Scandal At The Christmas Ball: A Governess for Christmas / Dancing with the Duke’s Heir. Marguerite Kaye

blithe assumption that I’d easily find another position, for despite a lack of a character reference from Lady Christina, I had many other letters of recommendation. But Lady Christina had other intentions, and is, as you said yourself, a doyenne of society with influence almost as far-reaching as her very good friend, the Duchess of Brockmore. She branded me a thief, and she made sure that everyone knew it. Door after door was slammed in my face, and no respectable school would employ me, which is how I come to be in my current position, employed for no more than my bed and board, and expected to act the drudge when I am not teaching.’

      Drummond swore. He raked his fingers through his hair. He swore again. He jumped up from the seat, dug his hands into his pockets, took a rapid turn around the room, then sat down and cursed again.

      ‘My thoughts entirely,’ Joanna said, with a poor attempt at humour.

      ‘What changed?’ he demanded. ‘You said you came here expecting justice to be finally served.’

      ‘Lottie belatedly found her conscience a few months ago,’ Joanna said wearily. ‘She wanted to write to me but could not establish my whereabouts. She turned to her mama’s best friend, our hostess, whose reach is long, and when she discovered the depth of my plight, Lottie was horrified and told her mother the true story. Her mama also felt guilty, but not guilty enough to do something about it herself, and so asked Her Grace to intercede—what is it you said about the Brockmores? Where they lead, and all that.’

      ‘But where it won’t lead, I take it, is to the clearing of your name?’

      ‘Precisely. My name, so the Duchess implied, is not as important as Lady Christina’s. Having gone to immense efforts to brand me a thief, she must be spared the social embarrassment of retracting her accusations, and instead branding her daughter a coward, and herself a fool for believing her,’ Joanna said, her lip curling. ‘So you can be sure that even if I did choose to speak out, it would be pointless, for she would deny it all. But Lady Christina will pay me a financial recompense for the harm done to my reputation, if you please, or I may, if I please, be offered the position as governess to poor Mr Martindale’s wards—you see, Mr Martindale’s presence here is not only to give him a respite from his grief, but to give him the opportunity to size me up! But both so-called amends are dependant upon my continued silence.’

      Drummond’s fists were clenched again. ‘Which means that, as far as respectable society is concerned, you will be branded a thief for ever. That is outrageous.’

      ‘I heartily agree, but there is nothing I can do about it. Lottie is apparently to be married shortly, and though she is most contrite, she is even more terrified that the story may come to the ears of her betrothed, and you see how it could unravel? Once the question is asked, why did she take the necklace, then her foolish indiscretion could come to light.’

      ‘And her utterly selfish act in framing you.’

      ‘Yes.’ Tears welled, but she forced them back. ‘So I am to have no clean slate, but I must not lose sight of the fact that I am being offered a second chance.’

      ‘Aye, on someone else’s terms.’

      ‘Worse than that. I am being offered payment for a silence I had already resolved to maintain, until Lottie—but now there is no chance of that. None at all. It is grossly unfair, but there we have it.’ Joanna slumped back on the sofa, completely drained. ‘I believe our conversation has come full circle.’

      ‘And you are exhausted,’ Drummond said. ‘Best not to make any rash decisions. Let it settle in your mind, and we can...’

      ‘This is my problem, Drummond.’

      ‘I want to help.’

      She didn’t doubt his sincerity, but instead of reassuring her, it set alarm bells ringing in her head. She could not embroil him in this. He needed to keep his nose clean or he might jeopardise his own chances. Getting to her feet, she shook out her dress and picked up her cloak. ‘I don’t need help. Now I know the terms, I must make a simple decision, and that is the end of it. In the meantime, do you think we can turn our attention to enjoying the festivities?’