For a moment, her face softened. “You must not have had much of a childhood.” That had never occurred to me because I liked books and learning, but the note of pity in her voice made me realize the loss. She quickly stiffened back into her imposing form. “Lord Henry was impressed with that portion of your letter.” Although that should have been a positive sign, I got the strangest impression that she didn’t want her employer to be in favor of me.

The maid entered with a tea tray, and the interview paused while Mrs. Talbot poured and the maid served sandwiches. When the maid left, Mrs. Talbot continued, “The reason I am concerned about your age, in spite of your impressive academic achievements, is that the position is not purely that of governess. You would serve as chaperone for the older children, and that requires a certain degree of maturity.” She tilted her head and studied me for a moment. “You do not appear to be the flighty type, but I worry that you would not have the necessary air of authority with the children.”

“I am capable of being quite stern,” I assured her. “The children are not particularly wild, are they?”

A flicker of a smile crossed her lips. “No, not wild. But they may be challenging. Lady Olive is six and requires a full range of instruction. She is the one who needs a governess. Lady Flora, the eldest, is sixteen and in need of a good example, according to Lord Henry. Lord Roland is thirteen and attends school, but Lord Henry believes his education needs supplementation.” Lord Henry sounded a lot like my father. “Both of the elder children must be chaperoned at any social events.”

My heart sank. I knew I could teach Latin, Greek, French, literature, grammar, science, and mathematics, and I could even get by with music and drawing, although children of this class would have specialized drawing masters and music teachers. But the sort of social events that the aristocracy attended were well outside my experience. I wouldn’t know how I should act, let alone what would be proper for my charges. I could learn, I told myself. I needed a job to have a roof over my head, and this would be a very comfortable roof.

“I believe I would be an excellent chaperone,” I said, willing it to be true.

She raised her eyebrow again, but she didn’t challenge my assertion. Instead, she asked, “Do you have any questions about the children or the position?”