The Governess- 17

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. “I think Wendy has taken far
too long in answering my bell. Perhaps this will give you an opportunity to have
a look at the girl in more detail.” Lady Rawlings turned her head toward the
door. “Come in.” Both Wendy and Annette appeared through the door pushing a tea
trolley. They wheeled it into the room adjacent to Lady Rawlings and her young
guest.
“I took the liberty Madam of bringing both tea and coffee. There are some cakes
as well Ma’am.” Lady Rawlings laughed. “You have been busy, I thought you were
taking a long time answering the bell.” Wendy stood up primly “I’m sorry Madam,
I just thought as it was already passed half past three, that you might be ready
for tea.”
Lady Rawlings smiled at her young maid. “You are perfectly right this time
Wendy, Would you and Annette care to pour.”
Lady Rawlings turned toward Jane. “Will you take tea or coffee?” Jane looked
intently at both girls watching their movements. “I will have tea please.”
Lady Rawlings let the girls pour the tea and uncover the pastries before she
spoke. “Wendy and Annette come and stand in front of me, I want to introduce you
to Jane Marwood.” She watched Jane observing the girls as they moved to stand in
front of the easy chairs. Jane looked the girls up and down as they stood side
by side. Wendy with long slender legs stood a head taller than Annette. Both
maids were wearing short black dresses, showing off their bare thighs to pretty
effect. Lady Rawlings smiled up at them. “This is Jane Marwood, who will be
taking over the supervision of Richard’s education as well as his physical and
moral well being. She will be in complete charge of the household during my
absences and will have charge of the day to day running with myself. I think you
may address her as Miss or Miss Marwood.” Lady Rawlings turned to Jane with a
warm smile. “What would you prefer Jane?” Jane smiled up at the girls. Her
beautiful delicate features giving no hint of the discipline that she was about
to wield. “I will be quite happy to be addressed as Miss and I am sure that we
will get along splendidly.” Both Wendy and Annette bobbed a little curtsey and
said, “Yes Miss.” in unison.