Lord Preston's Secret Governess

Chapter 1: The Penniless Lady

It’s not that money guarantees happiness, but it generally helps. Jacqueline realized this fundamental truth a little later than most, accepting that a wealthy commoner lived better than a penniless lady with a hollow title. The era of wielding influence through titles alone had ended. Now, gold held as much power as any noble name.
Her father, the Earl of Somerset, eager to ride this new wave, had invested in the burgeoning New World ventures. The lands across the sea were an unknown, a promised land brimming with gold. But it was a land not easily reached. Months of arduous seafaring were required to reach this mythical continent. One had to traverse the treacherous Death’s Valley, weather violent, unpredictable storms, and evade the watchful eyes of pirates. More than half of those who embarked on the journey never returned, and of the remaining half, most came back empty-handed, never having even set foot on the New World’s shores.
Yet, this “Continent of Dreams” remained one of the kingdom’s most sought-after ventures. A land untouched, glittering with gold.

“But Father was no exception,” Jacqueline murmured.
The Earl of Somerset never returned. The family’s assets went to creditors, and the once glorious earldom crumbled overnight. All that remained for Jacqueline was the moniker, “the Penniless Lady.”
“This isn’t the time for reminiscing.”

Shaking her head, Jacqueline resumed packing. She folded clothes and neatly stacked them in a large bag. Even after gathering all her belongings, the bag felt strangely empty.
“That’s odd. It was definitely full when I… Oh! I almost forgot Colin. Sorry, Colin.”
She tucked in the teddy bear her father had given her for her fifteenth birthday, finally filling the bag. After wrestling the zipper closed, she shoved it under the bed. Just then, a knock echoed through the room.

A maid entered, curtseying respectfully. “Lord Greenwood has returned, Miss.”
“He’s early today. Where is Uncle Walter?”
“He went straight to the study, Miss.”

“Thank you, Laura.”
Jacqueline took a deep breath, glanced around her tidy room, and headed towards the study. After knocking, she entered, offering a warm smile to the middle-aged man seated at the desk.
“Welcome back, Uncle.”

“Ah, Jacqueline.”
Walter Greenwood paused his work, his gaze softening as he looked at her. Jacqueline settled onto the sofa, her smile unwavering. Walter slipped a half-opened envelope into a drawer, locked it, and walked towards her.
A longtime friend of the late Earl of Somerset, Walter had readily offered Jacqueline a room in his home when she had nowhere else to go. He continued to treat her with kindness, even when others shunned her. The casual “Uncle” was a testament to the years of affection between them. Walter was her godfather, the only person she could truly rely on.

“I found a job,” Jacqueline announced.
Walter’s brow furrowed slightly. He looked at her with the concern of a father.
Careful not to offend her pride, he chose his words delicately. “Jackie, you don’t need to do this. I told you, I’ll cover your wedding expenses. I’m your godfather; you’re like a daughter to me. That doesn’t change just because Baron is gone.”
“I know, Uncle. And I’m always grateful for your kindness.”

“I’ve spoken to Mrs. Smith about finding you a suitable match. If you just wait a little…”
“Who would take me now? I’m nothing but an empty shell. Besides, I’m well past marriageable age.”
Her father’s ship had disappeared just before her debut into society. Preoccupied with searching for news of him, she’d had no time for social engagements. Three years had flown by, and the once-promising debutante was now the overlooked “Penniless Lady.”

“Jackie… are you still thinking about Evan Knox…?” Walter hesitated, his voice trailing off. Jacqueline laughed, her expression open and clear.
“No, Uncle. That was ages ago. We were betrothed, but I was away at boarding school. I barely even knew Mr. Knox.”
“That’s a relief.”

“I appreciate your concern for my marriage, but right now, I can’t afford to think about anything other than earning money. I can’t leave Mother at Aunt Clara’s forever.”
“I’ll take care of Lady Somerset.”
Jacqueline smiled tenderly. She knew he meant it. “Thank you, but I’ll decline. Things have changed, and I need to adapt to my new life.”

“Jacqueline…” Walter sighed, his name a lament. His expression spoke volumes, but he remained silent, recognizing the futility of arguing with her. Changing the subject, he asked, “So, what is this job you found? You can at least tell me where you’ll be staying.”
“Of course. I’ll be a governess at Lord Preston’s residence. Thankfully, Mrs. Carpenter provided me with a letter of recommendation.”
“Lord Preston? You mean the Marquess of Windsor, Windsor Preston?” Walter’s eyes widened in surprise. Jacqueline nodded, her smile unchanged.

“Yes, Uncle.”
“Hmm.” Walter stroked his chin, recalling the rumors swirling around the marquess. “If you’re going to be a governess there, you’ll be in charge of young Benjamin Preston.”
“That’s right.”

