Free The Impossible Governess by Margaret Bennett Page A

it from a liberal application of beeswax.”
    Under the cover of Georgeanne’s laughter and Marissa’s giggles to this sally, Lady Ashbury replied, “I have decided to entertain more this Season than my usual wont.  However, Anthony has been most unobliging by refusing to give me a list of names.  I dare say he has forgotten to mention to you the small dinner with some music afterwards that I am hosting this Friday.”
    “An Italian warbler,” interjected Raynor with a drawl.
    “Not a Catalini, you understand,” continued his aunt.  “But nonetheless, the soprano possesses a creditable voice.  Still, nothing guarantees a party’s success more than having an adequate number of eligible bachelors present.  Do say I can count on you being there?”
    “No need to butter me up, Lady Lil,” laughed Townsend good naturedly.  “It will be my pleasure.”
    “Wonderful,” she said with a smile before a studied frown marred her forehead.  “Oh dear, I do believe that will make for an odd number sitting down to dinner.”
    “I am sure you can find someone else to invite,” Raynor responded.  His brows snapped together as he suspected some mechanization on his aunt’s part.
    “It’s not that easy, Anthony,” she said, meeting his eyes.  “Unfortunately, I need a young lady.  Lady Pendennis and her two girls have already accepted as have Mrs. Fitzsimmons with her daughter.  What with the Season in full swing, most people are already committed to other engagements by this late date.”
    “Your problem is easy enough to solve, my lady,” said Townsend, bestowing a mischievous glance on Georgeanne.  “Miss Forsythe, here, must be persuaded to help.”
    Georgeanne noticed Raynor scowling at his aunt who looked like the cat that had swallowed the canary.  Quickly, she decided to decline.  “It is hardly my place as a governess to attend such a tonnish affair, my lady.  Surely there is someone else you could invite?”
    But Lady Ashbury overruled her.  “I refuse to give an ear to any further objections.  It is decided you will join us, and I must say it does solve the problem nicely.”
    Soon after, as Townsend took his leave, he said he expected to see them the following afternoon. 
    “I’m afraid not, Will,” Raynor said.  “I thought it wise to give Marissa a rest from her social obligations and, accordingly, have made other plans for tomorrow.”
    While the others took this shock in relative stride, Marissa appeared almost panicky, biting her lower lip as she struggled not to cry over her disappointment.
    Ever the gallant, Townsend stepped into the silent breach.  “Capital, Tony, for I’ve got the perfect solution.  Since I keep bachelor’s quarters and am unable to entertain any one there, you must allow me this chance to return your hospitality.  I purpose a carriage ride in Hyde Park, followed with a visit to Gunter’s Confectionary Shop to sample its renowned ices .” He gave all three ladies a winsome grin.
    Lady Ashbury and Georgeanne thought it was an excellent idea.  So, between Marissa’s excited squeals and Raynor’s dark scowls, Townsend declared he w ould hire a landau for everyone’s comfort.
    Townsend made his exit, and the ladies followed suit, making their way toward the door when Raynor called out in foreboding tones, “A moment of your time, if you please, Miss Forsythe.”
    Wondering what she had done to desire her employer’s wrath this time, Georgeanne slowly returned to her seat after relinquishing Marissa into her great aunt’s care.
    The door had hardly closed behind Lady Ashbury with Marissa in tow when Raynor lashed out at her. “Have you no pride?  Whatever can you be about, throwing yourself at Lord Townsend?  I won’t have you embarrassing my family with your loose conduct.”
    Stunned, Georgeanne’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open.  Then she inhaled deeply, as righteous anger asserted itself.  She squared her shoulders, and with her