Lord Preston's Secret Governess

Chapter 15: As Lord Preston's Governess

“After you’ve eaten the top fillet, remove the bones and then eat the bottom fillet. If you flip the fish like you just did, the other nobles will stare. A lady might even drop her knife.”
Windsor suspected she was enjoying this, relishing the opportunity to bombard him with instructions. But he didn’t voice his suspicion. He knew she would deny it.
He flipped the fish back over and carefully removed the bones.

“The reason you shouldn’t flip the fish is because it’s considered unsightly.” She does know the reason for this one. Jacqueline looked at him with a smug expression. He thought her gaze lingered on his cheek for a moment, but he ignored it.
“You shouldn’t focus solely on your meal, Lord Preston, no matter how delicious it is. You should occasionally set down your cutlery and engage in conversation with the person next to you. Otherwise, by the end of the meal, rumors of your gluttony will be circulating.”
Windsor’s brow furrowed slightly. He hadn’t adjusted easily to the strict rules and regulations of the navy when he first enlisted. It was a world as rigid as a prison, where a single moment of carelessness could lead to a comrade’s death. Everyone had to adhere to the rules. There were no exceptions.

But aristocratic etiquette was different. The direction of a knife wouldn’t get someone killed, and flipping a fish wouldn’t sink a ship. As Jacqueline had said, they were needlessly complex and tedious customs. Yet, failing to observe them would lead to social ostracism.
Etiquette was a tool for social cohesion, a rope binding the aristocracy together. And Windsor, a newcomer to the upper class, had to break through the invisible barrier and find his place within their ranks. It was his duty as the Marquess of Preston.
He set down his knife and fork and looked at Jacqueline. “These customs truly are needlessly complex and tedious.”

His tone was laced with frustration. Jacqueline realized it was time to offer encouragement instead of criticism. Too much negativity would only discourage him. He might even buck against her guidance.
“But you’re doing quite well, Lord Preston. You already have good table manners, so once you memorize a few more of these pesky rules, you’ll be able to dine with anyone without issue. And no one will even notice your etiquette, because frankly, not even all nobles remember every single rule.”
“May I resume my meal now, Miss Somerset?”

“Of course, Lord Preston.” Jacqueline nodded. Windsor picked up his knife and fork again.
He looked so much like Benjamin that Jacqueline had to suppress another smile. The usually stoic Windsor seemed almost endearing.
“Oh, and you shouldn’t butter your bread at lunch or dinner, Lord Preston.” She had no intention of being as lenient with him as she was with Benjamin, however. She observed him with a stern, appraising gaze.

“Ha.” Windsor chuckled softly, his expression still cold. “I don’t understand why they put butter on the table if we’re not supposed to use it.” Nevertheless, he set down his butter knife and took a bite of the plain bread, a deep frown creasing his forehead. But he was a patient man.
Jacqueline found the situation rather amusing. Windsor, despite his displeasure, followed her instructions diligently. She appreciated a compliant student.
“While you shouldn’t butter your bread, it would be considered rude not to offer butter to your guests.”

Windsor’s frown deepened. He looked at her with an expression of utter bewilderment. “They don’t consider it wasteful?”
“That’s why I said they’re needlessly complex and tedious.”
“But failing to observe them invites ridicule?”
“Precisely. There are more things you can’t do than things you can.” Jacqueline nodded in agreement. Windsor frowned, but his table manners were impeccable.

“The boarding school Benjamin will attend next year is the same. There are far more restrictions than freedoms. So wouldn’t it be nice if he could enjoy a little more freedom here, at home, Lord Preston? Especially if you would be so kind as to respect my educational philosophy.”
Windsor stared at her, as if caught off guard.
Jacqueline met his gaze, a quiet smile playing on her lips. In the candlelight, his blond hair seemed to glow with an orange hue, and his thoughtful blue-gray eyes were deep and unreadable.

Just as she was about to be captivated by his devilish charm, he nodded, bringing her back to her senses.
“Very well. But remember, Benjamin must never forget that he is the future Marquess of Preston.”
“Of course. Thank you, Lord Preston.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled, a sweet, childlike expression that offered a glimpse into her own upbringing.

Windsor was certain she had been raised with an abundance of love and affection. But regardless of her upbringing, she would be leaving Preston Manor soon. No one had ever resisted the King’s influence.
She, too, would eventually become the King’s pawn. And Windsor wasn’t lenient enough to employ the enemy’s agent.
“When you’ve finished your meal, you should place your knife and fork side by side on your plate.”

Windsor looked up at her. Jacqueline tilted her head slightly, as if asking, “What is it?”
He placed his knife and fork neatly on his plate and wiped his mouth with the napkin on his lap.
“Oh, you should use the back of the napkin, not the front, Lord Preston.”

Windsor froze mid-wipe.
“Of course, I’m sure you already knew that.”
A chuckle escaped his lips. He thought he might actually miss her when she was gone. He wouldn’t find another governess who dared to correct him so relentlessly.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Jacqueline spoke as if just remembering something. Windsor, placing his napkin on the table, looked at her.
“Is there anything else I should be aware of?”
“No, you’re doing wonderfully. Have you chosen Benjamin’s birthday present yet?”

Windsor paused. There were moments like this, when the conversation took unexpected turns, like popcorn kernels bursting in hot oil.
“Yes, I have.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, what did you choose?”

Windsor took a sip of water and replied casually, “A complete collection of the kingdom’s historical records.”
“Ah, yes…” Jacqueline’s face fell. She glanced at him and asked hesitantly, “What did you get him last year?”
“A complete collection of continental myths. The continental myths and the kingdom’s historical records are considered essential reading before entering boarding school. They’re the most appropriate gifts for Benjamin.”

“Ah, yes…” Jacqueline’s expression grew even more disappointed. Then, she straightened her back and spoke in a firm voice.
“As Lord Preston’s governess…” Windsor looked at her expectantly, wondering what unexpected direction the conversation would take now. He had to be on guard, lest he be caught off guard.
“…may I offer my assistance in choosing his birthday present?”

Windsor frowned slightly. He looked up at the ceiling, replaying their conversation in his mind, then looked back at Jacqueline. “I already told you I’ve chosen a present. Was there something you misunderstood?”
“Not at all. I simply wish to suggest a gift that Benjamin might appreciate more than historical records. Purely out of goodwill.”
Windsor, picturing his quiet nephew, paused. A hint of suspicion entered his voice. “Did Benjamin ask you for something?” He couldn’t imagine his nephew asking for anything; the boy had no discernible desires.

Jacqueline’s eyes widened at the unexpected question. She quickly shook her head. “No, of course not. Benjamin is the most polite and well-mannered child I’ve ever met.”
Yes, that makes more sense. Windsor nodded slowly.
Jacqueline, watching him, added defensively, “A gift should bring joy to the recipient. But your gift… While I understand your intentions…” She paused, then met his gaze with a challenging glint in her eyes.

“The historical records are a gift you want, not a gift Benjamin wants.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Can’t you tell just by looking at him?” Jacqueline’s gaze challenged him to deny it. But Windsor didn’t readily agree.

Sighing softly, she chose her words carefully. “Benjamin isn’t very talkative, but you can tell just by observing him. You can see what makes his eyes light up, what brings a blush to his cheeks, what makes his lips curve into a smile.”
Just by observing him. Windsor considered her words irrational. Perception was subjective.
When he sat silently with a blank expression, Roman would ask if something was wrong, William would inquire about his health, and Benjamin would apologize.

Jacqueline frowned slightly at his continued silence. Windsor, without responding, rose from his chair.
Jacqueline suppressed a sigh of disappointment.