"Total, as in I'm penniless, or total as in I'll still have enough food to eat and won't be turned out of my own home?" she asked her voice cracking.
"Garden Gate is entailed, so you'll not lose the manor or lands, but you'll also not have any funds to maintain their upkeep."
"So, it's as good as being completely penniless."
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
"I see." Her slight shoulders slumped as if carrying a burden to heavy to bear.
"However, you could possibly lease the land and manor out, not requiring you to sell. That could produce some revenue."
"That could work. But what, then, of me? What am I to do?" Tears welled, glistening in her eyes and, though none fell, her green orbs took on the luminosity of glowing emeralds. Captivated by her venerable gaze, Mr. Burrows struggled to find some good news to give the poor young woman.
"I'm not sure, Miss Standhope. Do you have relatives you can impose upon?"
"None that I'm aware of."
He leaned back against the chair and a thought tickled his mind. Studying her one more, he nodded. Perhaps he did have some promising news to offer after all.
"I see. Are you…are you perhaps willing to consider employment?"
Carlotta stiffened at the idea of employment. Her father hadn't been a high-ranking earl or marquis, but even as a baron, he had impressed upon his daughter the place and position of the titled. It chafed to think of working, of becoming a bluestocking, but she saw no other options available.
She was rather fond of having food to eat and didn't plan on starving to death.
"I'm willing—" Carlotta swallowed and drew a breath to compose herself. "I'm willing to seek employment." She folded her hands in her lap, clutching them tightly.
"A governess or companion position would be quite suitable, I'd imagine."
"Governess, yes. I could do quite well in that position. I'm well educated, you know." Carlotta's mind began to spin with possibilities. Being a governess wouldn't be half bad. She could do it, she was certain.
She could hear her own heartbeat, its pounding cadence reminded her that she was, indeed, alive when she felt like she had shriveled up and died. To think, only hours before she had been planning her wardrobe for the season and daydreaming about her first kiss.
None of it was to be. None. In the span of ten minutes, her entire world had come crashing down upon her, leaving nothing but rubble.
"If you don't mind," said Mr. Burrows as he took off his spectacles and leaned forward slightly, his balding head shining, "I have a client who might be interested in hiring you. If you wish, I'll make arrangements for an interview."
Could she do it? Work? Leave behind all she knew? Carlotta glanced about the parlor, studying the tall windows that overlooked the small gardens. It wasn't grand, but it was home. And if she took a position as governess, she'd be leaving it all behind to a stranger. But what choice did she have?
"Thank you, Mr. Burrows. I'd appreciate the opportunity."
Charles Evermore, Duke of Clairmont
Carlotta studied the card and swallowed a lump of fear that lodged itself in her throat. Of course, she would be interviewing for a position in the devil's lair. That was precisely the kind of luck she was having recently. Not only had her trunks fallen off the carriage on her way to London, resulting in all of her clothes being muddied and some torn, but also, she had caught a chill. Thank heavens she'd been able to secure some elderberry tea. But regardless, the resulting sniffle wasn't proper governess behavior at all. It would be a miracle for her to get this position, but as she studied the name on the card sent from Mr. Burrows, she wondered if maybe God was protecting her. Surely, there were other positions that didn't involve bargaining the devil.
It was well known among the ton and those who gossiped about them, that the Duke of Clairmont was not the type of man to cross. Although deliciously handsome —at least that's what the rumor said— he had a reputation that boasted his arrogant nature and intolerance for women beyond their company in his bedroom —or their bedroom, for that matter. Carlotta's cheeks heated with a blush at simply thinking those words. True, he could have his pick of any of the season's Incomparables, but he wasn't marriage minded. At least not yet. His hair was as dark as sin with eyes that were the color of a summer sky. His tall and powerful frame exuded power and dominance, shrinking down all other men in the room. Of course, one could not always believe the gossip.