Chapter One

*Prologue*

Of all the news lady Diane McKade, might have expected to hear on returning home after her daily work, "your father won't be coming back" was the least. Diane couldn't comprehend what she was just told.

" what do you mean father won't be coming back, mother?" Diane asked still trying to understand what was going on not like she ever cared about the whereabouts of the old man.

"Your father has eloped with a soiled dove. I do not seem to understand what you do not understand here young lady." Screamed the already hysterical lady Louise McKade. " I do not have time for your silly jokes young lady for your father has left us ruined." She continued trying to control her tears which proved uncontrollable.

Yes, "Ruined" was the word, Diane searched for in her mind. They've been ruined. Eloping to Granta-Green was what people in love did but as much as they were in love it still didn't mean it was accepted in the community it only brought scandal to the families of those entangled.

That was what really mattered right now. How badly were they ruined? At this point, she most emphatically didn't want to believe her ears. It wasn't something one of nobel blood did. It wasn't socially acceptable. It was more than enough to bring her family to great ruin. On her personal level, she was ecstatic and relieved but come to think of it what would society say? Not like he had ever been a dotting father to her nor a loving husband to get mother. It was quite the opposite. What only mattered now was the society she lived in. All she had was a weakling of a mother and a house to evacuate.

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Chapter One

Diane McKade had already had a tiring day trying to find a job as a governess since she had quit her job as a lady's maid. She felt she was more than just a mere lady's maid. She was going to aim higher and she was going to make it. All lord John Kent had spent on her couldn't be in vain. She had gone to a school that only the rich aristocrats could afford. She has played her part well as his young mistress and he had played his as her sponsor. It was time for society to play theirs. A job as a governess was all she asked for. It was a high-paying job with respect. Thanks to the viscount she had lost so much respect as a child but she was going to earn so much as an adult. She wasn't going to be as weak as her mother. Only fools were weak. She wasn't one.

"I might just take this away madam," the butler said collecting her robe from her.

" oh very well, you may have it, sir" Diane replied

Overwhelmed by the magnificent mansion. Diane couldn't seem to control her shock. How could one live in such a magnificent place, she wondered? This was the most beautiful place she had ever been to, not even lord Kent's mansion, was half as beautiful as this but still nevertheless was a beautiful mansion. Oh, how she so longed she was a lady with her title again. How she so missed her home.....

" if you may follow me, the library is just ahead. If we take our right and a little step by the left, I'm afraid you will still take your right again and left and....."

"Very well sir, I would just follow right behind you" she cut him off gently. Still caught up with the magnificent beauty of the mansion Diane trailed behind him. " it would really be nice to work here " she muttered to herself.

"Here we are madam."

"I was beginning to wonder if it would have an ending" she muttered.

"I believe you would get used to it with time, that is if you are indeed lucky to get the position which you seek. It's quiet nit easy with the duchess fit the duchess is quite a thing." He said with a soft but warning smile.

"Thank you sir."

" please do make yourself comfortable. The duchess would be here in a bit." That said, he left shutting the door behind him with a little thud. He was used to the reactions that came with the magnificent beauty if the mansion. One couldn't hide their feelings. If they did, they never did it so well.

"I do not have time for interviews." The duchess said as she walked in so gracefully. " I want to believe that lady Julia wasn't so wrong as to recommend you. I will be going with her judgement." Lady Maria CeCil wasn't known for wasting time on matters that concerns the mansion not hiring of the helps she was the perfect duchess one needed in their home. Though ruthless.

"Thank you, your grace. I am glad you have a string believe in lady Julia her her down nor you."

"Very well child, get to work." She said looking her up and down. "How old are you child?"

" I am all but two and two, your grace." She replied gently.

"Still a child." She said pacing around her gently. "Why wouldn't you want to get married for u believe you are quite aware that it is difficult for a governess to be married for your services will be needed fully in this mansion." She said with a pause.

"I do not have any intention of being wed neither do I have any intention of not. I just haven't thought of it, you grace." Diane replied with a soft smile.

"Do you not think of your future, child?"

" I do but much thought on something only disturbs the mind, your grace and all I want to do your grace is live life before life leaves me, your grace."

"Very well child and your parents?"

"Late, your grace."

"The girls would be in their rooms. You can ask anyone." She said and paused. "Congratulations on your bee job child. I believe that by now you should know, I am quite not easy to work with because I demand perfection.