From Governess to Society Bride

‘I hope I’m not late,’ she said hurriedly, nervous now he was her employer.

‘You are on time. I always make sure I am punctual for appointments, Mrs Brody, and I expect punctuality in others.’ He shot a look at the footman. ‘Fetch Mrs Coombs. She can show Mrs Brody what’s what.’

‘Mrs Coombs is your housekeeper?’ Eve enquired, holding Estelle’s hand tight.

He nodded. ‘She is, although many years ago she was my nurse. At present I employ eight members of staff. Bennet is my butler of long standing, and Mrs Coombs is my housekeeper and cook, with Nelly the kitchen maid. There are two footmen—not forgetting Miss Lacy and my valet. There is also Herbert Shepherd, my carriage driver. He looks after the few horses I have left. When I decided to sell the house I had to let most of the servants go. There was no point in keeping them on. But here’s Mrs Coombs,’ he said, beckoning the elderly housekeeper who was looking at the new nursemaid with interest.

‘Mrs Coombs, this is Mrs Brody, who is to replace Miss Lacy. Be so good as to show her up to the nursery. I’m sure she’d like to see the children and familiarise herself with everything before Miss Lacy leaves us.’

Mrs Brody’s name was not unfamiliar to Mrs Coombs. She had heard all about the furore between this young woman and his lordship from Miss Lacy and it had caused much talk and laughter among the meagre staff. She had nothing but admiration for the young lady. There weren’t many people who would dare stand up to Lord Stainton, and Mrs Brody had tested both his patience and his temper—which was volatile at the best of times—fearlessly giving as much as she got. Jolly good luck to her, she thought with a pleased little chuckle.