stomach. Although David felt she wouldn’t be too happy with him having not eaten everything the night before.

I’d better eat all of this now; otherwise, they’re going to think something’s wrong with me.

Your father died not too long ago, so you have an excuse.

It won’t last for long with Mrs Lazenby.

As he munched some toast, David looked around. This had been his room when he was seventeen, and things didn’t seem to have changed much. He had been offered the bedchamber his father had used, but David couldn’t bring himself to step across the threshold. While it was his room now, David still saw it as his father’s. Almost like he was going to turn up and use it again.

Of course, that was impossible, but David’s mind wasn’t completely clear about the possibility.

It was easier to stay in his old room, even if it was smaller. But it was David’s room, and it was just what he needed.

He cut into his bacon, watching as George picked out his master’s clothes and laid them out.

“Do you think Henrietta and Gwen are going to like the house?” he asked. “Henrietta was five when we left, and Gwen was only a couple of weeks old. She will obviously not remember anything, but Henrietta …”

“They’re going to love the house, Your Grace. It’s a perfect place to raise them, after all.”

“Even with the memories?”

His valet glanced up at him with a sympathetic smile.

“I’m sure Lady Henrietta will have fond memories of her childhood home. She won’t feel anything bad for the place.”

David hoped so. Because while it felt good to be back, he also remembered the reason why they had left in the first place. Only a few weeks before they had walked out for the last time, his mother had died. She had a difficult birth and died after losing too much blood. Gwen was alive, and they could sustain her with milk from the nursemaid, but her mother was gone. David remembered the moment the midwife had told his father the news, her face pale and unable to get her words out for the tears clogging her throat. His father had run from the room, and there was a scream of anguish not long after. David had felt the world tilt and collapsed onto the floor. Henrietta, only five years old, had no idea what was happening. David had clung onto her as he sobbed, wondering how he would tell his sister that their mother was not coming back.

A few weeks later, they had moved to their other residence in Buckinghamshire. While they kept the other house going, keeping it clean and running with a household staff, David’s father had vowed not to go back. He couldn’t look in any of the rooms without remembering what happened to his wife.

Now David was running away from their Buckinghamshire estate after witnessing his father’s death. He could see where his father was coming from now, walking from room to room and seeing a dead person imprinted on practically everything. Of course, it was here as well, but it was muted. David thought enough time had passed that he could cope.

This was why he had gone ahead of his sisters, to ensure he could do it.

“Will that be all, Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

George was standing by the bed, watching him expectantly. David realised he was holding a fork with food on, and it hadn’t gone anywhere. He shovelled it quickly into his mouth, holding up a finger for George to wait as he finished his mouthful. George, the ever-patient man, just waited. He didn’t seem to be annoyed at all.

Either he was just used to the man he had served for fifteen years, or David was really bad at reading people’s expressions.

Once he had finished his mouthful, David swallowed and nodded.

“If there isn’t anything else, you can go. I’ll be able to dress myself. You help the rest of the staff prepare for my sisters and their arrival.” He paused and gave George a sly smirk. “And for Nanny Drew’s arrival.”

George’s face went bright red, which made David laugh. Jennifer Drew had been the girls’ nanny for the past two years. She was young, pretty, and vivacious, which made her popular with the staff due to her cheery disposition. But it was a surprise when George, someone who had vowed to her he would always love his wife after she passed away six years ago, started paying her a lot of attention. It was surprising but quite sweet, especially when it looked like things were mutual between them.

He would be looking forward to their arrival as well.

“That … there’s nothing between us, Your Grace,” George protested, although it sounded a little flat. “I like and respect Nanny Drew …”

“Did I say anything about it, George?”

“Well, no …”

David chuckled.

“I think you’re seeing things that are not there with my words. I’m just making an observation, that’s all.”

From the way George’s eyes narrowed at him, he had seen something different. David laughed and waved towards the door.

“Off you go, George. Go and help out around the house. I’ll get myself ready.”

“Do you need me to give you a shave, Your Grace?”

“You did that yesterday, and my sisters aren’t going to care if I don’t have myself clean-shaven.” David rubbed his hand over his bristled jaw. “Besides, I kind of like the look. It’s quite interesting.”

“I don’t think everyone else will have the same opinion, Your Grace.”

“Well, nobody else is here, is there? If I need to be in mixed company, I’ll have a shave, but we’ll leave it for now.”

“Very well, Your Grace.” George bowed. “Just let me know if you need anything else.”

David watched him go, wondering if George would be better-looking with a beard. He had the features that would be perfect for one. Maybe Nanny Drew would like it as well.

