″Do you have a preference for age or gender?”

  ″Simply a safe home where I do not need fear the guests or employer.” She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and lifted her veil. “Though perhaps not a home with small children as I don’t wish to frighten them.”

  At least Mrs. Downing didn’t gasp or look away in horror, but the pity was in her eyes.

  ″I understand.” That was all she offered, and Regina was grateful that no further issue was made of her scars.

  ″If I place you in a home and there is a similar circumstance involving the men in residence, report it to me before anyone else. I will not see you harmed, nor will I place another young woman in such a household.”

  There was finally someone who could help protect her and others.

  Mrs. Downing picked up a stack of papers and rifled through them before she looked back up at Regina. “I am sorry, but we do not have any governess positions available.”

  Her heart sank and Mrs. Downing went back to reviewing the documents.

  ″I am afraid at the moment we only have maid, nurse—” Mrs. Downing glanced up. “They wish for someone much older. There is also a seamstress.”

  ″I suppose I could be a maid.” If it was her only chance at employment, she would take it.

  ″Not a seamstress?” Mrs. Downing quirked an eyebrow.

  Regina cringed. “I can embroider, but I do not sew well enough to be a seamstress.”

  ″As you are not suited to be a maid, we will simply have to wait for a position.”

  Alarm shot through Regina, causing her to lurch forward in her chair. “I cannot wait. I am out of funds and have no place to stay.” Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She had traveled all this way, hoping and praying that she could find a governess position somewhere in Scotland. She couldn’t return to England—ever. “Is there another employment agency I could go to?”

  Mrs. Downing relaxed back in her chair. “Please, calm down. I am not about to turn you out.”

  Regina took a deep breath. She had to work better on controlling her outbursts.

  ″You will be a valuable employee to someone. We just need to wait for them to make the request. In the meantime, I have rooms above-stairs, which young women share until they find a position.”

  ″That is very generous, Mrs. Downing.”

  ″I do what I can to help.” Her smile was gentle and warm. “Though I must be honest, Miss Pierce, it has been six months since anyone has requested a governess.”

  Hope deflated. “I am willing to be a maid, anything. It is not necessary that I find a position as governess.” She needed to convince Mrs. Downing that she was willing to do any task, within reason.

  ″You are not qualified to be anything other than a governess and I will not send an inexperienced maid to a household. I do have a reputation of providing the best-skilled servants in Scotland.”

  Regina sighed and hoped that it wasn’t another six months before a position for governess opened. She couldn’t wait so long. Though, if she did become desperate enough for funds, she could write to Joseph. He had promised to assist her financially if she found herself in need.

  ″May I ask why you offer rooms if I am not being too intrusive? The agencies in London do not take such an interest.”

  ″I found myself in your position a long time ago and I do not want to see other young ladies forced into unpleasant situations.”

  At the scratch on the door, Mrs. Downing called for them to enter.

  The butler who had shown her to Mrs. Downing’s office entered carrying the post.

  ″Perhaps there is a request for a governess within,” Mrs. Downing said hopefully.

  Regina wasn’t certain if she should remain, but as she hadn’t been dismissed, she sat in her seat also hoping someone needed a governess as Mrs. Downing opened each missive and read, setting only one document aside.

  When she’d gotten through all her correspondence, she picked up the one Regina presumed had been discarded.

  ″It appears your arrival was timely, Miss Pierce, as I now have a request for a governess.”

  So much had gone against her, and Regina finally thought her luck was changing.

  ″Lord and Lady Melcombe are in need of a governess for their five nieces.”

  Regina knew the name and her stomach tightened.

  ″They would like me to send anyone who is qualified to be interviewed in a fortnight.” Mrs. Downing set the missive aside. “This is wonderful.”

  ″Yes.” Regina forced a smile as her mind scrambled for reasons why this particular home would not suit.

  ″I will be honest. I feared that you would be with us for a long while as governesses usually find positions based on recommendations from others and rarely need my services.

  If she turned down this opportunity, how long before she received another? Also, if she declined, would Mrs. Downing still provide a place for her to stay until she did find a position?

  ″What is wrong?” she inquired. “You have grown quite pale.”

  What could Regina tell her? Certainly not the truth.

  Her mind scrambled with a reason. “I had hoped to avoid England,” she finally said.

  ″Why?”

  ″I lived there once, and there are those who knew me before…the fire.” She needn’t say more because the scars were obvious. “A few of those acquaintances live in Willanton, where Lord Melcombe has his estate, and I was hoping that I would never have to see anyone from my past.”

  ″How often did you interact with anyone who was not part of the household in your previous positions, not counting McGowan.”

  As those were fictitious employers, Regina wasn’t certain how to answer. Then she recalled her own governess. The woman spoke only to her father, and other servants, but when there were guests about, she remained above stairs. It was very likely that when Alec called on his cousin that he wouldn’t even see her or know that she was there. “Never,” Regina finally answered.

  ″Therefore, there is no reason why you should fear encountering anyone in Willanton that you do not wish to see.”

