Chapter Text
Kate had set foot inside many great houses since her arrival in town. Bridgerton House had not been one of them. For some reason, the Bridgertons had not hosted any balls the past season. Perhaps, they had been too occupied with the debut and wedding of the eldest daughter.
There had been quite a few scandals following the Bridgertons last season, and so Kate was already familiar with their names – some of them, at least. But today marked the first time she had entered their house.
It was large and pompous – fit for a family of their status. The house did not intimidate her. But all the other women sitting inside the hallway next to her very much did.
She had applied to the position of governess for the remaining Bridgerton daughters. Originally, she had wished to return to India after her sister’s marriage and seek work as governess there. But Mary had chosen to remain in England, and so Kate had decided to stay by her side as well. After all, Edwina might still need her.
Of course, she was not the only one who had applied for the position as governess. There were a dozen other women, and they were all by far older than her. And now, Kate felt quite foolish. Sure, she had experience caring for Edwina – but that was her only experience.
Then, her name was called. Slowly, she stood up, trying to hide her nervousness. The housekeeper – Mrs Wilson – led her into a grand room. There, at the end of a long table, sat Lady Bridgerton.
They walked up to her as Mrs Wilson said, “And next we have Miss Kate Sharma.”
“My lady,” Kate greeted her, politely inclining her head.
Lady Bridgerton have her a smile. “Please, sit,” she said, gesturing at the chair next to her.
Kate sat down as Mrs Wilson went around the table, sitting down opposite her as well. She picked up a quill, ready to take notes.
Lady Bridgerton looked down at the sheets of paper in front of her, then back up.
“You are quite young.”
“I’m twenty-six, ma’am,” Kate told her, trying to sound as mature and sophisticated as possible – although her heart was pounding against her chest. “But I spent a good part of my life caring for my younger sister. I helped her in her studies of several foreign languages, as well as music and dance and—”
“Yes, I can see so myself,” Lady Bridgerton interrupted her gently. “You don’t have to sell yourself. Your experiences are quite impressive,” she added, gesturing at the sheets of paper in front of her. “And I’ve obviously seen the success of your hard work as well last season. In truth, I have always hoped for the opportunity to introduce my eldest son to your sister. But I am certain she is quite delighted to be married to the Prince of Prussia.”
“They are very much in love,” Kate replied with a smile.
“How wonderful to hear,” said Lady Bridgerton, smiling as well – and Kate began to wonder why she had even felt so nervous to begin with. Clearly, the Dowager Viscountess was a kind woman. “I wish nothing less than a love match for my own children as well. My daughter Hyacinth is obviously still quite young,” she added then, “but your sister must’ve been young as well when you started teaching her, I believe.”
“Our father died when she was merely ten years old,” Kate told her. “Knowing that she had to find a good match to secure her future, all my priorities had been set on her education.”
“That was quite smart,” said Lady Bridgerton, eyeing her curiously for a moment. “Though, Lady Mary is not your mother, as far as I’m aware. May I ask about your own mother’s background?”
“It had been quite modest,” Kate replied. “My mother did not come from much, but with my father’s work in trades, we’d acquired a comfortable life.”
The nervousness was back now, but Kate kept her hands under the table, so no one would see them trembling. Of course, Mary’s past had been quite scandalous. And of course, everyone was aware of it.
Yet oddly enough, Lady Bridgerton did not seem interested in that. Instead, she asked, “And your mother died when you were still quite young, I presume?”
“I…” Surprised by the question, Kate had to look down to her clutched hands. “Yes.”
“Forgive me for my intrusive questions,” she heard Lady Bridgerton say, which prompted her to look up again. “I merely wish to know more about the people we might consider employing in this household. And my dear Hyacinth never met her father,” she added then, still a small smile on her lips. “It might be good for her to meet someone who shares a similar experience.” Kate nodded at that, quite relieved. “Of course, Hyacinth is not my only daughter. But Francesca is already well-educated, and Eloise has entered society this season. Hyacinth is the reason why we are searching for a new governess – as the pervious one had trouble matching her … youthful spirit.” She gave her a smile, leaning closer. “So between you and I: your age might be an advantage.”
Finally, a wide smile appeared on Kate’s face as she replied with a nod.
