Monday, May 16, 2011 - BiWeekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 6 continued:

Carly noticed and loved all the windows that allowed so much natural light into each room of the manor.  How cheerful the light made her feel.  The house was so vast that she actually got lost a couple of times, but the servants were always there to help her find her way. 

Bumping into Heather a second time, the governess was glad for directions.  “Now milady, do not you worry none, you’ll ‘ave this ‘ole place memorized before you know it.”  Pointing her in the right direction, the maid set Carly off on her adventures again. 

The fragrance of exotic flowers enveloped her senses as soon as she opened the door to another newly favored room—the Arboretum.  Almost bringing her to tears upon entering, she smiled gloriously at the vision of beauty before her.  Nurturing a love of flowers, trees, and green things had started when she was just small visiting different parishioners with her parents.  Avidly walking everywhere in their parish, her parents had planted the seeds of appreciation for God’s creations in her very soul.  It seemed they had always had a beautiful floral arrangement or two…or three…by the time they appeared at anyone’s doorway to greet them along with their welcomed smiles. 

Naturally then, and with great relish, she especially loved floral arranging and spending time outdoors gathering samples for her arrangements.  Her mother’s schooling and talents, as well as Mrs. Schneider’s, were put to good use teaching the two appreciative young sisters.  Who, indeed, would not be impressed with the attractive foliage and plants she saw in this expansive, flourishing environment?  “Susannah will be jealous! I must write her today.”  

Not only was the selection of plants and trees excessively pleasing to all senses, but the design of the arboretum itself was a masterpiece.  Spacious panes of glass were held together with intricate works of iron, extensive millwork, and delicate beams of a strange wood not known to her.  The high ceilings seemed to almost touch the sky which brilliantly shined through the panes.  Particularly delighted at what she saw, she laughed excitedly, and walked in all directions, appreciating the beauty at her fingertips.  Smelling the rich soil made her want to drop to her knees then and there and begin digging in the dirt in order to plant something…anything! 

Walking over to the many French doors, she looked out upon the sprawling green lawns with flowers, bushes, and trees, all complimenting what she saw in the arboretum.  She asked herself if heaven could be as beautiful as the grounds were here at Huntington Manor.  Enjoyment of both the outdoors and the indoors would be a welcomed bliss for Carly. 

Continuing her inspection through the window, Carly wondered if, by chance, she would be privileged to ride a horse over these lovely grounds whenever she wished.  Riding here would be contentment and a balm to her soul that would help heal her lost heart, bringing her back home to her adored Nature.  Thrilling at the thought, she made a mental note to ask Lord Huntington’s permission. 

“My…I have a lot to discuss with him.  If only I could just avoid him.” She smiled at her naughtiness.  

Having loved horses from a young age, she had thrived upon the freedom the majestic creatures gave her to travel far and wide, as well as the simple pleasure of the great animal’s personality and companionship.  Indeed, she would be blessed if she were to benefit from this independence again, for during her formative years, if she had not been walking, she had been riding.  Her father had inherited his father’s prized stallion, and they had also grown up with a quiet, good-natured mare that pulled their dog cart with delight.  The availability of two horses had been a godsend and thus incorporated into their lessons from a young age.

Through her search and examination of the house, Carly met and talked with much of the staff finding them pleasant and kind.  Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, she discovered, were husband and wife, and both seemed satisfied with her, to her relief.  Mr. Thompson said, “Glad to see you making yourself at home, my lady.”  Mrs. Thompson added, “Let us know if we can be of service to you in any way, my lady.” 

“You are very kind.  Thank you.”  She observed Mr. Thompson’s boyish grin as he took another peek over his shoulder at her as they walked on to other duties, Mrs. Thompson shoving her elbow into his side.  Quickly, he turned around to follow his wife obediently.  Carly snickered at the hilarity of this seasoned butler’s humorous antics. 

Twice only had she received unpleasant looks from anyone.  Carly had had to look twice to establish the certainty of this discovery, but to no avail.  The two chambermaids had quickly recovered their error. 

“Can we ‘elp you, milady?” 

“Where am I, please?” 

“Right above the kitchens, milady.  If you follow this stairway ‘ere, you will find yourself on the same level as the kitchens.” 

“Thank you.”  Holes burned into her back as she descended the stairs after speaking with these two chambermaids, assurance that they were still watching her shivering up and down her arms.  Why these two maids should feel any negative feelings towards her, Carly was uncertain.  It was very disturbing, nonetheless. 

Join me on Friday for my next tidbit!  :)

Thank you!
Ellise