Drawing in a deep breath, Albina set her shoulders and walked to the door, trying to ignore the fact that tonight, she would be trying to sleep in her bed whilst rats scurried about the floor. It was not the first time she had heard such a noise, but it still startled her every time she heard it. Pulling open the door, Albina began to make her way to the schoolroom. Today, they would be starting their letters and she had a few things to prepare. Given that she had never taught a child their letters before, Albina was trying desperately to recall what Mrs. Stanley had taught her andhowshe had taught her so that she might then use the very same with Henry.
“Ah, Miss Trean.”
A footman hurried towards her, a little out of breath from climbing so many stairs. “The master wishes to speak to you.”
Albina frowned.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Lord Addenbrook requires your company. Now.”
She blinked, then gestured to the schoolroom.
“I have to prepare for Henry’s lessons.”
The footman’s eyes flared wide, and Albina immediately realized that she had made a mistake. A governess did not question the master in any way and did as they were requested without hesitation, just as any hired help would do.But I do not like being pulled away from my task, given that my responsibility is first to Henry.A knot of fear tied itself in her stomach as she looked longingly towards the schoolroom door. She had never taught letters before and needed this time to make certain that she was quite ready for Henry.
But it seemed that Lord Addenbrook was to steal that from her.
“Might I ask where Lord Addenbrook is at present?”
The footman, who had been gawping at her as if she were the most ridiculous creature he had ever seen, closed his eyes for a moment, opened them, and then pointed back down the stairs.
“He is in his study.” His head swiveled back towards her. “And he is waiting.”
Albina nodded and followed the footman without any further hesitation. A little embarrassed, she was all too aware that what she had said would soon become well known to the rest of the staff, for the footman would be eager to share what he had heard. Telling herself that such a thing did not matter – for a governess did not dine with the servants – Albina drew herself up to her full height and made her way directly towards the study.
Lifting one hand to rap on the door, Albina hesitated, biting her lip gently. She had no knowledge of what it was that Lord Addenbrook wanted, but she feared now that it was due to her forthright manner yesterday afternoon. Her mouth went dry as she imagined him telling her that she was now dismissed from her role. She would have to return to Mrs. Stanley and, perhaps, even to her family.And what would become of Henry?
The door opened, startling her.
“Do come in, Miss Trean.” Lord Addenbrook arched one eyebrow. “I did hear your footsteps coming along the hallway and then noticed that they stopped just outside my door. But you did not knock.”
Her face grew warm as she stepped inside, biting back the response that she wanted to shoot at him.You cannot risk his ire.Keeping her back straight, Albina clasped her hands in front of her, lifted her chin gently, and stood a little back from his desk. Lord Addenbrook walked past her, and she caught a gentle scent of spice, sending a strange, twisting sensation into her core. A little confused at such a reaction, Albina dropped her head, giving herself the appearance of a demure and decorous governess.
“Now, Miss Trean. I have something to ask you.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Keeping her head low and attempting to speak quietly, Albina silently prayed that he would not fling her from the house.
“I must ask you what Henry has said of his home here.”
Her eyes shot to his.
“I beg your pardon?”
Lord Addenbrook smiled, and Albina dropped her gaze back to the floor.
“I mean to ask you what he has said of his time here. Has he mentioned to you why he is now residing with me?”
Albina shook her head.
“No, he has not. He has mentioned that his room is a little smaller than the one he had before and that he is sometimes cold, but that is all.”
Darting a glance at Lord Addenbrook, she caught the dark frown which quickly melted away when he caught her watching him.
“That is not what I meant, Miss Trean.”