  ″What of my free days? I do not wish to hide.” She didn’t want to spend the rest of her life, or for however long that it took until the girls no longer needed a governess, on the nursery floor.

  ″That, I cannot help you with.” Mrs. Downing straightened her papers as her earlier smile faded. “You cannot afford to be particular, Miss Pierce. Governess positions are few, as I have told you, and if you wish to decline this opportunity, then I will not be able to assist you.”

  Panic settled within. If she rejected the position at Melcombe’s estate, she’d need to seek out another employment agency, or place an advertisement in the newssheets, and wait. She was nearly out of funds and had just enough for two more nights at the inn, and she also needed to eat. Even if she wrote to her cousin now and asked for assistance, it wouldn’t arrive before she was reduced to living in an alley.

  She could return to her former home, she supposed, but to do so would alert the rest of her cousins that she was alive, and Regina wasn’t certain her aunt would allow her to live in the manor or even the dower cottage. Further, she didn’t trust her aunt not to gossip.

  She couldn’t return to Foxwell Park because she must remain dead.

  Except, Melcombe and Alec were cousins. If it were any other lord, she might not be as concerned, but how often would Alec visit? Would it be possible to be there and avoid encountering him?

  Perhaps she should take the position on a temporary basis and hide while she sought a position elsewhere. It would be unfair to Lord and Lady Melcombe, but the longer Regina remained in the household, the more she risked Alec discovering her.

  The options warred within Regina’s mind. She wanted the security of the governess position but feared Alec.

  ″I must have your answer, Miss Pierce,” Mrs. Downing insisted, all warmth gone from her tone.

  She could either be further reduced and risk being homeless and starving until her cousin sent funds, or she could hide in Lord Melcombe’s home.

  ″I will interview for the position,” she finally said. “I am afraid that I do not have the funds for the coach, however.” Maybe because she couldn’t afford to travel, she wouldn’t be forced to go and would be allowed to remain here until another position was found.

  ″That will not be a difficulty. We will see you delivered to Willanton. If you are hired, the fees that Lord Melcombe will pay will cover the cost.”

  ″What if he does not hire me?” Regina asked in a panic. She couldn’t be stranded in Willanton.

  ″He will return you to me, but I have no doubt that with your experience, you will be retained for the position. I will write to Lord and Lady Melcombe straight away and tell them when to expect you.

  Willanton

  * * *

  Alec stomped into his library after visiting his cousin and slammed the door behind him. “He promised!”

  He threw his riding gloves on the forest green settee. Alec should have known that as soon as Preston decided to marry his governess that he’d renege on his promise to travel to London for the Season.

  Instead, his cousin and his wife intended to jaunt off to London, but only for a sennight before returning home. They’d not be there for the Season but for business and personal matters, and to engage a governess. Without a governess in the household, they did not feel comfortable being gone longer than necessary and certainly couldn’t abandon the girls for an entire Season.

  When Alec suggested they take the girls to London with them, they pointed out that there still wouldn’t be sufficient supervision for Althea and Preston to go about as one does.

  ″Who promised what?” Percival, Baron Jordan, pulled away from the fireplace mantel he had been leaning against and wandered over.

  Alec looked up at his closest friend since Eton, surprised to find him here. “My cousin, Melcombe, had promised to return to London for the Season.”

  ″But?” Percival took a sip of the wine cradled in his left hand.

  ″He still has not found a governess for the girls, so he doesn’t know how he can manage to assist me.” Alec marched over to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of brandy. “What is wrong with a bloody nursery maid?”

  ″I thought he had a governess.” Percival lounged back against the desk and crossed one foot over the other.

  ″He married her,” Alec snapped. “The next one he hired married before she could even begin her duties.”

  ″Why do you need Melcombe’s assistance? You have me.”

  Alec looked up over the rim of his glass. He trusted Percival when it came to horseflesh or gaming hells, but never ladies. “I am looking for a wife, not a doxy.”

  Percival laughed, not the slightest bit insulted. “I have always thought a doxy would make a better wife than any well-bred lady of the ton. At least they know how to pleasure a man.”

  ″So would a wife, if her husband bothered to have a care for her.”

  Percival snorted before he took a deep drink. He drained the contents of his glass and placed it on the desk. “You are set that marriage is something you must do?”

  ″It is.” It was time. He knew it was time. “I need heirs while I am still young enough to raise them and be an influence on their future.”

  ″At least you aren’t hoping for love and all of that nonsense.” Percival snorted.

  ″I do not expect such, nor do I want it,” Alec assured his friend. He’d already known love, not that his friend was aware, and knew that it was impossible that he’d ever find someone he loved half as much. Further, he never wanted to love again. It carried with it too much pain.

  ″You still did not explain why you need Melcombe.”

  ″My cousin is the best judge of character of anyone I know. I would like the benefit of his advice and opinion before I make a decision that will affect the rest of my life.”

  ″What if you found him a governess? Then he could enjoy the Season.”

