Dear Louisa,
The last few months passed by in a blur of activity. With autumn arriving, I have begun to feel what authentic cold weather is like up north.
I am spending much of the day occupied with Jackie and her studies. Jackie is incredibly smart and has already learned to read the Lord’s Prayer and several other Bible passages on her own. We have also worked to improve Jacqueline’s handwriting in both English and French so that she might start to write to her mother on her own.
With the return of Lord Bellfourd for the remainder of the summer, we have had many glorious afternoons outside, exploring the vast estate Wintercrest has to offer in his company.
For Jackie’s seventh birthday, the Marquess bestowed upon her a very fine pony of her own. Because of this, at least two or three days a week, Jackie and I spend our afternoons out riding.
I offered to stay behind while Lord Bellfourd took his niece on these equestrian trips, but he insisted I join them. I must admit that I did not realize how much I had missed riding. It reminds me so much of our many trips riding through the parks in the warmth of a London summer.
Though the Duke of Wintercrest has recovered from his fall, he is sadly still not in the best of health. He remains in his study, in bed, for most of the day. He still struggles to take in air and says there is an awful pain in his side when he stands. The doctor has been by many times to attend to his patient, but I fear there is not much else that can be done for the duke.
Because of his condition, he refuses to see Jackie at all. Instead, I stand before him twice a week and explain to him all that Jackie has learned thus far. I do my very best to show her in the most glorious light, in hopes that the duke will find favor with her but so far, it is to no avail.
With the duke still so ill, Lord Bellfourd has taken on the responsibilities of the house. I can see that it is a great weight on his shoulders and one he still struggles to accept. I do my best to show him, every day, that the improvements he has made to the estate and the household make Wintercrest all the more enjoyable to live in.
One such change was the move of my quarters from the attic to the room adjoining the school room and apartments that Jackie uses. I did enjoy my little attic room and port window, but cannot complain, for it is a much shorter distance to travel to my pupil.
I am also happy to find that the accommodations in my new room are much better furnished for the post of governess. I have a small bookshelf, which I happily use for the novels I brought with me. I also have a lovely fireplace with a comfortable chair beside it, where I can read and embroider in the evening. There is also a small writing desk that I am now using as I write my letters to you.
I am also happy to say that the proximity has been a lessened burden on Betsy, who had the terrible task of walking all the way to the far end of the house to bring me supplies each morning.
Betsy has become such a kind friend to me. Each morning, as she deposits my basin of hot water, she also takes a moment to practice her skills in plaiting hair. She hopes to be a lady’s maid someday, and I dare say she will be, with such a gentle touch and fantastic talent.
Although these last months have been filled with joy, something is weighing me down in the back of my mind.
As I told you in my last letter, Lord Bellfourd has invited me to take breakfast with the family and occasional family dinners.
It was at this that l learned how close of a relation the Earl and Lady Cunningham have with my present company. In fact, Lady Wintercrest is such dear friends with Lady Cunningham that she has recently invited her, as well as Lady Lydia, to come stay at the manor after their time in town.
I am sure you can guess the main reason for such encouragement to bring Lady Lydia here. I am not only dreading the arrival of the lady but the possibility of Lord Bellfourd attaching himself to her.
Lord Bellfourd is such a warm and kind gentleman, I can’t even imagine him finding interest in a woman with such a high nose in the air.
I know that my feelings toward Lady Lydia have been tainted by past experiences. I tell myself every day, as we draw closer to her arrival, that I must not judge the lady by our childhood, but cannot help but do so.
I genuinely hope that she is a changed woman and much more agreeable company. I do, however, find solace in the fact that if she is not, I will often be able to retire to my own privacy and not have to spend much time socializing with her.
I suppose that is one of the many excellent benefits I have in my new station.
Warmest Regards,
Izzy