Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 17 concluded:
Often, evening meals together could prove quite troublesome. Tonight was no exception. And what was this letter that was so ‘all important’ that he read it at the dining room table?
After a heated discussion about George and Ethel, Lord Huntington and Lady Blakemore could not help but continue their quarrel.
“I cannot believe that you would miss this special day for Jonathon. After all our planning and organizing!”
“Your planning. Your organizing,” Creighton simply said.
“How insensitive you can be.” Carly fumed. She could sense that she was pushing him more than she ought, but she could not help herself. “They need your involvement in their lives, especially Jonathon. Don’t you realize? Why else would I go to such great lengths to include you in this process? Do you not see what I am trying to accomplish by this? He needs your attention, my lord.”
Darkness covered his face, inch by inch. “I will not be told by my governess how I shall conduct myself with my children.”
“Well, someone has to tell you. All your servants are too afraid of you to tell you the truth as it needs to be said.” Carly heard a distinct sniff come from the corner where a footman stood.
However, Creighton’s face grew darker by the second. “You are treading on thin ice again, my dear girl. I have important business in London
“You are insufferable!” Carly stabbed a piece of meat, inserting it impatiently into her mouth, and chewed upon it vigorously.
“And will be more so if you continue this mantra.” They ate in silence for several minutes. Creighton wished Carly would choke on her meat, and just as suddenly cursed himself.
Carly had similar thoughts and prayed to calm her emotions. She must be positive, must praise him for what had been accomplished to the benefit of the children. Some good had taken place, and she must remember that. She sighed deeply.
Repentantly, she said as she placed her fork down, “My lord, I must thank you, at least, for all that you have allowed.” Her expression was humble. “The results have exceeded my expectations of what I thought you would agree to. May I please take this time to thank you, at least for that?”
Surprised at her cooling temper, at kind words, he said, “You are most welcome.” She nodded her head, picking up her fork again. But as she continued to eat in apparent frustration, he watched her. He was confused. He still found it surprising that she would have such strong feelings for his children after such short a duration.
But not when he would think of her character.
She was the most unselfish, giving, wholesome person he had ever known in his entire life. These actions towards his children would only be natural to her, he thought to himself. Their best interest was her all-consuming desire, he could see, and yet she disciplined them, expected much from them. He was continually shocked at this young lady’s accomplishments.
Annoyed with the intensity of his growing attraction for her, he changed the subject rather abruptly. “Have you had any further troubling incidents, my lady, of which you have not informed me of?” Her expression changed to one of surprised urgency and worry, her fork frozen in mid air. Regret for bringing up this deplorable subject consumed him. Her fear, her worry ate at his numbness, melting his heart but a little. Yet, it must be asked. Creighton was most determined to keep this young girl safe, especially while in his home.
“I…I have not, my lord.” Carly could eat no more.
“Good. You will keep me up-to-date if you have any problems again, will you not?”
Dispassionately nodding her head, she answered, “Yes, my lord. Of course.” Staring off into space, she suddenly shivered.
Creighton could only grow angrier at watching her worry. Someone did her ill. Why? Her discomfort was distressing to him. Oh how he wished he could alleviate all her fears. He must speak with his head staff. They had better watch over her while he was gone. Yet, had he done any good while present? His irritation grew. As he crankily stood, he said rather gruffly, “Very well, if you will please, excuse me. I have much to do to prepare for my journey tomorrow. Goodnight, Lady Blakemore, and…good luck tomorrow as well.” With a brief nod, he left the dining room.
After Lord Huntington and the footmen left Carly, she sat broodingly. Why is he always angry at me, she wondered. I could swear he was concerned about me for a moment, yet he is so moody. Scooting herself away from the table, she noticed the master’s letter had been unconsciously left upon the table. Temptation rarely caught Carly’s attention, yet her fingers itched to pick up the note. She could not help but be curious about it. Invariably, she tried to ignore it. But what was so imperative that he should go to London now?
She must know.
Carly stood. Against her better judgment, she snatched up the letter quickly reading a woman’s delicate hand, expressing her joy at seeing Lord Huntington soon.
Was that it? A woman?
Embarrassed at her own curiosity and angry at her master’s priorities, Carly threw it back upon the table fuming and stalked furiously from the dining room.
Stubborn people. Watch with me as more become involved in this story on Friday. Thanks!
Ellise
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