  Alec crossed to a leather chair in front of the fire and sank down into it. “I would not even know how to go about such a task.”

  Percival settled into the opposite seat and stared into the fire. A sly smile came to his lips before he focused on Alec. “I know exactly how to go about finding a governess.”

  Alec narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “I have no doubt as to your abilities when it comes to actresses, willing maids or courtesans. I do doubt your ability to secure a proper and virtuous governess.”

  Percival brought a hand to his chest in mock insult. “I will have you know that there is an employment agency in Edinburgh that caters to these situations.”

  Alec sat up. “Employment agency?”

  ″Yes.” Percival swiveled in his seat to face Alec more fully. “A friend of my mother’s opened it years ago to help young ladies—well-bred ladies—find positions.”

  ″Why would such paragons need to find employment?” He knew Percival well enough to be suspicious of any plan he hatched.

  ″Young women, sometimes ladies even, left destitute by family, no dowry, lower rankings, spinsters, and such. Without my aunt, they would have nowhere to go.”

  Alec sat forward. “Why have I not heard of it?”

  Percival laughed. “When was the last time you were in Edinburgh?”

  It had to be at least three years since he had been north. There really was no reason why he shouldn’t visit more often. Edinburgh was much closer to Willanton than London.

  ″And,” Percival continued, “even if you had been there, why would you have concerned yourself with an employment agency?”

  Alec took a sip of his brandy. There was truth in his statement. “I shall send a note to Melcombe.”

  Percival sat forward again. “Do not.”

  Alec snorted and took a drink of his brandy. There probably was no employment agency, just another of Percival’s schemes.

  ″I do not believe your cousin wishes to attend the Season at all. He will keep coming up with excuses.”

  Alec suspected as much himself.

  ″When you show up on his doorstep with the perfect governess, he will have no more excuses.”

  Alec nodded. “I think I shall visit Edinburgh.”

  Percival grinned. “Excellent plan. So glad I stopped by.”

  ″Why are you here, Percival?” He hadn’t seen Percival since he left London last year.

  ″I am actually on my way to Edinburgh and hoped to talk you into going along.”

  ″Why?”

  Percival sighed as if the weight of the world was on him. “You left London a year ago and have not returned. I know you do not dally with your maids, so I thought to make certain that you enjoy yourself one last time before you become leg shackled.”

  A year since London, a year since Regina was lost to him forever. He still carried the pain, but Alec had been able to continue with his life. So long as he kept everything buried, he did well, which was why he couldn’t think of her, ever, because when he did, he sank into darkness and brandy.

  Percival was also correct, except it had been well over a year since he’d enjoyed the full intimacy of a woman. He and Regina shared much, but Alec almost couldn’t remember the last time he’d been buried inside a woman. Maybe that was what he needed. Freedom to enjoy physical intimacy without emotional attachment. It would also help him prepare for marriage because he was not going to become attached to his wife. She might become a friend, but they’d share a bed only for the purpose of begetting heirs. He wouldn’t be so cold as to not bring her pleasure, but the passion of joining would be lacking, and he’d go to her bed only out of necessity and need.

  ″I can leave in five days,” Alec finally said. He was determined to find his cousin a governess and a woman for himself to bed in Edinburgh.

  Percival made a face. “Why not tomorrow?”

  ″I have an estate to run. Even you can wait a few days between whores, can’t you?”

  ″You try my patience Alec, but I will wait on you.”

  Chapter 4

  It was all Regina could do not to push everyone out of the way so she could finally get out of the public coach. Her plan had been perfect. By getting on first in Edinburgh she was able to get a seat next to the window, farthest from the door. It was better than being stuck between strangers. Unfortunately, it left her trapped inside the sweltering conveyance with five other passengers putting off body heat and stench throughout the last two days.

  At each stop she waited to board, hoping to find a seat closer to the door, but each time she entered, the kind people had held her place for her. If she never sat in a coach again, she would be happy.

  The five ahead of her did not seem to be in as much of a hurry as she was. Then again, they were continuing to another destination. She was the only one remaining in Willanton.

  The man who had sat next to her waited and offered a hand when Regina stepped out of the coach. Thank goodness she would not need to touch him ever again. He’d been far too familiar with the way he shifted into her more times than she could count, especially under the cover of darkness when his hand had more than once skimmed up her arm. He made her uncomfortable and she could not wait to be away from him.

  Regina hid her irritation and dislike behind a polite smile and accepted his hand, pulling away the moment her feet were safely on the walk. She then made her way to the back of the coach, but the driver wasn’t there.

  She marched to the front to find him standing by the horses. “Where is my trunk?”

  ″You did not have a trunk.”

  ″Yes, I did. Willis, the footman, had it with him in the carriage and he was to deliver it to you for loading.”

  ″I remember the young man, but he did not give me no trunk.”

  Regina stomped back to the coach and looked at the luggage behind and on top.

  Panic set in when she realized that her trunk was not there. All this way and no personal effects, nothing but the clothing on her back and the few items thrown into the satchel she carried with her.

 

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