Pushing the thought away, David concentrated on his breakfast. He was starving, and after yesterday, he didn’t want to get a scolding from Mrs Lazenby. He was approaching thirty in a few years, but that wouldn’t matter to the cook.

 

Chapter Two

It didn’t take long for David to eat his breakfast, although it was a bit longer before he could get dressed without any help. He had dressed himself many times before, but things were tougher this morning for some reason. Was he gaining weight, or had his arms got shorter?

Or maybe it was because he had a restless sleep, so his body was stiff and sore. It felt harder than normal to dress, and his muscles strained.

Maybe he should have asked George to wait for him or to come back in a short time. But that was gone now. David could handle this.

Besides, if he got something wrong with his clothes, it would give his sisters a giggle. They needed it after all this time. The two of them were sad and morose after their father died, and Henrietta had been struggling with the extra emotions that had welled up knowing that she had lost her parents in such horrible ways. Gwen had never met her mother, so the pain hadn’t hit her as hard, but the confusion at what was going on and how lost she looked broke David’s heart.

They were just children. It was horrible to know that they had no parents now. And now David had to look after them.

How could he do that? David was close to his sisters and loved them dearly, but he had no idea how to raise them. He was their brother, not a parent. He had no idea how to look after them as a father would.

This was going to be easier said than done. 

Finally, David had dressed in a way that looked respectable and presentable. Taking a look in the mirror, he was sure that nothing was in the wrong place, and he didn’t look like he had rolled out of the gutter that morning. Henrietta and Gwen wouldn’t notice the difference.

Heading downstairs, David paused as he passed one of the portraits lining the staircase. It was a beautiful painting of a lovely-looking woman close to his age with russet-red hair and a smile that always seemed to have a hint of mischief. Even with it being a painting, her eyes seemed to sparkle. David didn’t think that could happen.

His father had said that the artist had managed to put life into the portrait, and David agreed. His mother, the former Duchess of Bayntree, could make anything come to life. He felt a pang of regret that he would never see that again.

If only he could bring his parents back. He would rather have them back than the title and look after his young sisters.

“Your Grace?”

David turned away from his mother’s smile and saw the butler standing at the foot of the stairs. He descended, trying not to look back at the only memory of his mother left.

“What is it, O’Leary?”

“Ladies Henrietta and Gwendolyn will be arriving soon, and their rooms have been made up for them.” O’Leary gestured up the stairs. “Mrs O’Leary is currently making sure the nursery is tidy enough.”

David smiled.

“They are ten and fifteen now, O’Leary. I think they’re a bit older than they should be for a nursery.”

“Then you can call it a playroom. My wife says everyone needs a place to go and have fun, especially as children.”

David wasn’t going to argue about that. He looked up the stairs himself.

“I must say, it feels strange calling Miss Jarvis Mrs O’Leary. I never expected you two to get married.”

The white-haired gentleman gave him a proud smile.

“Let’s just say I know a good woman when I see one.”

“That and you were too stubborn to admit it,” David replied. “I think everyone noticed how the two of you were when we lived here. I heard some of the servants saying that you were head-over-heels, and yet you wouldn’t do anything about it.”

“Well, I am a little slower on the uptake.”

David could see that. Even he had noticed the attraction between their thirty-year-old spinster housekeeper and the fifty-year-old butler. It had been pretty clear, but nobody thought it would actually happen. It had taken ten years of working together before the butler and housekeeper did anything about it. Now they were in charge of the Hertfordshire house together, and things looked incredible. David loved how well things had been handled. His father, who had never set foot on the property again, would have been proud.

“Anyway, we’ve got everything under control, Your Grace,” O’Leary said, dusting down his coat. “I’ll let you know when your sisters arrive. There’s no need to hover around waiting for them.”

“Who said I was going to be hovering around for them?”

The butler gave him a pointed look, and David felt like he was ten years old again, getting caught sneaking biscuits out of the kitchen in the middle of the night. O’Leary was getting on in years, but he was sharper than ever.

Sighing, David turned away.

“I’ll be in the study, then. And Mrs Lazenby has got everything ready?”

“She’s in the process of doing it, Your Grace.”

“Good.”

David walked away and headed into his father’s study. His study now, he reminded himself. It was all his now, and David had to remember that. Just because he knew it as his father’s property, he was not here anymore. David owned everything now. He was in charge.

And he didn’t like it.

David was aware that he would become the duke eventually, but it was something he didn’t want to think about. Nobody retired a title and passed it down to the heir. That was unheard of. To inherit the title meant losing a parent he loved.

