“Well, we ‘ope you’ll stay a bit longer than most governesses. They get spooked, I think. And rightly so!” Carly noticed Mr. Fisher warning his wife with a look. But she ignored him. “Any ribbon with that muslin? Mrs. Fielding—that was the last governess at the manor ‘ouse—always purchased ribbon when she was in town.” Mrs. Fisher’s eyebrows raised, and she hunched over the countertop to whisper to Carly. “Mrs. Fielding was always one to talk over tea.” She snickered. “Would you care for some tea?”
“Thank you, no.” She is annoying! “But I would like some lace, please.” Prying woman! Carly would have to watch her tongue.
Mr. Fisher stepped over handing his wife the scissors and frowning at her. With a sniff, she ignored him and moved from behind the counter to help Carly pick out the lace she wanted. “Lord Huntington has quite a reputation with the ladies, you know.” With eyebrows flashing again, Mrs. Fisher further inquired, “I’m sure you get an eyeful and earful of all that!” Mr. Fisher stepped over to his wife, glaring at her impudence. But still, the whole room seemed bent upon listening for the answer.
Carly felt no obligation to respond to this woman, or to the listening populace, for that matter. But she was disturbed to think on this subject. Lord Huntington a philanderer? It had crossed her mind!
After completing her shopping, the shopkeepers explained to Carly the different businesses that were found in the village which they were obviously proud of. She followed instructions to a small inn for some needed refreshment. In her wake, the Fisher’s argued over how long this latest governess would last. Even better, if she would become the lord’s latest conquest!
The jolly innkeeper and his merry wife were accommodating and kind, rather curious, with a few disconcerting customers that wouldn’t stop staring. Rather bold, she even overheard conversations about herself in relation to the earl. Bolder still, would she be his next conquest! Utterly disturbed, Carly took her fresh cider outside to a small table and chair where she could enjoy the village green and calm her harried nerves.
Such gossip! She must breathe.
Carly became aware of the chapel across the way, deciding she might like a turn in the yard just to become familiar with it. But she knew, in her heart, that she only missed home. And safety.
Before long, she was on her way back to Huntington Manor, happily swinging her satchel upon her arm. It was growing into a lovely morning! Aware of a small little meadow amongst a wood that she had determined to visit on her way back, she now detoured long enough to meander through the springtime medley of flowers, grasses, and trees still damp with dew. Busy bees went buzzing by on their way to work. Multi-colored butterflies flitted about determined to find a sweet, succulent drink among generously colored petals. Birds filled the silence with their melodious songs. She was awed at the simple majesty of the meadow and silently stood in the middle feasting her eyes upon the beauty she found. Closing her eyes she took in an invigorating breath and held it. Letting it out, she laughed out loud at the simple pleasures she found in nature.
Impulsively, she took the pins out of her hair, letting it fall down her shoulders and back. Carefully putting her pins into her bag, she put it down on the grass at her feet. Then, spinning around in circles, she let her arms and hair flow freely about her, gleefully laughing in her moment of private release.
Or so she thought…
Her private reverie interrupted? Find out Monday! :)
Thanks for reading with me!
Ellise ;)
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