Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 17 continued:
Henry nervously shrugged his shoulders saying, “He disappeared a while ago when he saw…” Suddenly hesitating, Henry’s neck turned mottled, splotchy-red colors.
“When he saw what?” Creighton was concerned at the young groomsman’s tentativeness.
“He saw one of the chambermaids beating rugs, my lord,” was all he could offer.
Understanding dawned upon Creighton. He was aware that Henry watched his color rise in anger. Nodding in appreciation of his obedience, Creighton said, “You are wise to be truthful with me always, Henry. Thank you.”
“My lord,” nodding his head, Henry took a deep breath. He began chewing a piece of grass again, probably too vigorously.
Turning to the cottage once more, Creighton was suddenly assaulted by old memories. This place had a history that…well…he was getting furious just thinking about it.
He physically calmed himself before stepping forward, knocking upon the door. Instantly, it got quiet inside before Lady Blakemore softly answered, “Come in.”
Lord Huntington stepped inside the cottage, and all three sets of eyes went wide, ready for the reprimand. But all he could do was chuckle when he saw the sight before him. Both Jonathon and Elspeth had a feather tucked into their hair holding an especially beautiful prisoner hostage. Lady Blakemore sat tied to her chair. Laughing quietly, he said, “Please, do not let me stop you. Continue, by all means.”
Sitting down in a chair opposite of where they were playing in front of the fireplace, his stature filling the space, they only stared at him. They could not seem to play anymore.
He insisted, “Well—I interrupted you. How is this going to end? I wish to see.” Jonathon and Elspeth looked at each other as if they did not know this man who was asking them to perform for him, but timidly they turned around to Miss Blakemore for guidance.
Embarrassed herself, she was determined to conquer these feelings and make this an opportunity for father and children to spend time together. Forcing her own nervousness back, she smiled encouragingly at both of them, and began wailing, “Please…no! What will my poor children do if you take me prisoner? Oh, help me, someone! Please help me!”
Quickly catching up in the excitement, Elspeth exclaimed, “You must come quietly or we bonk your head with hatchet…” she looked over at her father with a coy smile. Smiling back, he nodded his approval.
Carly said, “Yes, yes. I will be silent.”
Carly and Elspeth looked expectantly at Jonathon as if it was his turn. But Jonathon said quietly, “I…I do not wish to play anymore.” Turning around, he went outside, shoulders sagging. Elspeth followed him outdoors and sat down next to him on a fallen trunk, rubbing his back, taking the quills from both their hair.
Lady Blakemore looked dreadfully apologetic towards Lord Huntington, “I am sorry my lord. I think he was only being shy.”
Nodding his head, he asked, “Would you like some help? You look a little tied up at the moment.”
Smiling in trepidation at his joke, she nodded in agreement. “Thank you.”
As he untied her, she said, “I hope you do not mind us coming here. We were merely outdoors having our botany lessons when we came upon this darling cottage. The children wanted to play house, and we lost track of time, we were having so much fun.”
The anger that stirred quickly in his gut at this sensitive topic was too quick for him to smother, knowing even as he spoke that he did not mean to be so harsh, for how could she possibly know his reasons for feeling this way. “I do mind, Lady Blakemore, very much!” Now standing directly in front of her, he continued, “This cottage is off limits!”
Off-limit cottages, rug-beating chambermaids...what does this have to do with making Lord Huntington angry?
Read with me on Monday!
Ellise
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