David would rather have his father back than become a duke.

Wandering across the spacious room, he went to the window and looked out across the garden. The gardeners had done a good job with what they had, and he had been shocked the day before by the huge splash of colour all over the place. It just spread out over everything. David wouldn’t be surprised if their estate could be seen from the next county.

As he looked across, he caught sight of the small manor house on the hill. It wasn’t that far off, but the size it was to him now made it look farther away. The Fairfax estate. Sir Geoffrey had been a prominent landowner when David was younger, and things had been prosperous for him. But from what David had heard, Sir Geoffrey and his wife had both fallen ill suddenly, and they had needed to sell almost all their land, so they didn’t end up going destitute. Their staff had gone down drastically, and Sir Geoffrey and Lady Gabrielle were getting sicker faster than normal.

David felt sympathy towards them. They were lovely people who had always prided themselves on working hard. Being rich meant nothing if you didn’t work for it yourself, Sir Geoffrey had always said. Now they were almost infirm, which was a shock.

He wondered how Caroline was getting on. She loved her parents dearly, and David saw how much she did for her parents. Even when they had gone out to spend time together as children, Caroline was always doing something for her family.

She was probably married with children by now. Caroline had been a pretty girl, so it wouldn’t have been too hard for her to find a husband. They were probably living in the house with her parents or close by to help out; Caroline would never abandon them.

Would he encounter her while he was living here now? David hoped that he would; he remembered his time with Caroline fondly. They had spent so much time together, along with Eleanor, who was a bit younger than them but just as fun. Along with his childhood friend Joseph, the four would cause havoc with their adventures. Things were a bit more refined as they grew up, but their friendship had been strong.

Then David’s mother had died, and he had moved away with his family. He didn’t get a chance to say farewell. Joseph had kept in touch, mostly because his family home was close by in Buckinghamshire, but Eleanor and Caroline … David had let that slide.

Of course, he knew it was no excuse, but he didn’t end up writing to the two girls to see how they were. David didn’t think he would be back in Hertfordshire and didn’t see them in London for their Seasons. He thought they had just moved on with their lives. After all, being friends with two young women when he was a duke now was probably not a good idea.

Even so, he did want to see them and find out how they were getting on. Did they still live with their parents? Or would he be able to find out where they were? Just to see how life was being to them. Hopefully, it was good. They both deserved it, after all.

I deserved a good life. But with my father gone, I’m not so sure.

“Your Grace?”

David turned and did a double-take. A little girl about ten years old with red-russet hair tumbling about her shoulders and wearing a yellow dress was standing in the doorway, giving him a big grin. David stared.

“Gwen?”

Gwen giggled and hurried across the room, David managing to brace himself before his youngest sister launched herself at him. He caught her as she jumped into his arms and wrapped her arms and legs around him in a big hug. David was surprised that he didn’t end up falling over; Gwen Hudson had the ability to knock anyone over despite her small size.

“What are you doing here?”

“What?” Gwen laughed and pulled back, prodding him in the shoulder. “You knew we were coming! Why so surprised?”

“I thought you would be here later, and O’Leary didn’t tell me you were here.”

“That’s because we told him we wanted to surprise you.”

David looked around and saw the tall, willowy girl with dark hair leaning on the doorknob, watching him with a smile. He chuckled.

“Well, you certainly did that.”

“Although I’m the one who’s surprised that you didn’t hear the carriage coming up the driveway.”

“I am on the other side of the house, Henrietta,” David reminded her. Kissing Gwen’s cheek, he put his sister down with a grimace. “God, you need to stop doing that, Gwen. You’re getting really heavy.”

“I’m not heavy!” Gwen protested. “That’s rude!”

“And you’d better not do that to everyone in your life, or people will think you’re odd.” David ruffled her hair, which had Gwen squealing and wriggling away from him. “Are you hungry? I know Mrs Lazenby is preparing lunch, and I’m sure you’re starving.”

“I’m always starving!” Gwen declared.

Henrietta simply smiled.

“That would be perfect,” she said.

***

“Oh, this is divine!” Eleanor sighed as she took a mouthful of cake off her fork, closing her eyes with a sigh. “I love how it melts in your mouth.”

“Your cook is certainly good at making something marvellous,” Mr Talbot agreed, using his fork to take another piece off his slice. “She’s wonderful with her hands.”

Eleanor laughed.

“Richard, I keep telling you, it’s Olivier who is in charge of the kitchen and his brother Patrice who baked the cakes and biscuits. They’re both men.”

