Chapter 23

Twenty-Three

C hristina sat at her desk, quill in hand, her mind focused on the household accounts when a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Setting the quill aside, she called out, "Come in."

The door opened, and Mrs. Brimsey entered, a bright smile on her face as she curtsied. "Your Grace, I bring good news."

Christina smiled in return, grateful for the cheerful presence of the housekeeper. "Good news is always welcome, Mrs. Brimsey. What is it?"

"The advertisement you posted in the paper to find a new governess has borne fruit. There is a young woman here today, applying for the position."

Christina felt a rush of relief. At last , she thought. Perhaps we shall be rid of Miss Peversly. "Where is she now?"

"In the drawing room, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey replied, gesturing to the hall.

Before Christina could respond, Carrot sauntered through the ajar door and leaped gracefully onto her desk, scattering a few papers in his wake. Christina chuckled, brushing her fingers over his fur before turning back to Mrs. Brimsey. "Thank you. I'll see to her immediately."

As she made her way toward the drawing room, Christina's thoughts raced. If this Miss Brown proved to be the governess they needed, life would become so much easier—and far more pleasant—without Miss Peversly's stern and overbearing presence.

As she neared the drawing room, the soft sound of Agnes's voice drifted out to meet her. "Where are you from?" Agnes asked, her childlike curiosity evident. "Why are you here at Kilton Castle?"

The young woman's response was soft but polite. "I am from Bath, my lady, and I have come to Kilton Castle to apply for the position of governess."

"And what does a governess do?" Agnes pressed, her voice filled with wonder.

"A governess teaches children their lessons," Miss Brown answered patiently. "I would help you with reading, writing, and perhaps even tell you stories before bed."

Christina smiled as she stepped into the room, but her expression faltered the moment her eyes fell upon Miss Brown. The young woman stood from her chair and curtsied, but it was impossible to ignore the state of her appearance. Her gown was covered in dust, her hair slightly disheveled, and there was a sheen of sweat on her brow as though she had been running or exerting herself.

"Your Grace," Miss Brown greeted, her voice respectful though there was a hint of unease in her eyes. "I am Miss Charlotte Brown."

Christina nodded graciously, though her mind was already racing with questions. "Miss Brown, welcome. I trust you had no trouble finding the castle?"

Miss Brown hesitated, just for a moment, before responding. "No trouble at all, Your Grace."

Christina glanced over the young woman's attire once more, biting her lip as she debated whether or not to comment. After a brief pause, she finally asked, her voice soft, "You seem rather… the worse for wear. Did something happen on your way here?"

Miss Brown's face flushed with embarrassment, and she glanced toward the door, her eyes widening ever so slightly. Christina followed her gaze and tensed when she saw Miss Peversly standing just outside the room, her expression as stony as ever.

Miss Brown quickly recovered and offered a shaky smile. "I… I was directed to use the servants' entrance, Your Grace, and ended up taking several flights of stairs. I got a bit lost, but a kind maid helped me find my way here."

Christina felt a surge of frustration but kept her expression neutral. She glanced at Miss Peversly briefly, considering whether to bring up the obvious interference, but refrained. She had no solid proof of Miss Peversly's involvement, only suspicion. And Victor—practical as always—would dismiss it without evidence.

Instead, Christina turned back to Miss Brown with a warm smile. "Please, sit. Let us proceed with the interview."

Miss Brown sat once more, folding her hands in her lap with an air of quiet dignity despite her disheveled appearance. Christina took her seat as well and began asking about her qualifications.

"You mentioned that you are from Bath. Have you held previous positions as a governess?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Miss Brown replied, her voice steadying as she spoke. "I served as a governess for four years with the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Carver. I was responsible for their education in reading, writing, arithmetic, and French, as well as their music lessons."

"And how did the children progress under your care?" Christina asked, leaning forward slightly.

Miss Brown's face brightened. "The youngest learned to read within a year, and all three were proficient in writing shortly after. They also enjoyed their music lessons, and I believe they've continued their studies in my absence."

Impressed by Miss Brown's accomplishments, Christina asked a few more questions about her references and responsibilities. It became clear that the young woman was intelligent, well-mannered, and capable—qualities Christina valued highly.

When the interview came to a close, Christina smiled. "Thank you, Miss Brown. You've certainly made a fine impression. I shall speak with the duke and inform him of my recommendation."

Miss Brown curtsied once more. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Leaving the drawing room, Christina made her way to Victor's study, Miss Brown's reference letter in hand. Her heart was lighter as she knocked at his door, already anticipating his approval.

"Enter," Victor's voice called from within.

Christina stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her. Victor sat at his desk, his eyes lifting from the papers in front of him as she approached.

"Victor," she began, her voice full of optimism. "I have just interviewed a young woman for the position of governess. Miss Charlotte Brown. She is well-qualified, polite, and comes with an excellent reference from her previous employers."

