I think I'll post excerpts twice a week:  Mondays & Fridays.

Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 4 (continued):

But silence would be quite welcome to her if only her body would cooperate. The delicious aromas made her stomach growl impatiently, and her hand covered her stomach in embarrassment. Would her body not stop betraying her so! Feigning ignorance, it happened a second time, the footman pretending he did not hear. Good man!

Carly looked embarrassedly at Lord Huntington who, this time, only said, “I am quite sure your stomach will approve of Mrs. Cooper’s culinary delights.”

Carly nodded shyly, thoroughly blushing. Father, please help me through this meal, she prayed. Waiting for a formal prayer to be offered before beginning her meal, she waited patiently as he began devouring the creamed pea soup with freshly baked bread in hand. 

Looking up, he startled that she was not enjoying as well.  “Is there something that does not meet with your approval, Lady Blakemore?” 

“Only that we...did not say grace, my lord.” 

Frowning at this interruption—and her obvious impudence—and disliking that he instantly felt like a guilty schoolboy being reprimanded by his tutors who were trying to teach him endless discourses on propriety, he sighed heavily, placing his spoon down.  Wiping at his mouth with his napkin in a great show of annoyance, he nodded his head in her direction, sharply saying, “Well then, please proceed.” 

As she folded her delicate hands together and offered a humble prayer in thanksgiving, he felt a small tug at his cold, hard heart.  There was no preaching or scolding; only offering up to God a simple prayer of gratitude.  This would now become a habit at mealtime, he was sure.  Clearing his throat gruffly, he began his meal again, this time making sure she was eating as well. 

Dreadfully aware that Lord Huntington watched her every move, and feeling that she was on display for his amusement, she ate in silence. At least her body had finally quieted! At least there was relief!  

However, if the scowl ever left his face it was quickly replaced with an angry mouth.  Why did he have to be so mad in the first place? Did he not know how difficult it could be to eat when he was fuming and always watching? Carly found that she had to work at controlling her growing irritation, for she did not like feeling that he disapproved of her without having known her at all. 

The next course was offered.  Succulent ham and mouth-watering mashed potatoes with gravy. 

Lady Blakemore had impeccable manners he noticed as he tried to find fault with her.  But even the green bean that she was currently consuming was eaten with perfect precision.  Creighton was confused at his response to Lady Blakemore’s presence. 

She certainly was a beauty, but what of it?

Yes, she was easy to look upon, but why should he care? 

Creighton had developed rigid control and discipline over his own feelings and thoughts towards the opposite sex.  Years of control!  Although Creighton was callous and abrupt with most women, he was still a most desirable catch.  Quite perplexing!

His growing emotion confused him.

It irritated him.

He thought again of the many invitations that came his way regularly in hopes of gaining his attentions.  The constant callers, even though he lived a country life!  Regardless of what was said of him, his social status had only grown from the curiosity of others.  It was only his presence at gatherings that had stopped. He had no desire to become entangled with another disastrous marriage.  So why was it that, here and now, he found that he could hardly take his eyes from this young governess throughout their meal together. 

It was infuriating! 

Thanks for reading!  Join me on Friday for my next post from The Governess.
Ellise  :)