“But …”

Mr Talbot’s face went a little red, and Caroline smiled.

“To be fair to Mr Talbot, Eleanor, if you heard the names Olivier and Patrice without any context, you would assume you were talking about women.”

She got a grateful smile in return. Eleanor was still giggling as she squeezed Mr Talbot’s arm.

“Forgive me, Richard. I didn’t mean to be so rude. I’m used to it, so it feels amusing when I hear the mistake.”

Mr Talbot mumbled something and concentrated on his mouthful. Eleanor leaned towards him, whispering something that made him smile, and he looked less embarrassed. Caroline sipped her tea and watched them. The pair were quite sweet together. When Eleanor had told her that she had some attention from the young man, the youngest son of a viscount was interested in her, Caroline had encouraged her. It was nice to have any attention from a gentleman, and Eleanor shouldn’t be fussy because of her social standing. Eleanor didn’t want to marry to advance herself in Society; she simply saw it as a bonus.

And from how she and Mr Talbot were together, it was clear there was an inkling of an attraction. Mr Talbot was sweet on Eleanor, and she liked having him around. Caroline couldn’t begin to count how many times she talked about him to her friend. It was adorable but also a little annoying.

It had only been a month, and while they weren’t officially courting, it would only be a matter of time.

“Eleanor,” Lady Archer admonished gently from her chair across the terrace, looking up from her book, “don’t be unkind to Mr Talbot. You shouldn’t laugh at someone for an honest mistake.”

“Mother!”

But Lady Archer had gone back to her book. Caroline leaned over and touched her friend’s arm.

“Ignore her,” she whispered. “We’re allowed to tease each other every now and then. It’s nothing bad.”

Eleanor gave her a grateful smile and turned back to Mr Talbot. Caroline decided to leave them to it for the moment. With Lady Archer so close by, she wasn’t going to leave them completely alone. And she needed to get a bit of air away from everyone for now. Much as she liked how happy Eleanor looked, it was a little tough for her to watch.

It made Caroline remember her shortcomings.

She wandered to the end of the terrace and looked out over the gardens. It was a pretty place, far better than her own home. That felt awful to say, but with money issues being a problem and their land not bringing in the money it used to because there were fewer people to work it, things had fallen by the wayside. Including the garden, as they didn’t have a gardener to look after it. Her parents felt awful about it, but they couldn’t do much about it. Caroline was trying, but she wasn’t very good at it. She was going to have to figure it out and very quickly.

Maybe she could ask Eleanor’s gardener for a few ideas. Then she would know what she was supposed to be doing.

“Caroline?”

Caroline turned. Eleanor was walking towards her, the sunlight making her golden blonde hair glow. She looked like she had a halo, especially with her white gown. Caroline frowned.

“Aren’t you and Mr Talbot …?”

“Richard’s gone inside. He needed to talk to Father about something.”

“But I only just left you.”

“You’ve been deep in thought for a long time, Caroline.” Eleanor tilted her head. “Time seems to have slipped by you.”

“Really?” Caroline hadn’t realised, having thought it had only been a few minutes. Her face was getting warm. “I guess I wasn’t really paying attention. Forgive me, Eleanor; I didn’t mean to be so inattentive.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.” Eleanor slipped an arm through Caroline’s and leaned into her. “I love you, Caroline. And given the situation, I’m surprised you’re still here even after I said you could leave.”

“Why wouldn’t I be here for you? You and I are friends, and I want to be there for my friend.”

“Caroline, I know you too well. How long have we known each other?”

Caroline didn’t need to ask what Eleanor meant by that. It was unspoken by now. The fact that Eleanor was moving along with her life while Caroline was stuck and unable to go anywhere. It was difficult not to be sad, knowing that happiness was happening to everyone else except her.

That was unfair, yes, but Caroline couldn’t stop her feelings.

Sighing, she glanced over at Lady Archer, who barely glanced at them before going back to her book. Then she led Eleanor down the steps and onto the grass.

“I’m happy for you, Eleanor. There isn’t much I can say beyond that. You know I’m pleased you’ve got an opportunity to find happiness.”

“But you wish you could have it for yourself, don’t you?”

Caroline groaned.

“We’re not going to go through this again. Love and happiness passed me by, so I must accept it and walk away.”

“Who said you had to walk away?” Eleanor asked. “Maybe love will come for you now. It isn’t a requirement to have it before the age of twenty. After all, you can’t force love. It’s simply natural.”

