Monday, January 2, 2012 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Happy New Year to all!  I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well. 

I apologize for taking a two-week hiatus without notice.  But, I was quite overwhelmed.  On top of that, I came down with a nasty cold on Christmas Eve that just about shut me down completely.  But, we got through it fine. 

Unfortunately, the overwhelming feeling has not gone away.  I am happy to say that I finally reached the Editor's Desk on authonomy.com, and am #1.  Woohoo!  Pretty exciting!  But, I have only just found out that much of my historical information, specifically the titles of the aristocracy and the relationships between the peerage, is incorrect.  I have only this month to rectify it, and I am very overwhelmed.  But, I will work frantically to fix it, hopefully without ruining my story in the process. 

One of the changes that I've already made is changing Carly's name to Caroline.  I'm not really happy about this, but I have been assured that it is more accurate.  Her 'pet-name' will remain 'Carly', and I will mostly use this throughout the story still.  However, I'm still debating whether Carly will remain 'Lady Caroline Blakemore' or if I will have to make her only a 'Miss Caroline Blakemore'?  I don't know this yet, I'm sorry to say. 

But--now we will proceed with storytelling, shall we not?

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 23:

Chapter 23

 Brooding

*******

Creighton lay in his bed wondering about this girl he had just ravished.  How could he have done that to her?  Why had he listened to Hayden?  Except he was his best friend and should have his best interests at heart? 

Hitting his pillow, he could not sleep.  Knowingly, he had increased the fear in her that was already there.  Used to having control over his emotions when it came to women, he wondered why that had changed, especially with his governess of all people. 

Roughly turning over, he again hit his pillow with a growl.  How would he ever get her eyes, her mouth, her sweet taste out of his memory?  Scowling at the thought of facing her again, he determined that this was his house, and she would have to get used to him…if she would stay? 

Instantly not liking the thought of her leaving, he sat up in bed.  These strong emotions bothered him greatly.  He would not succumb as Hayden would like to see, for he was in control, he must be. 

Falling back onto his pillow, he roughly rubbed his hands through his tousled hair and placed his arms behind his head as he continued his battle with…her fine mouth…her fine eyes…her very fine hair…

How could she sleep after being kissed like that—and by him?  How could she have known he could be so incredible?  Of all people to bestow her first kiss!  Her employer? 

            Struggling with fear of him that was quickly being replaced by the memory of his kisses—the gentle ecstasy of his kisses—she thought, oh, how can I face him again?  Could she look at him again without looking at his tempting lips? 

She should leave…shouldn’t she?  Needing this occupation desperately, she otherwise would sincerely consider it.  Or would she? 

Oh, what shall I do? 

Tossing and turning all night, she determined to have a very early morning ride. 

 

*******

Riding recklessly fast on Clover the next morning, Carly had needed the freedom of the fresh morning air to invigorate her clouded mind and her tired body.  She was unaware Mr. Stone watched and waited for his opportunity to bump into her.  It finally came as she rounded the grove of trees he was hiding in. 

Quickly moving forward at the right moment, as if he had been riding for some time, he practically barreled right into Carly.  Both horses reared upward, a startled cry slipping from Carly’s mouth.  Mr. Stone quickly gained control of both horses, as he grabbed Carly’s horse by the halter.  “Are you alright, Lady Caroline?” he asked with feigned concern and worry in his deep voice and handsome, yet troubling face.  She had no idea he had calculated this meeting. 

            Carly was reassuring her horse, and then exclaimed, “Mr. Stone!  I did not see you coming this way.” 

            Still holding her horse, he was looking at her all too favorably.  “You must allow me to make it up to you.  May I join you?” 

            She contemplated being forced to endure his loathsome company.  “Well, um…I…I was only coming back from the village and…and,” she remembered his forwardness last night at supper.  Anger instantly swelled in her breast as she recalled his impudence.  “Mr. Stone.  I do not believe you owe me anything except for an apology.”  Jutting out her chin in her challenge to him, she waited. 

            Chuckling, he said, “But that would imply I was sorry, and I am not.”  His black eyes glittered in a frenzy of obsession.  Licking his lips in his detestable way, he added, “You are an enticing young lady.” 

            Greatly annoyed at his disrespect, she said angrily, “Then we have nothing further to discuss.  Good day!”  Carly spurred Clover into a fast gallop, wishing herself as far away from this abominable man as she could get.  He sat astride his horse watching her departure, regrettably noticing her escort had started swiftly towards them at their collision. 

He must control his desire for her.  His impatience. 

Quickly, she rode towards the stables…and to safety. 

Bad guys?  Or just bad intentions?  Hmmm... Read on to find out.  Join me on Friday for more discoveries.

Ellise :)