Ruined (To Love a Governess Regency Short Story) (4 page)

“Let me see what I have in the back.”
 
Monique disappeared, leaving Audrey alone with Lady Timothy.
 

Lady Timothy grinned. “I was to be their governess.”

 
“What happened?” If this lovely lady before her could not land the position, what chance did she have?

She shrugged. “I got married.”
 

Relief swept through Audrey as Monique returned with a simple, dark green gown.
 
It was perfect for her purpose and appeared as if it would be a close fit.

“How much?”
There was no point in getting her hopes up if it was too costly.

The bell above the door tinkled again and Audrey turned.
 
Mortification swept over her.
 

Chapter 4

“Miss Rutledge,” Alec began but was brought up short by her appearance. He tried not to gape but the poor woman was mussed, almost beyond repair.
 
If only he had been the one
to
 
do
the damage to her hair, and not what must have been a horrendous trip on a public coach.
 
Perhaps he should have left his carriage for her or allowed her to travel back to Willanton with him; but he was so surprised to come face to face with her in the employment agency that he couldn’t think straight.
 

Of course, had he given her his carriage he would still be in Edinburgh waiting for James to tire of his
carousing.
 
And, if he would have asked her to share the carriage with him, she would have been ruined before they were a day into the trip, and not just her reputation. It didn’t matter that all of London saw her as ruined, he did not, and he was not going to be the one to add to her already low reputation.
 

Regardless of her appearance, she was still lovely.
Probably one of the loveliest ladies of his acquaintance.
And even though her blonde hair hung straight instead of in fashionable curls, he itched to run his fingers through the silken mass.

Alec took another step forward. “I thought I saw you come in here.”

“Lord Winters.” She slightly inclined her head.
        

He came further into the room.
 
“I was waiting in the Tea Room for you to arrive.” He glanced around for her things. “Did you only bring a satchel?”

“Apparently the footman forgot to load her trunk,” Monique offered.

Alec jerked his head toward the modiste. He hadn’t even noticed her standing there.

“She has only the dress she is wearing now,” Lady Timothy explained.

He turned to his left. Where had Lady Timothy come from? How had he not noticed either woman when he entered into the shop?
 
He executed a quick bow to Lady Timothy and a nod toward Monique. Both must think him quite rude.

 
“Miss Rutledge was inquiring about a new gown for her interview.”
 
Lady Timothy’s eyebrow shot up in question, as if she didn’t trust his motives. He barely knew the lady so why would she be so distrustful of him?

“Try it on, Miss Rutledge?”
 
Monique held a dark green dress out and Miss Rutledge took it, disappearing into a curtained room.

“Why are you concerned with Fairfield hiring a governess?”
 
Lady Timothy questioned.
 
Her foot tapped evenly against the floorboards.
 
One fist was anchored at her hip.
 
Had Lord Strotham not married this woman, she would have made an excellent governess for those girls.

“So he will be available to go to London. He won’t go until he has a governess for his nieces.”

 
“Why do you need him in London?”
 
Monique leaned against the counter of her shop.
 

Why was he being questioned by these two ladies? Of course he knew them, but certainly not well enough for them to ask about such personal matters.

“If you must know, I intend to find a wife this Season and need Fairfield’s opinion and assistance.”

Monique laughed and Lady Timothy grinned.
 
They didn’t seem to believe him, though he couldn’t understand why.

He crossed his arms over his chest and planted his feet. “I will have you know, the past few Seasons have not been particularly successful for me.
 
There was only one lady with which I would have liked the opportunity to court but she was already betrothed.”
 
He didn’t dare tell these two that the very lady he spoke of was currently changing her gown.
 

“I still don’t see how Fairfield can be of assistance,” Lady Timothy persisted.

“He is another opinion. He is . . . I just need him. That is all.”
 
Why was he explaining himself to these two and why was he so defensive?

* * *

Audrey waited until she thought she had control over her emotions.
 
To hear
Winters
announce that he intended to find a bride this Season was a knife to her heart. Of course, what should she have expected? It wasn’t as if he would ever consider her, even if he did find her attractive.
 
Her name and reputation were so tarnished there was no hope of ever marrying quality, or anyone else for that matter. Still, she did not like to hear about his intentions of finding a bride.

