Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 8 continued:
I hope you are enjoying this story as it unfolds. The master and his governess...what could possibly happen between them? I hope you are curious! Thanks for reading!
Ellise :)
As she gingerly entered the dining room, Lord Huntington stood and watched as she gracefully came to her seat. Once more, he noticed how regally she carried herself, her gentle curves and beautiful hair, the striking contrast this shade of turquoise was against her delicate skin. And eyes... He nodded his head in acknowledgment of her. Her gentle fragrance drifted in his direction. She was extraordinarily fragile and feminine. Yet he knew her to be a determined soul! Why should this agitate him? But it did. He pulled her chair out and seated her carefully.
Sitting down with the scowl back on his face, he barked, “Let the meal begin!”
Carly’s serenity was gone as soon as he spoke. Would she ever get used to his abrupt gruffness? Did she somehow make him angry? And what of his angering her? She was determined not to let him intimidate her. Wondering these things to herself, she almost did not realize the servants were placing the meal in front of her or realize that he was asking her a question.
Quickly, she composed herself. “My lord?”
“I asked if you had familiarized yourself with the house today.” He made an impatient noise clearing his throat.
Extremely nervous at being with him after their soiree in the library the night before, she determined, again, to be in control of herself. “Uh…Yes. Thank you. That is, I have enjoyed my day very much.” Pay attention, Carly!
Seemingly distracted and irritated, he surprised her when, waiting for the servants to depart, followed up by saying, “I suppose you would like to say a blessing upon our meal again?” With his dark penetrating eyes upon her, he waited impatiently for her answer.
At least it was obvious how he felt tonight.
Blinking quickly, she stuttered, “Why, yes…I…I would. Thank you for… remembering, my lord.” Must she stutter so badly?!
Softly, her voice quivered as she gave a brief, modest prayer in gratitude for the meal, including her praise for May’s culinary talents and appreciation for allowing her to help by adding herbs to the lamb stew.
Creighton could not help smiling at this simple, unsophisticated admission during a prayer, but quickly squelched his smile when she finished. She opened her eyes, looking at him, apparently self-conscious at praying in front of him. He nodded his approval and began his meal.
Eating in silence for a while, he surprised her again by asking, “Do you approve of my home then?” He sliced a chunk from the cornbread before him, slathering it with freshly churned butter, waiting for her reply.
Frozen momentarily by his offered conversation, she breathed deeply, trying to gain her poise in front of this intimidating man. “I…I do, my lord, in every way.” So quickly, she almost did not believe that it happened, he flashed her a compelling grin, minus the cornbread. This encouraged her just a little, and she smiled back at him.
“Obviously, you made it to the kitchens.” Grinning at her briefly for a second time, she was amazed at the transformation that occurred to his features when he showed any sign of gladness. Holding his spoon up to point at her, he added, “Well done. The lamb stew is delicious.”
Was he teasing her? Not sure, she tasted the stew again herself, and added, “May has a wonderful recipe for Lamb Stew it seems.”
He knew she was being somewhat reserved so he encouraged more discussion. “Tell me what you like of Huntington Manor, Lady Blakemore.”
His invitation was welcoming. Thinking further of her discoveries, she gained confidence, and continued excitedly, “I discovered your beautiful music room and the arboretum, which I am so excited about. Never having been in one before, I was shocked to see such a place inside your very home. I am simply overjoyed at its beauty.”
Not expecting such exuberance on this subject, he looked at her with satisfaction as he listened. Seeing his home afresh with new eyes was appealing to him as she spoke of the simple pleasures of her day. “Please continue,” he commanded, as he sliced more cornbread, refocusing his gaze upon her.
This deep scrutiny from him always unnerved her. She fidgeted momentarily with her food, then continued simply because she had to speak to someone—anyone—about her day. Oh, how she longed for friendly conversation!
“I saw that there were great bench tables available to work on floral arrangements and such. You see, music and floral arranging are two of my passions.” She decided not to admit that reading was one of her passions as well, for it reminded her of the library with him last night, and was afraid it would remind him also.
Gently clearing her throat, she began again, “I would like to ask your permission to enjoy your beautiful arboretum and grounds and the available flora to make floral arrangements for your lovely home?”
Staring in wonder at her, he finally nodded briefly in agreement.
“I was also hoping that your children and I would be allowed to use the music room for music lessons?”
Putting his spoon down and wiping his mouth with his napkin, he looked at her curiously. “You were planning on teaching my children music lessons?”
“But, of course. I would hardly be a proper governess without the instruction of music, now would I?” Smiling a timid smile, she thought she sounded very much like her mother just now. “Children have a natural inclination and appreciation for music, and they are such a joy to hear—well, at least, when they have practiced.” Daintily putting her delicate hand to her nose and mouth, she endeavored to stop laughing at the picture that was forming in her mind of children singing loudly off key. With laughter still in her voice, she said, “You must accompany us some time for these lessons and see for yourself how much they enjoy music.”
She was delightful!
He could only sit staring at her.
Inside, he groaned to himself, then mumbled something under his breath that sounded like, ‘Heaven help me!’ and began his meal again.
I hope you are enjoying this story as it unfolds. The master and his governess...what could possibly happen between them? I hope you are curious! Thanks for reading!
Ellise :)
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