The Governess occupies an uneasy middle ground in the social hierarchy at Quartermaine Hall: too senior to feel part of the servants’ world, but very much ‘staff’ as far as the family are concerned. The Quartermaines do their best to be good employers, though, and the governess is welcome to dine with them en famille when the older children are present, as well as having generous time off to meet colleagues in similar positions elsewhere in London.
The present Governess is relatively new: like her predecessors, she speaks French fluently (a vital qualification), although she grew up as the daughter of a French family domiciled in St Petersburg. Her Franco-Russian ancestry gives me an excuse to decorate her room with some of the beautiful folk boxes painted by Natasha Beshenkovsky, and her late father’s profession as an artist means that she is able to teach the Quartermaine children to draw and paint – as well as embroider.
Nine French Books
Set of nine volumes of French literature and history, by Alison Davies (2022.242.1-9)
Dressing Table Mirror
A simple but elegant adjustable mirror with two drawers by Hungarian Miniatures (2021.160)
Bride’s Box in Pink
A fine little folk-art box hand-painted by Natasha Beshenkovsky (2021.120)
Hand-Painted Table Clock
An elegant clock by Judy Beals, beautifully painted by the celebrated Natasha Beshenkovsky (2021.119)
Bride’s Box in Orange
A small storage box beautifully handpainted by Natasha Beshenkovksy (2021.117)
Quartermaine Hall 