Page 8 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)

“My mother lives in Keswick,” Lady Kessley had said, handing Eden a folded note. “Her address is on the front. Go to her. She has just written to me about a friend of hers who is in need of a governess. I have told her you would be a good choice. Mama will see that you get the post.”

She’d had enough money to reach Keswick. Barely. And she had gone to the countess’ mother, giving her the note. The woman’s lips had pursed, and she had murmured something about her son-in-law up to it again. Still, she had arranged for Eden to meet with her friend.

And Lady Traywick had saved her.

Justina and Verina had been present when she called upon Lady Traywick for tea.

It was obvious she took to the girls and they to her.

When tea ended, the countess had offered Eden the position, which she had gratefully accepted.

She had now spent five years watching the two sitting across from her start to grow into being young women.

She had also gained confidence in her governessing skills and knew when the time came and Lady Justina made her come-out in three years, she would be able to find another position with ease.

She returned to her journal and finished adding up the costs of the trip to present to Lady Traywick.

The older woman had always shown great kindness to Eden, treating her more as a relative than the hired help.

She doubted Lady Traywick would even look at the figures Eden now tallied, but she wanted her employer to know she had been responsible with the funds she had been given in which to make this journey.

The carriage bumped again, waking both Verina and Justina.

“How much longer?” Justina asked. “It seems as if we have been on the road forever.”

“I agree,” Verina said. “It has been a week, Miss Snow.”

“We last changed horses at Maidstone. There will be one more change, and then we should arrive at Millvale,” she replied. “I believe we should reach His Grace’s estate in time for tea this afternoon.”

“Oh, a decent tea,” Verina said, sighing. “I am so ready to be in one spot again. One bedchamber to sleep in. Not living out of a trunk. My limbs are tired, and I haven’t even moved much at all today.”

“I hate long carriage rides,” Justina declared.

“When I wed, I will make certain that my husband lives close to town. I cannot imagine having to go back and forth for days on end on the road as we have done this past week. No wonder Mama has always left us at Traywick Manor when she goes to the Season.”

“It must be the reason we never visited with our cousins more,” Verina pointed out. “Millvale is in Kent, and we know now how far it is from our home. And Marleyfield is in Somerset. That is also a long way from Traywick Manor and the Lake District.”

“I think it will be fun to see our cousins again,” Justina said. “I remember Val and Con being the oldest. They managed to be in trouble that entire week we cousins were together.” She paused. “Do you remember Tia and Lia?” she asked her sister.

“A little. They were a couple of years older than I was. I recall Dru the most. She was only a year older. You and I played with her more.”

“I think it so sad that their father died so suddenly and made them miss their come-outs,” Justina said.

“They cannot help that their father passed when he did,” Eden said gently. “They will be sad about his death and the fact they are missing their come-outs. It will be good that they will have the two of you to talk with. Be generous with your time and nurturing with your spirits.”

“Their mourning period will be up by next spring,” Verina said.

“That means Tia and Lia can make their come-outs, along with Cousin Dru. She should be doing so.” She looked to her sister.

“Perhaps Mama will let us come to town with her next spring. I know we cannot attend any events since we will not be out, but it would be good to be with Mama and perhaps see something of our cousins.”

“I would like that so much,” Justina declared. “Miss Snow, perhaps if you suggest that very thing to Mama, she will allow us to do so. Mama trusts you implicitly. If you say it is good for us, she will let us accompany her to town. You would come, too. Have you ever been to town?”

“We should concentrate on other things for now,” she said crisply.

“However, I do think it would be a good idea for you to have some time in the city before you are officially seen at events. There are all kinds of lessons that we could do while there. And it would be helpful for Justina to see what Verina goes through as she makes her come-out in two years’ time.

It would prepare you more thoroughly for your own.

When the time comes, I will speak to Lady Traywick about this. ”

“Thank you, Miss Snow,” the sisters said in unison, chatting happily about what they would be doing at Millvale and how they would become reacquainted with their cousins and aunt again.

These girls were so happy. This would be a good trip for them, and time spent bonding with their cousins would be nice. Whether Verina and Justina knew it or not, their presence would lighten the sadness felt by their aunt and their cousins.

And the duke, she supposed.

Her charges had barely mentioned His Grace.

He had been so much older than they the only time this group of cousins had been brought together.

Eden couldn’t help but wonder how this new duke was settling into his role as head of the family, especially because his father’s death had come so unexpectedly.

Then again, it was none of her business.

A duke would have nothing to do with a governess.

She might see him occasionally in passing, but he would be far too busy to take notice of her.

At least that’s what she told herself.

It had been a blessing to be at Traywick Manor all these years, with no gentleman to avoid.

Lord Traywick was six and ten when Eden had arrived.

He was a happy young man and a good brother to his sisters.

She had never felt threatened by his presence.

Going to a new household, however, where a powerful duke resided, did give her pause for thought.

She did not want to have anything to do with this duke.

She would go out of her way not to draw his notice.

Eden was far too happy with her current post to want to leave it.

She only hoped the Duke of Millbrooke would be respectful and behave himself in a gentlemanly fashion, especially with his mother, aunt, and so many young ladies present in his household.

Let me be safe , she thought as the carriage rolled on, bringing them closer and closer to Millvale.