She adjusted the hint of lace at the tip of her sleeve. Was she the betrothed lady he spoke of? That could be dozens of ladies each Season, but what if it was her, and she suspected it was after the time they shared?
  
If only things
—

She stopped the thought before it could form further. There was no future with
Winters
, she must forget the past.

Audrey studied the dress in the mirror.
 
The length was too long, but otherwise it fit everywhere else.
 
“Monique.” She didn’t wish to parade around in front of
Winters
.
 

Monique popped her head between the break in the curtains. “It is almost a perfect fit,” she said, moving into the room.
 
“I only need to bring the hem up.”
 
She gestured for Audrey to stand on a stool in the center of the room,
then
grabbed some pins off of the low table.

“Before you go to any trouble, I need to know the cost.”

The modiste looked up at her.
 
“One pound.”

It was as she feared. “I am afraid I do not have the funds. I will see what can be done with my dress.”

“Nonsense.”
 
Monique settled on the floor and began measuring and pinning the hem.
 
“You need a dress for the interview.
 
You can pay after you are paid.”

“What if Fairfield does not hire me? Then how will I pay you?”

Monique glanced up at her and smiled. “Don’t worry.
 
We will think of something.”

Audrey stepped away. “I cannot let you do this and I cannot take the dress
without
 
knowing
if I can ever pay you back.”

“Lady Timothy,” Monique called.
 
A moment later the woman appeared in the dressing room.
 
“You and your husband will be opening your lending library soon, correct?”

A smile spread across Lady Timothy’s lips. “Yes.”

“If Miss Rutledge is not hired as the governess, will you have a position?”

Lady Timothy’s brows knit together in concern. “I suppose so, but I don’t really expect Miss Rutledge will actually need a job.”

Monique laughed quietly. “Neither do
I
.”

At least these two thought Fairfield would hire her, but did she risk having a new dress when there was uncertainty of where the funds would come from?

“We are in agreement. You will have no concerns shortly so please, let me hem your dress.”

With reluctance, Audrey stepped back onto the stool and stood patiently while Monique pinned. She turned when instructed, trying to ignore the knot of worry in her stomach.

When Monique finished she stood. “If you will hand me the dress I will have it hemmed in a short time and you can be wearing it soon.”

Lady Timothy stood behind Audrey and studied her reflection in the mirror.
 
“She needs more than a new dress.”

Heat crept up Audrey’s face.
 
Her appearance was appalling.

“Do you mind if we go upstairs, Monique?” Lady Timothy asked.

“No, of course not.”
She helped Audrey step from the dress.
 
“I am sure Miss Rutledge would like nothing better than to wash and repair her hair.”

Audrey whipped around. “Thank you, but I don’t want to be a bother.”

Monique smiled. “It is no bother.
 
Besides, where else can you prepare yourself for the interview with Lord Fairfield?”

Chapter 5

Alec paced inside the clothing shop while he waited for Miss Rutledge to reappear.
 
Monique had provided him with a cup of tea but he had not seen anyone for well over an hour.
 
How long does it take to bathe and hem a gown?

Lady Timothy was the first to appear but Miss Rutledge did not follow.
 
She approached Alec, a contemplative look upon her face.
 
“Are you aware Fairfield has taken his family from town and will not be back for a few days?”

“I learned this morning.”

“I know you haven’t bothered to mention this to Miss Rutledge because she is under the impression her interview will be today.”

Was she accusing him of not being honest?
Although, he
had
thought to put off telling Miss Rutledge.
“I haven’t exactly been given the opportunity.
 
You whisked her away before we could speak.”

“True.”
 
Lady Timothy pursed her lips and seemed to be in thought for a moment. “Have you given any consideration to where she will stay?”

“I don’t believe the inn is a safe place for a young lady.”

“Nor can she afford it,” Lady Timothy added.

“I thought to take her to Briar Crest Abbey.”

Lady Timothy straightened.
 
“Your estate?”

Alec turned at the gasp coming from behind him.
 
Miss Rutledge stood before him, eyes wide and jaw set.
 
What other choice did he have?

Miss Rutledge took a step forward and pointed a finger at him.
 
“My reputation may have suffered in London because of actions beyond my control, but I will not put myself in further situations that could ruin any chances of my being hired by Fairfield.”
 
She folded her arms across her chest, pivoted and walked away. “I cannot believe you would even make such a suggestion.”