Read Online The Governess Was Wanton by Julia Kelly - Free Book Online

“His name is Lord Blakeney and I’m certain he’s never given a thought to me, although we danced at Lady Maidfaire’s ball last month and spoke at a supper last week. He’s so kind and so handsome, but why would he ever think of me when they’re always around?”
    â€œAnd what makes you so sure that this Lord Blakeney doesn’t think of you?”
    â€œHe always speaks to Miss Laughlin and Miss Cordelia,” said Lady Eleanora gloomily.
    â€œPerhaps that’s because they always speak to him first,” she said. “A gentleman can’t ignore a lady.”
    â€œHe is always quite courteous in making sure that I’m included in the conversation,” Lady Eleanora said cautiously.
    â€œAnd who did he ask to dance first at your last ball?”
    â€œMe.” But the flicker of happiness in the young lady’s eyes dimmed. “But that’s only because Mr. Pettigrew had engaged Miss Cordelia, and Miss Laughlin was dancing with Sir Wark.”
    â€œLady Eleanora,” she said, kneeling down so that she could clasp the young lady’s hands, “do you trust me?”
    Her charge hesitated, but then nodded. “Yes. I think I do.”
    â€œThen believe me when I tell you that there were many young ladies with whom Lord Blakeney could have danced. I would wager a year’s salary that he has both noticed you and sought you out.”
    â€œOh.”
    She gave the young woman’s hands a squeeze. “Now, I say that you make it your mission to figure out his costume for this masque and then dance with him. Maybe more than once.”
    Lady Eleanora’s hand flew to her chest. “I couldn’t be so bold as that.”
    Mary shrugged. “Who will know? You’ll both be masked, and everyone will be so caught up in the romance of the ball that it’ll hardly be noticed if a young lady dances with the same gentleman twice.”
    Lady Eleanora chewed on her lip. “I suppose I could try. But even if I can stop Miss Laughlin and Miss Cordelia from attaching themselves to him, how do I know who he’ll be dressed as?”
    Mary smiled. “Ask him. There’s a week until the ball, and I’m certain you’ll cross paths before then. If there’s an opportune moment, all you have to do is ask one simple question. I’d be surprised if he isn’t quite happy to share his secret identity with you.”
    â€œI—I’ll try.”
    She reached out and patted Lady Eleanora’s hand. “I wish I could be there with you to remind you that you’re just as worthy as Lady Laughlin’s daughters.”
    There’s a dangerous moment in every governess’s employment when her charge gets an idea. An idea that could get them both into trouble. Usually it’s innocent mischief, but when Mary saw the way Lady Eleanora’s brow crinkled and the determined set of her jaw, she knew she was doomed.
    Sure enough, Lady Eleanora looked up at her through her lashes and said, “Perhaps you could attend.”
    â€œI’m certain the ton hasn’t become so modern as to approve of governesses dancing the waltz,” Mary said, edging away from danger.
    â€œBut don’t you see?” Lady Eleanora began to grow excited. “You said it yourself—no one will care who is who that night. Everyone will be wearing masks. It’s perfect!”
    The low warning bell that had begun to sound in the back of Mary’s mind rang louder. Still, she couldn’t resist the impulse to ask, “But how? I don’t have a single thing to wear, and I don’t have a mask either.”
    â€œYou can wear my indigo dress with the spangles stitched into it. I had thought to be the moon, but Miss Laughlin instructed me that I was to join them in their costume.”
    â€œWhich is?”
    Lady Eleanora made a face. “Goddesses. Miss Laughlin remains convinced it’s a singular idea,