Isabelle
“Say bon jour, Chasteté.” Chastity tried to teach Agatha french. Her voice traveled into the parlor where Margaret and Isabelle chatted.
The two women shared a quiet giggle as Agatha repeated back the words.
“I’m so sorry to hear about Reginald not settling into boarding school. Alfred and I have been talking about where to send Agatha that isn’t to far from here.” Isabelle secretly hoped her best friend knew of a school nearby.
“The best girl schools are in France or Germany. I just can’t imagine sending Chastity off that far. She’s all I have.” Margaret looked over at the tarts and took one. “I can send over Chastity’s tutor after she’s finished in the afternoons. No one comes more recommended and we keep her employed full time, in case the boys come home on holidays. I’m sure Reginald wont mind sharing her with you, and she will enjoy the extra income I’m sure.” Margaret smiled a devilish grin. “She’s very pretty and young, besides her intelligence and learnedness. She has her pick of suitors.” Margaret seemed to be reliving parts of her youth in-between words.
Isabelle smiled, she remembered it well.
“Don’t send her away, Isabelle.” Margaret ate the tart quickly and sipped some tea. “You would be sorry for it. I miss my boys with every waking day, and I could almost cry from missing their faces at night. She’s your only child, you will regret it.”
Isabelle sighed, “You win. I will take on your tutor.”
Elsa Goodwin was not what Isabelle had expected. The woman was near perfect in every sense. Her body could have been chiseled into marble forever to be marveled at. Her face was clear and radiant, her cheekbones rode high and held a healthy color. Her blue eyes were like dazzling clear topaz. She was dressed in the current fashion, her hair was in perfect form. Isabelle felt a little afraid as the young girl smiled at her.
“Mrs. Gaunche, I took the liberty of purchasing all of Agatha’s books.” she motioned towards the carriage outside. “I was hoping I might be compensated for them.”
“Of course.” Isabelle said quickly. “My husband will pay you for anything you require. Let me take you to him.” Though it was the last thing she wanted to do.