Shortly after, Kate was let free to leave. And once she had left the house, she allowed for the excitement to possess her body – running up to the carriage, grinning from ear to ear.
When she arrived inside Mary’s flat, she was immediately bombarded with questions. In the drawing room, Kate answered them all as calm as possible over a cup of tea. Though still, she had trouble hiding her excitement. She should contain herself, however. She had not yet received the position, after all.
“Lady Bridgerton is a kind and intelligent woman,” Mary said then. “I talked to her last season, as she wished for her eldest son to meet Edwina. Though, apparently, he had been too caught up to dance with her.” She took a sip from her tea then. “Which might’ve been for the better. I certainly believe Friedrich to be the more … decent man.”
“Truly?” Kate asked, surprised. “Is Lord Bridgerton not respectable?”
Mary gave her a faint smile. “Well, the one time I met him last season, he had been the epitome of politeness,” she told her then. “But as he’s currently looking for a wife, I’ve overheard all sorts of rumours about him. And it does not seem like he’s planning to be a faithful husband.”
“So he’s a rake,” Kate stated.
“Oh, you should not be talking about your future employer like that,” Mary warned her with a smile.
“You started it,” Kate protested. “Also, he’s a potential future employer. I didn’t receive the position yet.”
“Well, Lady Bridgerton might be at the ball I’m attending tonight,” said Mary then. “I can put in a good word for you, if you want. Or you could simply come with me and do it yourself.”
“I’m seeking work as a governess now,” Kate replied, taking a sip from her tea. “I have no business attending balls.”
“You would not be the first nor last governess to attend a ball,” Mary reminded her. “The event is not too formal. I’m certain no one will care.”
“Well, I’m still not risking my chances. Also, I don’t want to go,” Kate added. “It’s a room full of snakes, waiting to bite.”
Mary chuckled. “You’re not wrong about that.”
“So why are you going?”
“Well, as long as I’m living here, I should be seen attending events every now and then,” Mary explained. “And with Edwina married and you working, neither of you will have time for me anymore. So I believe it’s time to make some new acquaintances,” she added with a smile.
“You don’t have to stay here,” Kate reminded her. “You could be with Edwina.”
“A royal court might be even worse,” Mary retorted. “And she deserves her freedom.”
That was true. The reason Mary had decided to stay was probably the same reason why Kate had decided to stay as well: to be close to Edwina, but not too close.
Prussia was not too far away, so they could still visit each other. And letters were travelling faster.
“That reminds me,” said Kate then, standing up. “A letter by Edwina arrived just as I had to leave earlier. I should go and read it.” On her way to leave the drawing room, she turned around with a smirk and said, “But you’re very much allowed to put in a good word for me with Lady Bridgerton, if you see her later.”
“I will,” Mary replied with a chuckle. “But I doubt you will need it.”
Kate laughed and then went to her small bedroom upstairs, where she sat down at the desk, reading Edwina’s letter.
Everything was the same – she was deeply in love, enjoying her time with her Prince. There were some less favourable mentions of her in-laws, but Kate knew that Edwina could deal with it quite well on her own. She was too sweet – Kate could not imagine anyone ever disliking her.
She did not immediately reply to her letter though, as she decided to wait for good news – and soon, the good news came.
She had received the position as governess at Bridgerton House. And a few days later, she left Mary’s flat to move into her new home.
Well, the house obviously did not belong to her. But she would still be living and working there. So it was her home now. Of course, she had promised Mary to visit as soon as she had settled in. But she had felt more grief about leaving their home in India. That flat had never meant much to her. And Mary was living just a few minutes away – fifteen by foot. It was not a goodbye, and the excitement was too big for her to feel sad about anything.
Mrs Wilson greeted her in front of the house and then gave her a small tour before they reached her own chambers.
Those chambers were a small, but comfortable room. A footman had already brought her luggage there, and Mrs Wilson then decided to leave – with the reminder that she would be introduced to the family this afternoon.
Kate sat down on the bed then, taking a deep breath. This was it. The life she had always planned to live. She was excited. And yet, she was longing to feel relief – the relief one should feel when they had finally reached all their dreams.
She could not feel it yet. But perhaps, it was all still too new.
Suddenly, she was interrupted by a knock on the opened door. She looked up to a young woman standing inside the doorframe – red hair and tons of freckles, and a smile so bright that Kate believed that she had not just been kissed by the sun, but was the sun.
