New Friday Blog -- May 6, 2011 -- Chapter 5 Continued...

Excerpt from The Governess --  Chapter 5 continued and finished --

(In order to get the full effect of today's blurb, please read the previous post first.  Much better to read them together!)

Taking a small book from somewhere above her on a shelf, he handed it to her.  After a moment, she opened her eyes to see his innocently proffered gift and opened them wider in wonder and embarrassment.  She let go her held breath in a quick sigh.  Her hand shook as she accepted his gift. 

“You might enjoy this book.  It is my favorite poetry.”  Then Lord Huntington gently lifted her chin with his hand.  Quietly, and with restraint, he whispered, “Sleep well…little angel.”  Almost painfully, it seemed, he turned and walked out of the room. 

Carly was alone. 

For a long moment, Carly leaned against the bookshelf trying to recapture her breath, her hand to her throat.  She could not read now even if she wanted to! 

Had he only been getting her a book all that time?  What a way of going about it!  Did he not see that he had frightened her?  Remaining motionless, she stood very confused; for she had thought…she was sure…well, almost sure…that he had determined to kiss her. 

What if he had actually done so? 

How would she have coped with a kiss when only receiving this book had thrown her into such a dither?  I’m hopeless, she thought. 

“Oh!  I am sure I shall never recover myself!” she whispered to the darkness.  Pressing the book to her breast, she stated, “Nevertheless, I shall take this book…and perhaps several more.” Deciding this was actually a very good idea, she tested her footing by letting go of the shelving.  There, she was yet standing!  After concluding that it would take much reading to stop the rapid beating of her heart, she randomly grabbed an armful of books and her candlestick, quickly making her way back to her room. 

What she did not know was that Lord Huntington still silently watched her from the darkened doorway of the Study.  Having sensed in her a naïveté and innocence to the ways of men, Creighton found that this pleased him. 

Clearly, she had not understood the struggle he had experienced facing her just now dressed only in her night things, but he knew that he had frightened her.  Truly, he had not meant to alarm her, it was simply that, beyond doubt, this intriguing girl was a beauty, in mind and body, over any other female of his acquaintance.     

We're finished with Chapter 5.  Next Monday we'll start with Chapter 6 where Carly meets the children.  Hope you are enjoying!  Leave me some comments so I can see through the eyes of a new reader.  Thanks for reading with me!

Have a great day!
Ellise :)