Victor leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing with interest. "You are satisfied with her, then?"

Christina nodded, extending the reference letter. "I believe she would be a wonderful addition to the household."

Victor took the letter and glanced over it before setting it aside. "Very well. I would like to meet her myself before making any decisions."

Together, they walked toward the drawing room, Christina's heart lifting in anticipation of introducing him to the young woman. But the moment they entered the room, Victor's expression shifted. His gaze swept over Miss Brown's dusty gown and disheveled hair, and his features hardened.

Christina's heart sank as she watched his reaction.

Victor turned to her with a questioning, almost accusatory look, but before she could offer an explanation, he addressed Miss Brown sharply.

"I am afraid, Miss Brown, that you do not qualify for this position."

Miss Brown's face fell, her hands trembling as she stood to curtsy. "I?—"

Victor didn't wait for her to finish. He turned and strode out of the room, leaving Christina standing there, speechless and stunned. The hope she had carried for the last hour crumbled in an instant.

Without a word to Miss Brown, Christina hurried after Victor, following him down the corridor until they reached his study. The moment the door closed behind them, she turned to him, her voice rising in frustration.

"Victor, why did you do that? You didn't even give her a chance to explain herself!"

Victor was already standing by the window, his back to her, the tension in his shoulders unmistakable. He remained silent for a moment before replying, his voice cold. "Did you take a proper look at her, Christina? That is the woman you would entrust with the care of our children?"

Christina's breath caught at the harshness of his tone. "She is well-qualified," she said, her voice firm despite the hurt building in her chest. "Her appearance was an unfortunate circumstance. She was directed to the wrong entrance?—"

"And that," Victor interrupted, turning to face her, "is the first impression she offers? My children deserve better than that."

Christina felt her temper rising, but she fought to keep her voice measured. "Appearances are not everything. She is intelligent, well-educated, and perfectly capable."

Victor's expression remained cold, unmoved by her words. "My children need more than someone who can recite lessons. They need someone who can command respect. Someone who knows how to present themselves properly."

Frustration and hurt warred within Christina as she stared at him. She wanted to argue, to defend Miss Brown further, but she could see that Victor's mind was made up. He had made his judgment based on appearances alone.

Without another word, Christina turned and left the study, her heart heavy and her steps quick as she tried to hide the sting of being so thoroughly undermined.

Christina entered her bedchamber, her mood still clouded from her argument with Victor. As she moved toward the dressing chamber, the sound of soft rustling caught her attention. Stepping inside, she found Addison meticulously arranging dresses and organizing the space.

"Addison," Christina said, her voice tight with frustration, "I can't take much more of this."

Addison turned, pausing in her task as she observed Christina's expression. "What has happened, Your Grace?"

Christina sighed and sank into the nearest chair, her hands clasping the armrests. "It's the Duke. He dismissed Miss Brown—the young woman I interviewed for the governess position—without even giving her a chance. He barely looked at her before deciding she wasn't fit. All because she was led through the servants' entrance by none other than Miss Peversly."

Addison's lips tightened in a knowing way. "That certainly sounds like Miss Peversly's handiwork. She thrives on ensuring no one threatens her position."

Christina let out an exasperated breath. "And the Duke doesn't see it. He refuses to see it. I don't know how I'm supposed to manage this if he listens to her every word."

Addison stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "Miss Peversly has always been calculating. She knows her time may be up if another governess is appointed, so of course she will fight to keep control."

"But how can I rid us of her if His Grace is so quick to judge anyone new?" Christina asked, her frustration mounting. "He dismissed Miss Brown purely on appearance, without listening to her qualifications."

Addison considered this for a moment before offering a quiet smile. "Perhaps the answer is to continue searching for a suitable governess. If both you and the Duke approve of someone, Miss Peversly's influence will diminish naturally."

Christina frowned, still feeling the sting of being undermined. "But what if he refuses to approve anyone? He doesn't seem willing to trust my judgment on this."

"Be patient with him, Your Grace," Addison advised gently. "The Duke has changed since you arrived. The castle is lighter—there is laughter now, where there was none before. The servants have noticed it too. He is more involved with the children, and they are happier because of it."

Christina's frown softened as she absorbed Addison's words, feeling a small measure of comfort. "I hadn't realized… I've been so caught up in everything else."

Addison smiled kindly. "You've done more than you think. And in time, the Duke will come to trust your decisions fully. But for now, continue as you have. Find the right governess. It is the surest way to ensure Miss Peversly's departure."

Christina sighed, the weight of her frustration lifting slightly. "Thank you, Addison. I don't know what I would do without your counsel."

"You'll find a way, Your Grace. You always do."

Christina managed a small smile, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Then we shall continue the search. Miss Peversly cannot win this time."

Addison nodded in approval, returning to her task. "That's the spirit, Your Grace."

Christina straightened. There was still much to do, but with time and patience, she would find a way to bring an end to Miss Peversly's influence.