“So you’re the new governess?” the woman asked. “I must say, it’s quite exciting to have a governess the same age as me around here. I’m certain Miss Francesca will be delighted as well. I’m Jane, by the way,” she added.
“Kate.”
“Well, Kate – if you’re not as priggish as the previous governess, then you are very much invited to dine with me and the rest of the servants in the kitchen later.”
Kate stared at her, feeling quite speechless for moment. It was a sweet welcome and invitation, but the slight insult at the previous governess did not escape her.
“Why did she not wish to dine with you?” she asked then.
“Well, because she considered herself above us.”
“A governess is not a servant, after all,” a voice from the hallway stated suddenly.
They both turned around to Lady Bridgerton standing near the room.
Suddenly, Jane seemed quite flustered.
“My lady,” she muttered.
“That will be all, Jane,” said Lady Bridgerton with a smile and Jane hurried past her, looking to the ground.
Lady Bridgerton then stepped inside the room, saying, “I apologise, if she bothered you. That girl does not know when to keep quiet. She’s Francesca’s maid,” she explained. “They could not be more different in their disposition. But for some reason, Francesca adores her.”
Kate gave her a smile, saying, “Well, I am glad for such a warm welcome.”
Lady Bridgerton returned the smile. “Then let us make it even warmer. The family is waiting in the drawing room to meet you.”
Kate stood up then – glancing at herself in the mirror of a dressing table, that stood opposite the bed, to ensure that she looked presentable enough. Then, she followed Lady Bridgerton outside the room.
“You are probably aware that my eldest daughter married last season,” said Lady Bridgerton on their way to the drawing room. “And as duchess, she has her own duties to attend to, so she won’t be here today. But the families remain close, so I am certain you will meet her eventually. My son Colin is not with us either at the moment,” she continued then. “He’s traveling through Europe. And Lord Bridgerton is occupied as well today, but he is aware of your arrival.”
Kate was almost certain that there was a slight sneer in her voice at those last words – or perhaps, she merely imagined it. But certainly, any mother who was aware of her son behaving the way Lord Bridgerton was would have some contempt for it. And she considered Lady Bridgerton smart enough to be aware.
They reached the drawing room then. And for a moment, Kate was stunned by the amount of people inside of it.
Of course, she had been aware of the number of children. But after Lady Bridgerton had made all those excuses, she would have believed to meet one or two of them.
She was quite glad when the maid left and there were only five people left inside the room – two of the older siblings sitting on the sofa near the fire; one daughter on the piano; and the youngest at a table, playing a game of cards.
“This is Miss Sharma,” said Lady Bridgerton then over the noise inside the room – causing for them all to fall silent, turning their heads. “The new governess.”
“Oh, how wonderful!” said the youngest girl, jumping from her seat. Hyacinth.
She ran up to them, exclaiming, “The other one was so old!”
“Hyacinth!” Lady Bridgerton reprimanded her.
“I mean…” Hyacinth muttered, staring down to her feet. Looking back up, she said with a smile. “I am Hyacinth Bridgerton. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Hyacinth,” Kate replied, returning the smile.
Immediately, any propriety left Hyacinth’s body again as she stated with a wide smile, “We can start with piano lessons. Just yesterday, I composed something beautiful on the piano.”
“It was grotesque,” said the boy who had been playing cards with Hyacinth earlier. Gregory.
“It was not!” Hyacinth protested. Then, she turned back to Kate, saying, “I can play it for you.”
“Please don’t scare off the new governess on her first day,” a voice behind them said suddenly.
“Brother!” Hyacinth exclaimed and Kate turned around.
She had only seen him from afar before, but there was no doubt: It was Lord Bridgerton.
“Anthony,” Lady Bridgerton said in surprise. “I thought you were occupied.”
“I am,” Lord Bridgerton replied with a smile. “But then I heard the word piano and thought I should probably intervene.”
He took a few steps inside the room and looked at Hyacinth – who immediately retorted, “My composition was great!”
“Didn’t you say yesterday that you were merely playing the piano to annoy us all?” Lord Bridgerton asked.
Hyacinth looked down. “Well … I changed my mind. I like it now.”
