Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 20:
(I skipped some content about the children in Chapter 19 & in Chapter 20. If you'd like to read it, click on the authonomy.com site to the right.)
Finally. He had received their calling card, and had visited. It had taken days. But, she knew she could rely upon him to offer better, for in return, he had extended an invitation.
Tonight!
Oh, to be in his presence again! What joy she would feel.
*******
The rest of the afternoon was Carly’s, and since she had not gone for her morning ride, because of the rain, she was determined to now that it had stopped. Quickly changing into her worn cranberry riding habit, she headed impatiently for the stables.
“Good afternoon, Joe. What a lovely sunny day it is turning out to be after all.” Her cheeks were rosy from her rush and excitement.
Joe looked at her through crinkled eyes and said, “Well, now it is milady.” Chuckling at making her blush, he said, “I’ll git yor ‘orse for ‘ee.” Hollering into the stable, he said, “’Enry, git yor ‘orse ready for escortin’ Lady Blakemore, lad!”
Carly sat down on the bench and watched as Joe prepared Clover Girl, who seemed just as excited and impatient as herself. “I love this time of year, do you not, Joe?” Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, she exclaimed exuberantly, “Mmmm! I love the way everything smells after it rains. So incredibly fresh! Everything is so green …and the flowers are glorious!”
Joe just smiled as she babbled on and on.
“I do not think I know what kind of trees these are, but I do love the beautiful pink and white blossoms. Are they apple trees, I wonder? I do believe the horses shall be happy soon if they grow apples, do you not think so?” Joe shook his head noting that she was always like this before a ride, giddy and rosy cheeked.
“’Ere you are milady. An’ where shall ‘ee be riding about today?” Knowing full-well that the master would most likely ask this because he was about, Joe was glad that Lord Huntington always seemed to want to know her whereabouts.
“Dear me, I do not know. Wherever Clover Girl decides to take me, I guess.”
“I think even Clover likes yor new name for ‘er. Make sure ‘Enry follows you, and ‘e don’t get distracted none, milady. Them’s orders from the masta’ hisself. Now then, enjoy yor ride.”
Barely hearing him, she flew off already at a gallop. Henry had his work cut out for him this afternoon, Joe thought to himself with a chuckle.
No comments:
Post a Comment