Page 36 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

Susan was certainly torn. She was immediately taken with the little girl with dark hair, big brown eyes, and a wistful expression. How could shenotbut be taken with her? But still… she was in no position to consider such an offer and did not answerAunt.

Aunt Clarissa took Susan by the arm and led her out of the nursery. They walked back in silence to Aunt’sroom.

“Would you like another cup of tea? The pot’s stillhot.”

“Yes,please.”

Aunt poured a fresh cup for both of them. Then they sat back in their chairs, each lost in their ownthoughts.

“What do you think of her?” Aunt finallyasked.

Susan waggled her head. “Beautiful child. Hurt child. But I don’t think I’m the one to helpher.”

Aunt bit her lip. “I know that’s not true. You’re the perfect person. What would it take to convinceyou?”

Susan shook herhead.

“But I couldn’t teach at the school and come here as well to teach Elizabeth parttime.”

“That’s not what I’m asking for. I want you to work full time, as a live-in nanny, governess. This is a position like no other. It requires your special skills andpersonality.”

“But what about my other kids—my students? I feel a responsibility to them aswell.”

“What if I offered you double the salary you are getting paid at theschool?”

Susan started. She was astonished at the idea. It would take her years to work up to such a salary where she was now. And even though her family did well, they were not in a position to offer much of a dowry to a prospective suitor. This would allow her to greatly augment what was offered now. She immediately thought of how that might affect her relationship withDaniel.

“I don’tknow…”

“And what if I also offered you the opportunity to pursue your passion for education by organizing a school on the estate for all the children of the workers? Would that interestyou?”

That took Susan’s breath away. The opportunity to start her own school—design her own curriculum—motivate and mold any number of young minds. It wasastounding.

“I’ll need to think about it. I’d want to speak to my family. And I’m not sure I’d want to livehere.”

“You would need to. Elizabeth needs to feel your constantpresence.”

“And you’d need to speak to the Duke about this? This is not something you can approve by yourself, isit?”

“No. That’s correct. But, if you’ll seriously consider this, I’ll take this proposal to him this veryevening.”

Susan stood and looked out the window at the lovely view of Haverford Park. Stretching out behind the house was a large expanse of open, rolling lawn with a fountain shooting skyward in the middle of a formal pond. Woods bordered either side of the lawn, and at the far end was a classically inspired pavilion at the tip of a rise. There were also paved, intersecting walkways that Susan believed would entice her to take leisurelywalks.

Susan took a deep breath and tried to settle in with all this proposed opportunity and possible change. She turned back toAunt.

“Yes. I will consider this. That sweet child has touched my heart and I understand and share your concern for her. But how do you honestly believe the Duke with react to this proposal? It seems uncertain, doesn’tit?”

Aunt Clarissa considered thequestion.

“I have to admit, it does. And in thinking about it, I believe it might be better for us to approach him together. If he knew you were sincerely interested, he might be more inclined to accept the proposal. And it would also help if you were to prepare a presentation for him about your ideas for the estate school. Let him see the value of what you have to offer and he might just acceptit.”

“Then I’d have to agree to do this before you spoke tohim?

“Yes. But you wouldn’t need to make any changes in your situation until heagreed.”

Susan came back to her chair and sat. “How much time do I have to considerthis?”

“As long as you need. But obviously, the sooner you make a decision the sooner we can get started on both the school and your care for Elizabeth. It seems to me, she is in desperate need of the attention you could giveher.”