Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 12:
The chapel was Home. Carly enjoyed the intricate bible stories displayed in reds, yellows, greens and blues of the stained glass windows. The dark pews showed signs of age as did the structure itself. This chapel, she could tell, had been built by the Normans Norman structures that she had seen or heard of were much larger, but this would be a favorite, especially because of the smaller scale.
The quaint country chapel made Carly think of her father, as did the Sabbath day. Even more so, the words of wisdom she drew from the counsel given gave her courage to face her week. The vicar spoke of how trials could strengthen or weaken us. It ultimately is our choice which course was chosen. Carly thought of all that had happened in the past year and a half and determined, once again, to be strong. Even her short time at Huntington Manor had been a stretch for her. Surely her mother and father would wish for her to be a strength and help to this world, even in her small corner of it. She must be this person they would wish of her to be.
Carly felt many eyes upon her as she sang along to the hymns. These were simple folk who lived and raised families in Dunford village and surrounding countryside. Their curiosity was disconcerting, but nevertheless, expected. She, herself, was a bit curious towards them. Many smiled at her, and she smiled back at them. She hoped she would make many friends here. Her bench was filled with servants from the manor house, but no master. She wondered if he ever attended, but doubted it. If he did not come next week, she would ask him if at least his children could attend. Hoping that he would allow them to, she also hoped he would not make them sit on the family pew. It was hard enough to be stared at from here. But maybe she would not be invited to sit upon that bench with the family?
Returning to the sermon, Carly listened to the vicar as he explained passages of scripture. She was thankful again that there existed men who wished to better know God and His ways, and help those, like herself, who did not always know the interpretation of such things.
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Exasperated with her obstinate master, Carly argued, “I do not see any reason why the children cannot accompany me to church. Why would you be against such a weekly excursion?”
“It is not a weekly excursion which I am against, Lady Blakemore. I do not owe you any explanation as to why I do what I do.” Lord Huntington’s jaw was twitching, working against his anger, anger that he struggled to keep in check.
“I think you can be quite inflexible, my lord.” Carly had been shocked that the children had not come to church again today.
“You go on thinking that, if you wish, as long as you do as I say. Good day, my lady.” Lord Huntington walked out of the Great Hall directly to the stables.
It's my anniversary today, so I'm late with my blog. Thank you for reading with me. Join me Friday for more.
Ellise ;)
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