The Governess- 18

It is really beautiful. We have our own beach which is
surrounded by cliffs. It is impossible for anyone to get to the beach unless by
boat and as it is covered by an old French estate law which is marked on the
coastal water charts as being off limits. I will take you there at the start of
the summer holidays as we will all be going then. That’s about the size of it
really, even with taxation I seem to be increasing both the income and the
holdings. Of course the family solicitors and accountants are so well
established (their firms are both over three-hundred years old) that I have very
few decisions to make. However I do go to all the major board meetings and
decide on various recommendations and acquisitions”
Jane was not only suitably impressed by the scope of Victoria’s wealth but also
by the acumen her ladyship must have in business. Even with inherited wealth it
has to be managed properly.
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Come in.” Veronica
called as she got up from her chair and pulled a small refectory table between
their two chairs. Wendy entered carrying a silver tray which held a bottle of
wine and two glasses. She bent over and placed the tray on to the table. Jane
was delighted to see that the cork had been pulled and was being held by a twist
of lead foil to the neck of the bottle. The dust on the bottle had not been
disturbed apart from the neck which had been wiped clean. Jane smiled at Wendy
as she spoke. “That looks very professional Wendy, you have obviously done this
before. Wendy bobbed a curtsey to Jane. “Yes Miss, Madam showed me how to
present the wine properly.” Lady Rawlings smiled at her young maid. “You do it
very well all the same. It is getting rather late and I don’t imagine we will
need anything else. Why don’t you go and get your night things on and you and
Annette can come down and say goodnight.” Wendy bobbed to Her Ladyship. “Shall I
tell Annette to put her night things on too Miss. “Of course and don’t be too
long as Miss Marwood and I will be going to bed ourselves soon.” Wendy bobbed
one more curtsey and left the room. Jane looked at Veronica with an enquiring
eye. “Is it usual for them to come down and say goodnight or are you doing it
for my benefit. Veronica laughed. “Well they always come and see if there is
anything else I want before they retire, but not as a rule in their night
clothes.” Veronica said no more but leaned forward and poured wine into both
glasses. She handed one to Jane and held her glass up in front of her. “Here is
to you Jane, it is so nice to have someone to discuss things with.” They both
drank from their glasses Jane took her drink and settled back in her chair.
Veronica put her glass down and stood up, moving over to Jane she leaned over
and kissed Jane full on the lips. “Don’t spill your wine… I just wanted to do
that I feel very warm towards you.” Jane understood how Lady Rawlings must feel.
“I do understand Veronica, it must be hard, even having such a lovely daughter,
to find someone to share your thoughts with. I have always had my mother, but it
does seem easier when you are not related. It is often hard to think of one’s
mother or I suppose one’s daughter as just a friend. Jane raised her glass
toward Victoria. “Here’s to you.. and to us together, what do you say?” Veronica
gave a low chuckle. “An admirable toast.” She took her glass and touched it
against Jane’s.