In the front parlour of his London home, Darcy sat across the coffee table from Lavinia Morton. The finishing governess specialised in preparing young ladies for their come-out. She was tall and stern with steel-grey hair. Her posture was perfectly erect, her movements brisk and efficient.
He spoke in an affable tone. “I hope you find your accommodations suitable.”
“They are quite satisfactory.”
That didn’t sound like ringing praise. “If you require anything else, please mention it to the housekeeper.”
Mrs. Morton took a dainty sip of tea. “It is not my place to complain.”
The governess had worked with Darcy’s cousin Arabella during the year before her come-out. The countess had recommended the woman for her skills, but warned Darcy she was a bit dour.
Darcy now understood what the c
