“Godmother, you know I wouldn’t come to you for help unless it was of the greatest urgency.”

Esther waited with bated breath for what Agnes would have to say. Her situation was desperate, and she had no other way out.

Agnes let out a long breath. “Esther, I don’t know what to tell you. I cannot hide you here; this is one of the first places he would look.”

Esther dropped her head, feeling the tears coming. “I do not know what else to do, Godmother. Father has me trapped and he knows it.”

“If only your poor mama was still alive,” Agnes replied heavily.

“I know,” Esther whispered, a tear dripping down her cheek. “I miss her so.”

Esther's mother died five years ago, leaving the then sixteen-year-old as mistress of the home. Esther had taken it in stride, taking comfort from her older, married sister who had been expecting her first child at that time. Unfortunately, her father had not taken it so well, keeping to his study and eventually becoming something of a recluse, only going out in the evenings to gamble. Esther fared badly under his harsh ways. As the years passed, she was allowed less and less into society. No balls, no parties, just some visits with friends on occasion. She was grateful her father allowed her out to see her godmother, Lady Heber.

“Your father is insisting you marry Lord Thompson?” Agnes asked, quietly.

Esther groaned. “Godmother, he is almost in his dotage! He is corpulent and, from what I have heard, he has quite a temper.” Her face went a shade whiter. “I cannot contemplate life with him. I simply cannot!”

“But your father says that you must,” Agnes stated.

Esther nodded, feeling sick at the thought. “He demanded I do so. I asked him to give me time to find my own suitor, but he has refused. He deems himself the best judge of character, apparently.” She put her head in her hands, wishing she could think of a way out. “If I cannot leave my father, he will force me to go through with this marriage, Godmother! Whether it be with threats, intimidation, or guilt, I know my father will get what he wants in the end.”

Trying not to think of her kind, loving mama, Esther remembered how her father once was. He had loved her mother dearly; she was sure of it. They had laughed together, and she never heard a cross word from either of them. Her sister, Josephine, had met and married Stephen before their mother had died, and Esther had never seen her parents so happy. They had looked forward to the impending birth of their first grandchild with great anticipation, but a sudden illness had taken their mother from them only a month before the child’s birth. Now, their father seemed to care very little for the young boy, even though it was his own flesh and blood.

Esther knew that her sister was pained over the loss of their father’s good character, but at least she had a supportive husband. Josephine and her family moved away from London, living near the border to Scotland on her husband’s estate, and Esther rarely saw them. Not that she could blame them, of course. She was glad she still had her godmother and did not feel completely alone.

"Mother?" Bernard blustered in, completely unaware that his mother had a guest. "Oh, I do apologize." He bowed to the lady, hardly noticing her puffy face and red eyes.

“Bernard, you remember Lady Esther Bertram, my goddaughter?”

“Of course,” Bernard replied, kicking himself for his lack of clarity and blaming it on the copious amount of alcohol he drank the night before. Its effects had still not quite worn off. “It has been some time since we have had the pleasure of your company, has it not?” he asked, his eyes on the lady.

“Indeed,” Esther nodded. “I have been caught up with my work at home, I confess, and have not visited my godmother as often as I should.”

“Well, I am sure she is glad of your company now,” Bernard smiled, directing his gaze to his mother. “Mother, I have just returned from the Duke’s townhouse. It appears he is in great need of a housekeeper, and I did say I would ask for your recommendations.”

“Alas,” Agnes replied. “I do not know of any suitable...” She trailed off, her eyes alighting on Esther.

“Mother?”

“What I mean to say is I do have one perfect lady in mind who would be an excellent housekeeper.”

“Really? Would you be so kind as to send her to the Duke’s townhouse at your earliest convenience?”

“Certainly,” Agnes replied, a brilliant smile on her face. “He will accept her without question, I hope, given my recommendation?”

“I am sure he will,” Bernard snorted. “The man is desperate for a replacement, given that he had to send the housekeeper away this morning!”

“This morning?” Esther gasped. “Whatever did she do?”

Bernard felt his face flush. “Nothing that I can share with genteel young ladies such as yourself, my dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall write to Amos directly.”

“Tell him that I shall bring the woman to his house tomorrow afternoon,” Agnes called after him. “I want to ensure he accepts her without question.”

“Very good, Mother,” Bernard replied, shutting the door firmly behind him.