The next morning Lady Blackheart invited me to her parlour. She sat down and looked at me "Emily, I would like you to take the children over to my sister's house in the next county for a few days, she wishes to see them."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Be careful when you are there. My sister does not approve of our way of life and you should be cautious when speaking of our ways around her. She does love her niece and nephew, however, and the children enjoy their time there."
She smiled, "take Susan with you as well, she has friends there amongst the staff."
I nodded and the day was spent getting ready to go.
The next morning we set out on our journey and got to the Blackheart's sisters house at teatime. As we drove up to the house, I couldn't help but be impressed by the beautiful grounds. Lord and Lady Wishton's estate was at least the equal of the Blackhearts.
The house itself was also very grand with countless rooms and servants. I met the mistress of the house who was a little older than Lady Blackheart with a streak of grey hair amongst her dark locks. I could see the resemblance to my own mistress and I couldn't help a small flutter of attraction.
Lady Wishton addressed me formally, "hello, you must be the new governess to my sister's children. You are most welcome here, feel free to enjoy the house and gardens. His lordship is away at present." Then in a different tone said, "I do hope you have not picked up any of my sister's bad habits."
"No, ma'am." I said while blushing. The things I had experienced at the Blackhearts flashed through my mind. "I'm a good girl."
She smiled, "good. our children can play together and our own nanny can supervise. Perhaps you can join me for dinner later?"
"I would like that," I replied.
Susan and one of the house maids led me to my room and helped me unpack. Susan whispered to me confidentially, "Lady Wishton can seem quite stern but she is very kind at heart and adores the children. His Lordship is not so friendly, it is fortunate he is not here."
Susan added that she has a number of friends amongst the staff and that if I was at leisure, I could join them. My position in the world felt confusing at times, I was not technically a servant but also not a proper lady. Susan was someone I was increasingly drawn to and I felt could be a friend. Spending more time with her was not a chore and I eagerly agreed.
"I will come and get you after dinner," Susan said with obvious pleasure, "I'd love to introduce you to David, one of the coachmen here."
Lady Wishton and I had a wonderful dinner. She asked me to a great degree about the Blackhearts children and how their education was progressing. She told me how the Blackheart and Wishton children, also a boy and girl, got on famously and she loved having them together. In a much more reserved way she also asked how her sister fared and hoped that she was in good health.