He paced the room, while the two girls watched him in silence. He ought to turn her away, letting her down as gently as possible, but it was true that Lucy had been very difficult to please and the agency was losing patience. There was the added complication that, because of Princess Charlottes wedding, everybody who was anybody would be in London this year, even those who had long ago retired to the country, and good servants would be hard to find.
He stopped pacing and turned towards Emma. Please sit down, Miss Woodhill, and allow me continue the interview. He indicated one of the sofas and, as soon as she had taken her seat, sat opposite her, leaving Lucy to prowl about the room.
Now, he said, ignoring his sister. Tell me all about yourself. Captain Greenaway told me you have lately become bereaved and I offer my condolences
Thank you, my lord. My father was employed as a Civil Servant. She had decided not to reveal that her father had been a soldier; it was too easy to verify the names of serving officers. He died about seven months ago.
I am sorry. Tell me why you decided to come to England.
She hesitated only momentarily. It is not easy for a lady to live alone in India, and I had my brother to think of. We thought it would be easier to find employment here. I had no idea it would be so difficult. There is so much prejudice
One well-defined brow lifted. Prejudice or caution, Miss Woodhill?
Both. Although my parents were English, I was born in India and lived all my life there until now; prospective employers seem to think it means I have lived like a savage. I can assure you, my lord, that British Society in Calcutta is every bit as civilised as that in London. It was no more than the truth, but she knew she was on shaky ground. It was not that she thought he was prejudiced but if he were to check on her story, he would discover that no one in Calcutta had heard of Miss Woodhill.
She stood up suddenly, unable to continue. I am sorry to have taken your time, my lord.
Sit down, Miss Woodhill. I have not finished.
His voice was so authoritarian, she almost fell back into her seat.
Dominic, dont bully, Lucy said. You frighten Miss Woodhill.
He smiled at Emma. Do I frighten you?
Not at all, my lord. Which was true. It was shame, not fright, which had made her want to run away.
Then let us continue. You are, how old?
She stifled the retort that it was ungentlemanly to enquire a ladys age; he had every right to ask and, as far as he was concerned, she was no lady. Twenty-two.
Twenty-two is very young for a chaperon, Miss Woodhill. Why, you are not above an age for needing one yourself.
Oh, come, my lord, you flatter me. I am old enough to be independent and to have had some experience.
And what form has that taken?
This business of deception was more difficult than she had imagined, especially when her interrogator looked at her with such warm friendliness. She had to force herself to meet his gaze. I was ladys maid and companion to Miss Emma Mountforest.
But thats Lucy began but Dominic held up his hand to silence her.
If you persist in interrupting, Lucy, I shall send you away. He turned back to Emma. You have the same Christian name as Miss Mountforest.
Yes, I was named for her. She and Teddy had decided not to change their given names because they might be uneasy with new ones and forget to answer to them. She opened her reticule and produced the reference she had written herself. This is from Miss Mountforest.
He took it but did not read it immediately, preferring to trust his own judgement about people, but the name of Miss Woodhills previous employer had astonished him. Why did you leave her employ?
Emma faltered. She had not realised how one untruth led to another and was beginning to wonder where it would end. It would be almost a relief if she were turned away, but then what else could she do? Miss Mountforest had lately lost her own father and was going to live with friends. I dont know where, but she said she would no longer be able to employ a personal maid.
I see. And so you came to England to seek your fortune. He smiled suddenly and his whole face was lit with warmth. You know, it is usually the other way about. People travel from this country to India to make their fortunes. He paused, watching her face. Why did he have the impression she was hiding something? It made him curious. But perhaps not ladies.
No, but I am hardly a lady. I am used to making my own decisions and looking after myself. She brushed a brown, ringless hand over her skirt and noticed it was shaking. His questions were becoming too probing, too personal, and more and more difficult to answer. She would do better to steer him towards more practical matters. She clasped her hands together in her lap and forced herself to look at him. I should, of course, like to know exactly what my duties would be and the hours I should be expected to work. And the remuneration, of course.
Naturally. Your duties would simply be to be a companion to Lucy, to help her dress, advise her on such things as etiquette, act as her chaperon. It follows that the hours you work will vary from day to day, but rest assured they would not be onerous. Do you think you could manage that? My sister is very self-willed, you know.
Emma smiled. Miss Besthorpe seems to me to be a delightful young lady and no more self-willed than any other of her age and I envisage no difficulty. I am sure she knows very well how to go on. Age is no criteria for wisdom.
Lucy clapped her hands with delight. There! I knew Miss Woodhill would be a match for you, brother. I dont know why you are quizzing her so hard, when I already know all I need to know.
Oh, do not be hard on him, Emma told her. He has only your welfare at heart and he would be a poor guardian if he did not make every endeavour for your safety and comfort.
Thank you, Miss Woodhill, Dominic said solemnly, bowing towards her. But his seriousness was counterbalanced by the twinkle of humour in his brown eyes, to which she responded with a smile which almost overwhelmed him. He found himself wanting to help her. How else could he do it but give her employment?
His doubts about her suitability gave way to a conviction that she would be an asset to any household, not as a servant, but as wife and mother. The thought startled him, for was he not engaged to be married? He forced himself back to the matter in hand and tried to look stern. I presume you are unmarried with no emotional entanglements? I ask because you will be required to live in and devote yourself to my sister.
I understand that, my lord. The man I was to marry died of fever four years ago. There has been no one since then, but, as you know, I do have a brother.
I see. He is not yet suited?
Oh, Dominic, do find something for Miss Woodhills brother, Lucy put in. I do so want her to come to us.
Lucy, he said patiently. You know how careful we have to be over
Oh, my lord, I did not mean Emma said. I was not She stopped and began again. Teddy has been educated to good degree; he is not looking for domestic work. He has gone to India House and will doubtless be given employment there.
Of course. Your fathers name will be known to them.
Yes, she said, wishing the ground would swallow her. This was becoming harder and harder, but once started on the deception, there was no way she could stop it without confessing all. And she could not do it. Teddy was relying on her.