Caroline had to admit that Eleanor was right. She found it easy to love her parents, Eleanor, and those very close to her, but romantic love was hard to come by. When she was in Society as a young woman, she was excited and full of dreams. But as time passed, finding someone interested in her had been really hard work. Love didn’t come easily to her when everyone turned their backs on her. Not literally, of course, but it felt a lot like that.

Then her parents’ health began failing, and their finances went down. That wasn’t something that became public, but somehow everyone learned about it. Now she barely had any money to her name, and her father was merely a landowner rather than anything important; Caroline wasn’t considered a good catch. It was so frustrating to go to a ball or a dinner party and listen to people talk to her as if she were stupid and didn’t have a mind of her own because she wasn’t married. It felt like she was treated worse because she was unmarried and not under a husband’s thumb.

Why didn’t anyone look at her, other than those close to her, and see a strong, intelligent, and funny person? They only saw no money and low social standing when they looked at Caroline. Nothing that could be of any use.

Eleanor, on the other hand, had nothing to worry about with that. It was a miracle that they were still friends given how different their situations were now.

Sighing, Caroline looked back at the terrace and watched Lady Archer, happily engrossed in whatever she was reading. She wished she could while away her hours doing that. It looked like it could soothe her nerves and get her to think about something else.

“I suppose it’s something I’m going to have to accept; love simply passed me by, and there’s nothing I can do about it, so I’m going to move on.”

“Move on? How are you going to do that?”

“I was talking to my parents about that.” Caroline turned away from watching her friend’s mother. “We need some more money coming in, and I want to help my parents somehow. So I’m going to look for a job as a governess or a chaperone.”

Eleanor stopped, still holding onto her arm, so Caroline nearly fell over when her arm didn’t move. She was staring at Caroline.

“What? You’re going to become a governess?”

“What’s wrong with that? I’m well-educated, and I am patient. I can teach small children that need their education, which can keep me busy. Plus, a governess does get paid well, depending on the family. I can see it being a good way to help my family’s financial situation.”

Eleanor still looked rather bewildered.

“Erm, I never thought I’d hear you say that. So you’re not going to be attending London for another Season?”

“When I’m going to be bored and have to listen to how I should have taken advantage of my youth when I’m not being ignored? No, thanks.”

“It’s not that bad, is it?”

“You’d be surprised.” Caroline shrugged. “Anyway, I think this will be good for me. I will feel like this is a way to gain some self-worth and help my parents.”

Eleanor smiled.

“You’re going to be fine. Even when things get tough, you end up landing on your feet.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. Although,” Eleanor folded her arms, “I still think you could find a gentleman for yourself. You’re still beautiful and intelligent, and I’m sure you’ll draw in the right man.”

Caroline frowned.

“I think you’re forgetting that I’m too old for the marriage market now. I’ve been put on a shelf.”

“But someone can still reach to bring you back down again.”

“You’re making me sound like an old toy nobody wants to play with again.”

Eleanor giggled.

“I suppose that’s the case. But, seriously, you’re an incredible woman, and those who haven’t noticed are just blind and stupid. You’re going to find someone who is going to appreciate that.”

Caroline did appreciate the vote of confidence, but she didn’t think it would happen.

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“A Loving Governess for the Duke” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

Caroline Fairfax has an optimistic heart, but her life has been shadowed by her unmarried status and the need to financially help her ailing parents. When she unexpectedly reunites with her childhood friend David, the new Duke of Bayntree, he offers her the position of his sisters’ governess, and Caroline can simply not resist the opportunity to start anew. However, the more time she spends with him, the more the lines in their relationship become blurred.

Things would be much simpler if the mere presence of David was not enough to sweep her off her feet…

David Hudson took on the role of the new Duke after his father’s death and became the guardian of his two younger sisters. Despite not wanting to, he knows it is his duty to find a wife to secure his family’s line and a motherly figure for his sisters. His struggle only gets worse though when his heart starts singing for the last person it should. He is perfectly aware that pursuing a relationship with Caroline would only cause an unrepairable scandal, and yet, he is unable to resist the warmth of her beauty and compassion.

Will he listen to his heart’s voice or condemn himself to misery for the sake of duty?

While they navigate their new lives and ever-changing relationship, Caroline and David realise their undeniably growing feelings for each other. Despite their flourishing love, Caroline’s social standing and David’s reputation being at stake compel them to forfeit their personal happiness. Will they compromise with the reality of their roles and see that their futures are worlds apart? Or will they go against all odds and fight for their tender love?

“A Loving Governess for the Duke” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

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