“I heard the Marquess returned to the capital a few months ago.” True to his cautious nature, Walter chose his words carefully. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he gave Jacqueline a complex look. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he sighed. “Are you aware that Benjamin has had countless governesses in the past two years?”
“So I’ve heard.”
“I believe you’ll be his tenth, Jacqueline.”

“Thirteenth, actually, Uncle.”
“My goodness. Three more unfortunate souls. May God be with them.” Walter chuckled, making the sign of the cross. “After Lord Jeffrey Preston, Benjamin’s father, passed away, his younger brother, Lord Windsor, inherited the title and took Benjamin under his care. Rumor has it that the frequent change of governesses isn’t due to Benjamin, but to the marquess himself.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve heard.” Jacqueline nodded nonchalantly. She was in no position to be picky. She was desperate for any opportunity.

Walter stroked his beard for a moment before speaking again. “Do you know who Benjamin’s mother was?”
“Yes, Lady Amanda Preston.”
“Indeed. Sadly, she passed away from childbed fever shortly after giving birth. Benjamin lost both his parents. Did you also know she was His Majesty’s youngest daughter?”

“Of course, Uncle.”
Walter’s expression grew even more troubled. He couldn’t understand why she would insist on working for the Preston family, knowing all this.
Finally, he voiced his concerns. “It’s no secret that the royal family and the Marquess of Windsor are at odds over Benjamin’s custody. Lord Windsor isn’t a legitimate heir. His Majesty disapproves of him, given his illegitimate birth. I’m worried you’ll get caught in the crossfire.”

Jacqueline met his gaze with her vibrant green eyes, as alive and bright as summer leaves. “Don’t worry, Uncle. I won’t get involved. I’m just a governess. What business do I have with the quarrels of the royal family and the marquess?”
“…I hope you’re right.” Walter nodded, still looking uneasy. Then, with a resigned smile, he conceded. If he couldn’t dissuade her, he could only support her. “Come to me if anything troubles you. I’m always on your side. You know that.”
“Thank you, Uncle.” Jacqueline smiled warmly. As if just remembering, Walter cautiously asked, “Have you heard any news about Baron…?”

Hearing her father’s name after so long brought a bittersweet smile to Jacqueline’s lips. Knowing it was rude, she interrupted him. “I’ve been clinging to a sliver of hope, but I’m ready to face reality now.”
“Jackie…”
“If Father were alive, he would have returned by now. It’s been three years. They never found his body, but he’s gone. It’s just… it’s taken me a long time to accept it. I need to live my own life now, Uncle.”

“I see. That’s a wise decision. Sometimes, letting go is the bravest thing to do. Baron would understand, Jackie.”
Letting go is the bravest thing to do. Jacqueline silently agreed. Perhaps it was. Letting go was necessary to move forward; it was another kind of choice. A signal that she was ready to leave her old life behind and embrace a new challenge.
Walter, his expression somber, tried to lighten the mood. “What if Lord Windsor falls for you? I hear he hasn’t shown interest in any lady yet.”

“Oh, Uncle, don’t be absurd.” Jacqueline waved her hand dismissively. “Have you forgotten that Lord Preston hasn’t danced with a single woman at any of the balls he’s attended? He has no interest in women. There’s a reason they call him the ‘Devil of the Black Fleet.’”
“It’s often the men who seem indifferent to love who fall the hardest. Fate can knock at any time, in any place.”
“That won’t happen. I guarantee it.”

“Hmm. We’ll see. With such a beautiful lady before him, how could any man resist falling in love?”
“You’re the only one who sees me that way, Uncle. Everyone else calls me the ‘Penniless Lady.’”
“Nonsense. They’re blind.”

Jacqueline burst out laughing at Walter’s genuine indignation. He couldn’t help but smile back. They looked like a loving father and daughter.

* * *
 
Jacqueline’s first impression of Windsor Preston was one of sheer astonishment. Like a masterpiece sculpted by the greatest artist, she stared, barely suppressing a gasp of admiration.
She had heard the rumors of his handsomeness. Whispers of angelic beauty and devilish charm graced the gossip columns. But in this moment, she was certain that the rumors hadn’t captured even half of Windsor Preston’s breathtaking appearance.

Hair like spun gold, thoughtful blue-gray eyes, a nose sharper than the Calpers Mountains, and a jawline perfectly sculpted. Even the finest artwork would pale in comparison. So captivated was she that she forgot to greet him.
“Miss Jacqueline Somerset?” Windsor spoke first, his voice surprisingly firm, contrasting with his delicate features. It reminded her that he was a former soldier.