“Alright,” said Lord Bridgerton as Hyacinth looked up again. “Then practice a little more and play it for us after dinner tonight.”
Now, a wide grin appeared on Hyacinth’s face and she spun around and ran up to the piano, where her sister was sitting.
“I will have to leave,” said Lord Bridgerton, turning to his mother. “But I’ll be back for dinner.”
He walked towards the door then – but suddenly halted and turned to look at Kate.
“Good luck,” he said with a smirk before leaving the room.
Kate stared after him – surprised and confused.
Lady Bridgerton was saying something, yet she was barely paying attention. This was not at all what she had expected.
For some reason, Lord Bridgerton continued staying on her mind after the introductions. And with her mind occupied and the house so busy, she decided to not follow Jane’s invitation and to instead dine alone inside her room.
As she was later sitting at the dressing table in her nightgown and had just finished braiding her hair, there was a knock on her door – and Jane appeared inside her bedroom.
She shook her head with a smile, saying, “How disappointing.”
Kate returned the smile. “I’m sorry. I will dine with you tomorrow,” she assured her. “I just needed some quiet. All of this is…”
“Overwhelming?”
Kate sighed. “Well, there’s quite a lot of children.”
“But it’s mostly just Hyacinth you will have to focus on,” Jane said, taking a few steps inside the room. “And yes, she can be a lot – but she’s also quite sweet.”
“She is,” Kate agreed. “And I’m looking forward to it. I’m just not used to so much … commotion.”
Jane laughed at that. “Well, you will have to get used to it.”
“For now I’m glad if I remember everyone’s name,” Kate replied and Jane laughed again as she sat down on the bed. Glad to finally have some to talk to, Kate said, “I have a question.” She turned around to Jane raising her brows. “Are the children all named in alphabetical order?”
“They are.”
“Why?”
“Who knows,” Jane laughed. “It’s quite weird, honestly. Seems like Lady Bridgerton and the late Lord Bridgerton already expected to have a dozen children. And they probably would have had that many, had he not died.”
“Lady Bridgerton said that Miss Hyacinth never met her father,” Kate remembered then. “So he died eleven years ago?”
“Yes,” Jane replied. “Most of the children had been quite young then.”
“And what about the Viscount?”
“What about him?”
Suddenly, Kate felt quite flustered for some odd reason. “Well, he’s probably – what? Thirty?”
“Twenty-nine.”
“I heard he’s looking for a wife,” Kate stated then.
“He is. Do you want to try your luck?” Jane asked with a smirk.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Kate retorted, turning around to face herself in the mirror again.
“Well, it would be a foolish notion either way,” Jane continued. “He’s only looking for the purest and most accomplished lady. Truly, his standards are so high, I doubt he will ever find anyone,” she added with a chuckle. “Which might be for the better. Because that poor girl certainly won’t have his undivided attention.”
“Yeah, I heard about that,” Kate muttered, pretending to adjust her braid. “So he has a mistress?”
“So many questions…” Jane replied and Kate could see her smirk through the reflection of the mirror. “You know, it is very much forbidden for us servants to have any relations with the men of the house. I’m certain the same applies to the governess as well.”
“I have no intention of doing anything like that.” Kate retorted, rolling her eyes. “I was merely asking a question.”
Jane chuckled. “Oh, you can admit that he is quite handsome. Most women in this household would risk it all for him.” Kate did not reply anything to that, and so Jane continued, “But to answer your question – it would be foolish, as he has no interest in a mistress. He used to have one, but that didn’t end well. She was an opera singer,” she added with an excited smirk. “And well, you know how opera singers are – pure drama. Some say he left her; others say that she was the one breaking his heart. I believe the latter to be true,” she said. “He’s been incredibly miserable those past months. And now, he’s merely interested in brothels and fleeting affairs.”
Kate bit her lip then. She had trouble imaging that to be the same man who had been so sweet to his sister earlier.
“But when I met him this afternoon, he seemed so … kind.”
“Oh, he loves his family,” said Jane. “But … well, you know how men are.” Again, Kate did not reply anything to that. And after a moment of silence, Jane asked, “Do you have one?”
“What?” Kate asked, turning around.
“A man? An admirer?”
“Oh, no,” Kate muttered, turning to face the mirror again.
