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that her slur on the earl’s character had insulted the valet. She was intrigued by the servant’s unwavering loyalty. And by his admission that the earl was his friend. “It was not my intention to offend you, Mr. Jenkins. However, my ghastly experience with the earl today causes me to naturally assume the worst in his case.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œThe earl accosted me in the park this morning, insisting I was Emmeline, and when I informed him that he was wrong, he followed me to my place of employment. He shocked my employers with his outlandish accusations and then practically dragged me to Lord Poole’s house where, thank goodness, the earl finally realized his mistake. Unfortunately for me, this realization came a bit too late. Thanks to the earl’s overactive imagination and inebriated condition, I have been dismissed from my position as governess. Now I shall be forced to rely upon the begrudging charity of my family until I am able to secure another post.” Isabella’s troubled expression conveyed how distressed she truly was over the circumstances.
    â€œYou certainly don’t look like any governess I’ve ever met,” Jenkins blurted out. Up close, the fine porcelain skin and aristocratic features of Isabella’s lovely face were striking.
    â€œUnfortunately, you are not the only one who holds that opinion, Mr. Jenkins,” Isabella admitted honestly. “In addition, my references are almost nonexistent. I am afraid this time it will be a very long search for a new post.”
    There was no trace of complaining in her voice, merely acceptance of the reality of the situation. As Jenkins watched Isabella chew relentlessly on a tough piece of meat, an idea began to form in his mind.
    â€œPerhaps I might be able to assist you in finding a position, miss,” Jenkins said in a tentative voice. “I happen to be acquainted with a family that is sorely in need of a governess. And I don’t believe they would be too concerned over your lack of references.”
    Isabella’s eyes lit with interest. “Do you truly think I might be suitable for this post, Mr. Jenkins?”
    â€œYes, miss, I do.”
    The way the valet scrupulously avoided Isabella’s eyes caused her to become suspicious. “This mysterious position wouldn’t have anything to do with the earl by chance, would it, Mr. Jenkins?”
    â€œWell, miss,” the valet hedged, “it could be an excellent solution. After all, you just told me the earl was responsible for your dismissal. The very least he owes you is another position. And he does have two young children who are badly in need of discipline and care.”
    â€œI can imagine,” Isabella whispered under her breath, wondering what kind of little monsters the earl’s children were. “I strongly doubt this would work, Mr. Jenkins. Besides, it is usually the lady of the house who engages the governess. I am sure that when the countess returns, she will not be interested in the bizarre justification for my employment in her household.”
    Jenkins turned a puzzled grimace toward Isabella. “I can assure you that will not be a problem,” he stated with authority.
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œThe countess is dead, miss.”
    Isabella’s fork clattered noisily to her plate. Her eyes never left Jenkins’s earnest face as she swallowed hard, forcing the dry piece of meat she had been chewing on down her throat. “I would like a full explanation, Mr. Jenkins. From the beginning, if you please.”
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    Two hours later, Isabella found herself once again comfortably ensconced in the earl’s carriage, traveling at a brisk pace toward his estate in Warwickshire, not completely certain how she had allowed herself to be persuaded to make this journey. Jenkins’s portrayal of the numerous tragedies and misfortunes the earl had endured touched Isabella’s tender