Margaret pulled back, a mix of hope and doubt on her tear-stained face. “But how, Evelina? We have no money of our own, no means to replace what Father has lost.”
Evelina guided her sister to a nearby settee, and they both sat. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Margaret, there is something I must confess to you. I’m working as a tutor.”
Margaret furrowed her brow in confusion. “A tutor? But when? And for whom?”
“For the past fortnight, I have been tutoring the Duke of Dunmore’s daughter, Eliza,” Evelina explained, her voice low. “I have kept it a secret, for I feared what Father might do if he learned of it. But now, I see it as our salvation.”
Margaret’s eyes widened in surprise. “The Duke of Dunmore? But Evelina, surely such a position cannot pay enough to replace an entire dowry!”
“Perhaps not on its own, no,” Evelina agreed. “But it is a start, Margaret. The Duke pays me generously, and I have been saving every penny.”
“But why did you not tell me of this before?” Margaret asked, a hint of hurt in her voice.
Evelina sighed, taking her sister’s hands in her own once more. “I wished to protect you, to shield you from the worry. I had hoped that I might solve our financial troubles withoutburdening you or our younger sisters. But now…” she trailed off, shaking her head.
Margaret squeezed Evelina’s hands. “Now we face this problem together, as we always have. But Evelina, I cannot allow you to shoulder this burden alone. There must be something I can do to help.”
“Your support means more than you know, Margaret,” Evelina said with a small smile. “But there is more I must tell you. I have decided to seek a husband for myself.”
“Oh, Evelina!” Margaret gasped, her eyes widening. “You need not sacrifice yourself for my sake! I know you have long since resigned yourself to spinsterhood, dedicating your life to caring for us.”
Evelina shook her head, her expression determined. “It is no sacrifice, dear sister. It is my duty and my privilege to care for you all. If by making an advantageous match I can secure not only your future but also that of Louisa, Alexandra, and Penelope, then I shall do it gladly.”
“But what of love, Evelina?” Margaret protested. “You have always spoken of the importance of marrying for love, not merely convenience or financial security.”
Evelina’s smile turned wistful. “Love is a luxury we can ill afford at present, Margaret. Perhaps, in time, I may grow fond of my husband. But for now, the welfare of our family must take precedence.”
Margaret’s eyes filled with fresh tears, but this time they were of gratitude rather than despair. “You are too good, Evelina. I do not know how we would have managed without you. But are you certain that this is what you wish to do?”
“I am certain that I wish to see you and our sisters safe and provided for,” Evelina replied firmly. “As for my wishes… they must wait. Now, dry your tears, dear sister. We must be strong, for Louisa, Alexandra, and Penelope’s sakes.”
Margaret nodded, wiping her eyes with a delicate handkerchief. “You are right, of course. But Evelina, promise me that you will not settle for just any man. Promise me that you will choose a gentleman who will at least treat you with kindness and respect.”
Evelina’s heart swelled at her sister’s concern. “I promise, Margaret. I shall be discerning in my choice, insofar as our circumstances allow.”
The sisters hugged once more, drawing strength from each other’s presence. As they parted, Margaret asked, “What shall we tell the girls? They will surely notice that something is amiss.”
Evelina sighed, considering the question. “For now, we shall tell them nothing. Let them enjoy their innocence a while longer. While I know that I can count on each of you, I do think that we need not burden them until we have a clear plan.”
Margaret nodded in agreement. “Very well. But Evelina, what of your job? Surely you cannot continue to tutor the Duke’sdaughter while also seeking a husband. The ton would never approve of such an arrangement.”
“I know,” Evelina admitted, her brow furrowing. “But I cannot stop working, not when we so desperately need the money. I shall have to find a way to balance both responsibilities, at least until a more permanent solution presents itself.”
“It will not be easy,” Margaret warned. “You will be walking a dangerous line, Evelina. If your secret is discovered, it could ruin not only your prospects but also those of our sisters.”
Evelina clenched her jaw in determination. “Then I shall simply have to ensure that it remains a secret. I have managed thus far, and I shall continue to do so. We have no other choice, Margaret.” She rubbed her eyes tiredly, suddenly feeling as if she had aged several years. “No choice at all.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Look around, Eliza. The gardens offer a whole new world for our lesson today. Let’s embrace the sunshine and fresh air—our studies will be much more enjoyable, I am certain.”
As tutor and tutee ventured into the gardens of Dunmore House, the warm sunlight cast a golden hue over the vibrant flowers. The air was filled with a symphony of fragrances, and birds chirped in the distance.
Despite the pleasant atmosphere, however, Eliza’s expression betrayed a mix of worry and discomfort as she stepped into the green expanse.
Evelina was determined to lift the young girl’s spirits amid nature’s beauty. Lessons like these had helped open her younger sisters’ minds, and plant therapy had aided her personal life a lot as well. Nothing calmed her more than carrying for her garden.
But her reserved eleven-year-old student was very much accustomed to routines and was struggling to accept the unusual more than Evelina had expected.
