“Before I can make you an offer of employment, Miss Ellerby, there is one matter we must first settle to my satisfaction.”

Though his lordship spoke in a kindly tone, his words chilled her. “Three different positions in ten years is more than one would expect of a governess who gave satisfaction in her work. How do you account for it in your case?”

Why must he ask the one question above all others that she could not bear to answer? How would Lord Steadwell react if she blurted out the truth–that she had fled each of those households after receiving unwelcome advances from men?

She could imagine Lord Steadwell’s reaction to such a claim from a woman who looked the way she had made herself. He would think she was stark, raving mad! But she would not dare pull off her cap and spectacles to reveal her true appearance. His lordship seemed an honorable gentleman, but Grace knew all too well the effect her cursed beauty could have upon men.