“So is there no one warming your bed at night?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Has there ever been anyone?” Kate inhaled sharply at that – and that might have betrayed her, as suddenly Jane stated, “Oh, there has been one!”
“I’m tired,” Kate replied, turning around with a smile. “I should go to sleep.”
“Then I will let you rest,” said Jane, standing up again. “But we will talk again.”
Kate chuckled “Good night,” she said as Jane walked out of the room.
Jane was oddly sweet. Kate could see why Miss Francesca did not wish to let go of her. But it had been a long time since Kate had been surrounded by people she would have called friends. It had always been her family occupying her mind. And Jane certainly was a noisy girl.
She went to sleep then, but that sleep was quite restless. Of course, a new bed needed some time to get used to. And so, she woke up before the sun rose.
After lying in bed for a while, Kate decided to dress and then ended up wandering along the halls of Bridgerton House. She observed some paintings which were starting to be illuminated by the rising sun; took a short stroll around the grand garden; and eventually she found herself inside the stables.
She would love to go for a ride. But this was not truly her home. And she knew her place. Yet the horses were sweet and beautiful – and their eyes almost convinced her to risk it nonetheless.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. Quickly, she hurried to hide behind the last stable.
“Hello?” a voice called. Kate’s heart sank. It was Lord Bridgerton.
She tried keeping her pounding heart and heavy breathing quiet, but it was no use.
“I can hear you,” Lord Bridgerton called.
Kate took a deep breath – and then, she went around the corner.
“I’m so incredibly sorry, my lord,” she apologised immediately as his eyes widened at her appearance. “I know I should not be here. I just… I was walking around this place and … well, they are beautiful,” she added, gesturing at the horse next to her.
“They are,” said Lord Bridgerton then – staring at the one looking out of the stable right next to him before he went to pet its neck. “Only the finest breeds. You will have a great time teaching Hyacinth to ride on them,” he added with a smile.
“Oh…” Kate looked down to her feet, muttering, “I didn’t realise that was part of the education.”
“Well, it was part of the experience that you sent us,” said Lord Bridgerton. “So I assumed it would be.”
Surprised, Kate looked up again. “You’ve read it?”
“Of course,” he replied with a smile. “I would very much like to know everything about the person in charge of my sisters’ education. And Hyacntih adores her pony. I’m certain she will adore to ride a proper horse through the woods one day.”
Kate stared at him. Her nervousness had vanished completely. He did not at all seem mad about her presence here at all.
“Well, then I hope I will be a good teacher.”
“You have a lot of experience with horses?” he asked then, looking back at the horse as he continued to pet it.
Kate bit her lip. “Well, I don’t know. But I loved spending my mornings riding into the sunrise.”
“Loved?” he asked, turning towards her. “Past tense?”
Kate looked down. “Well, I should be a good example to your sisters, should I not?” She looked back up to him as he eyed her curiously. Then, she added with a smile, “To be honest with you, I took the liberty of some solitary morning rides since we’ve arrived in London. But I’ve never been seen by anyone, I can assure you that.”
“How old are you?” he asked suddenly.
“Six-and-twenty,” Kate replied, stunned by the question.
“And you’re a governess,” he stated. “So who cares?” Now, the smile was back on his face. “You’re here to chaperone my sisters – you don’t need a chaperone yourself. You’re an experienced woman.”
“What a nice way of calling me an old maid,” Kate muttered. Realising whom she was talking to, she immediately added, “I apologise. That was…”
“You are forgiven,” he said with a smile. “Even though I can tell that you are not truly sorry.” Kate chuckled quietly. “Feel free to take any of the horses for a morning ride whenever you wish,” he added then.
Kate stared at him. “Truly?”
“Of course,” he replied, still smiling. “The only way to survive in this house is to get some escape every now and then.”
“Well … thank you, my lord.”
He gave her a nod then – before opening the stable to the horse he had been petting and walking inside of it.
Kate took that as the perfect opportunity to leave. Though as she hurried back inside the house, she almost wished to turn back around – to talk more to him; to join him on his morning ride.
But then, she just shook her head and returned to her bedroom. She knew what sort of man he was. That smile he had given her earlier … it was quite charming. Was he giving the same smile to all those unaware ladies? To all those other women he was apparently meeting? Had he given it to that opera singer Jane had been talking about?
Kate would certainly not be fooled by it.