Friday, December 2, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21 continued:

Clearing his throat, Mr. Stone wanted to ask Carly how it was possible that anyone wouldn’t warm up to her well.  Instead, he asked her, “Have you had a chance to enjoy walking in the gardens here?”  As he licked his lips, Carly shivered in revulsion.   

            As politely as she could, Carly answered, “Yes, I have walked the gardens extensively, Mr. Stone.” 

            Thinking of how he could possibly get her alone, he thought of an idea and spoke it aloud.  “You might find the maze to be of particular interest to you, if you have not yet discovered it.” 

            With great surprise, Carly eagerly looked at Lord Huntington, asking, “You have a maze on your grounds?  I did not know.”  Her eyes were luminous with pleasure. 

            “Yes.  I do.”  Lord Huntington hesitated, distracted by her contagious enthusiasm.  “I’ll…have to show it to you sometime.  It is behind the East Wing, where the ballroom is found.  I am surprised that you have not found it in all your wanderings.” 

            “No, I have not.  But I am sure the children and I could have a perfectly lovely time playing in the maze; that is, if it is allowed?”  Lord Huntington nodded his head in agreement. 

Mr. Stone could not allow his proposed opportunity to pass, and insisted, “My lady, I would be more than happy if you would do me the honor of visiting it together.” 

Sickened at the thought, Carly looked at Lord Huntington, horror clearly written upon her face.  He must have understood, for he explained, “Lady Blakemore will need my guidance through the maze, Mr. Stone, if she is to wander into it with my children.  It is quite extensive, and I would not wish for her to get lost.”  Mr. Stone only nodded his head in thwarted acknowledgement, clearly disgruntled.  He disliked, rather strongly, any attempts at being dissatisfied. 

Miss Amelia laid her hand upon Lord Huntington’s and, not too silently, whispered, “Do you remember when we got lost in the maze, Creighton, darling?  In the rain.  Wasn’t that a wonderful time?”  Lady Margaret glared at the redhead.  Lord Huntington skipped the answer altogether motioning toward Mr. Thompson to fill his glass again.  

With this sudden lull in conversation, Lady Margaret wasted no time in gaining Lord Huntington’s attention talking endlessly of town.  Prompting her cousin’s help, between Lady Margaret and Miss Mary, the ceaseless chatter dominated. 

It was during that time in which something appalling happened. 

Carly was listening to the conversation and enjoying her meal as best she could when, suddenly, she felt a hand upon her thigh pressing through the folds of her gown.

Her blood ran chill!

She nearly screamed in surprise, but caught herself just in time, instead quickly standing, bumping the table in the process, and spilling the contents of her goblet upon the white tablecloth. Her hands went to her breast to calm her breathing. Everyone was shocked by her strange behavior.

Everyone except Mr. Stone.

Mr. Stone is appalling!  Was it his hand upon her leg?  What will happen next??

Find out on Friday.

Ellise

Monday, November 28, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess  -- Chapter 21 continued:

Lord Huntington interjected, “Lady Blakemore comes from Northamptonshire.” 

Lord Carter, quickly catching onto his friend’s agenda, enthusiastically asked, “Exactly where are you from in Northamptonshire, Lady Blakemore?” 

“Well,” she looked suddenly embarrassed at the attention, but loved speaking of home.  “A little place called Harlestone.  Have you heard of it?” 

            “No, I cannot say that I have.” 

            “Yes.  A fine village, I will grant you,” Mr. Hansen interjected, eyeing the beautiful governess admiringly. 

            “You know of it, sir?” 

            “Only passing through, but friendly enough, I should think.”  His benign smile wasn’t that thrilling a prospect, Carly thought. 

            Lord Carter continued his questions as Miss Hansen glared at her brother, his obvious interest in the governess a frustration to her.  She would remind him of their goal. 

“It is beautiful there this time of year, all the blossoms coming out and trees vibrantly green, just like here.  I have enjoyed Lord Huntington’s grounds at length.” 

 “Like you were today, I am sure,” Lord Carter responded.  She smiled prettily at him in agreement, and he wondered at this striking, attractive creature.  Surely Creighton had not known she was such a beauty or he would never have engaged her services.  Understanding became clearer by the way Creighton was acting, for he could sense that it was a test for him to be in her presence, much like this afternoon.  His smile in his friend’s direction said as much, which Lord Huntington only scowled at him in response.  She just might prove to be Creighton’s unraveling, he thought with a wry smile. 

Lady Margaret took advantage of the silence to express to Carly her feelings of superiority.  “So.  You are the governess?”  Menacing eyes examined Carly inch-by-careful-inch.  She was successful in her slight.  Upon seeing her victory, she affectionately turned to Lord Huntington saying, “You are always kind to the hired help, dearest.”  Creighton visibly turned red, but not from embarrassment. 

Lord Carter was surprised that his friend had no retort.  By golly, he is besotted!

Carly, all of grace and charm, quickly stuck out her determined chin as she readied for conflict in which she must defend herself.  “Lord Huntington’s children are quite wonderful, my lady,” she simply said. 

“And you have been here…long?” asked Miss Murtaugh, equally menacing. 

“Not very,” Carly answered. 

Miss Amelia put forth her two pence worth.  “Tending children all day.  I cannot imagine being a glorified nanny.  It would be exhausting, I tell you!  My nanny always looked so tired and haggard.” 

“No wonder,” her brother snorted, and was quickly reprimanded by a death stare.  One would think her red hair warning enough.  It seemed that her reminder was well-rewarded with his efficient return to his meal. 

Lord Carter interrupted, “So tell us; what adventures have you been on with Creighton’s little angels, my only claimed—although unrelated—nephew and niece?” 

            Carly’s nervousness changed quickly with this favorite subject.  Clapping her hands together, she smiled a most brilliant, beautiful smile and even laughed a singsong laugh.  This response surprised everyone as she, again, obtained the attention of all.  “We enjoy Huntington Manor’s many splendors indoor and out, my lord, every day.  Picnics, explorations, strolls, botany lessons.  It truly has been an adventure here.  I have enjoyed myself immensely.  And they—well, they have simply captured my heart, Lord Carter.  Jonathon is now warming up to me quite well, and little Elspeth is such a joy.” 

            “I see.”  Looking over at Creighton, he raised his eyebrows in a question directed at him.  Creighton looked back at him and scowled as if to say, hold your tongue.       

Quite the dinner party.  Such enjoyable guests.  Will Carly yet find friends?

Continue reading from this chapter on Friday.  :)

Ellise