Friday, November 18, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21:

Carly was alone with Mr. Stone. 

From behind her, enjoying her fine curves, Mr. Stone commented, “So you have come upon hard times, eh?  A beautiful creature such as yourself should not have to rely on employment to uphold care, needs, and most especially…wants.” 

Turning to face him, startled at his ­depraved words, she insisted, “And how do you come by this information, sir, may I ask?”  Fuming, she wondered if Lord Huntington had disclosed their private business arrangement to this odious man. 

            Tantalized by her spirit, Mr. Stone observed her through lustful eyes, “It is quite simple, really.  You are an exquisitely, charming young lady in the position of governess.  Completely unnecessary.  What other explanation is there?” 

She paced impatiently in the anteroom of this particular dining room called the Red Room, angry at herself for being early to supper.  She was unaware that Mr. Stone had contrived to be early just in case he had such a private opportunity to be with her.  Would anyone please come into this room and spare her his vile presence?  Determined never to be early again, at least when he was present, Carly inwardly scolded Lord Huntington for not showing up promptly. 

            Feeling terribly aware of herself as Mr. Stone watched her endlessly from the settee, Carly thought he almost seemed to be salivating.  Disgusting!  Millesant had taken particular interest in her efforts tonight with Carly’s hair and gown, for she knew there were to be guests for a dinner party.  Millesant always tried to do things that would please Lord Huntington, and now, her new friend, Lady Carly.  Wearing a deep sapphire blue evening gown that Miss Thompson had only finished that day, she had thrilled at its beauty and the way it had made her look. 

But now she was conscious of every ounce of her pale skin that showed; aware of her every curve that was enhanced; blushed for every beguiling feminine attribute that had been accentuated; for it seemed to have captured this gentleman’s awareness of her, and it was discomfiting.  She had mistakenly believed that her new wardrobe would alleviate the pressure she had felt at being ogled.  In her humility, she did not realize that some men would do so anyway. 

            Not wishing to be rude to her master’s guest, she tried holding her tongue; but he was impossible!  “And what makes my situation seem ‘hard’ to you, sir?  I am a lady and am being treated as such.”  Looking away from Mr. Stone, yet again in disgust, she attempted interest in a painting on the wall, fidgeting nervously with her hair. 

            “Is that so?”  Mumbling under his breath, he whispered, “Much to my amazement,” wondering how Lord Huntington was managing to keep his hands off this slip of a thing.  “Many an eligible bachelor would sweep you off your feet if given half a chance, I daresay.  I myself…am very eligible.” 

            Fists tightened at her sides, Carly turned, asking, “And is this a proposal of marriage, then?  Shall I ask my employer’s approval,” she fumed. 

Mr. Stone only chuckled at her feistiness, his black eyes twinkling.  Licking his lips, as if anticipating a sweet treat, he said, “You have great spirit, my lady, well worth the challenge.” 

“I guarantee you will be unsuccessful if you see me as nothing more than a challenge, sir!” 

“We shall see, my lady, we shall see.” 

His boldness sickened her. 

Continuing his shameless scrutiny, he began, “I usually get my way…” 

Odious man!  Carly is mortified.

Join me on Monday for more of this scene from The Governess.

Ellise

Monday, August 15, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 12 completed:

Carly was alarmed. 

More disturbing incidents had occurred.  Several days in succession, Carly had caught someone watching her from different windows of the house while she wandered the grounds.  One window in particular seemed to be the favorite.  Making an effort to figure out which room this was, she discovered that it was the Study. 

Disturbing! 

            Today it had occurred again.  She was enjoying the gardens and had definitely seen someone staring at her.  Had it been the master?  Carly was not certain.  But who else would it be?  Could it be a servant?  “Surely it could,” she said to herself.  There were only a couple servants thus far that Carly had felt any animosity from.  When discussing this with Millesant, she was told not to worry, that she would discuss it with Mrs. Thompson. 

Millesant said, “I overheard these two silly girls discussing how aggravated they feel when their sweethearts stare in wonder at your beauty.” 

Carly rolled her eyes in disbelief. 

“They are only jealous,” Millesant said, which seemed to make her happy somehow. 

            On two occasions, Carly had heard heavy footsteps, deep in the night, stop in front of her bedroom door.  Did Huntington Manor have a ghost for which it was famous?  Not hardly.  Was it, indeed, her doorway that held this specter’s interest?  Undeniably it was, for she had discerned the handle noisily wiggling.  Were not these troubling incidents?  What kind of household had she come into? 

            Again, Carly contemplated the rumors surrounding Lord Huntington, that of his wife’s death and the kidnappings of innocent young girls in this district alone.  He could be to blame.  “Is it really possible?  How would I know?”  Suspicions of his actions crept into her thoughts and disturbed her while she slept, dreamed, and worked, but no more so than when she dined with him and could occasionally sense his dark moods.  At these times, she would throw caution to the wind and try with all her might to draw him out, even make him angry on purpose.  Anything was better than his preoccupied scowl. 

            Tonight’s meal had been particularly dangerous, for he had yelled at her again.  Having said something which provoked his fury, he had come to hover too closely above her while his rage was unleashed.  In his wrath, Lord Huntington had taken her chin in his strong fingers, which she had indignantly yanked away.  Because of her defiance, a curious sparkle ignited in his eyes which terrified, yet thrilled her. 

Quickly, his demeanor had changed, and he smiled down at her with that wicked grin that gave her goose bumps.  Inches from her face, he made her breath quicken in fear.  She carefully arose, excusing herself. 

Before she could leave, his anger was rekindled, and he stood in her way of departure.  Carly stood staring angrily at him before she stepped around him, quickly retreating, resolute to be more careful. 

Who is disturbing Carly's sleep?  Watching her from windows?  Why is Lord Huntington so passionately disappointed? Why is he passionate at all?  What boils beneath the surface of this household?

Join me on Friday to learn more.  Thanks for reading!

Ellise ;)

Friday, June 24, 2011 -- Bi-Weekly Blog -- The Governess

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 10:

It was morning.  The birds were loudly chirping outside Carly’s windows. 

But she hardly noticed. 

Carly gave particular attention to her hair and gown as she prepared to meet with Lord Huntington and, hopefully, his children.  Apparently he had allowed her to stay all the night.  How generous of him!  Unfortunately the circles under her eyes were beyond repair from her disturbed sleep.  Now, all she could do was pray. 

So, she had.  All morning. 

Reassurance came as she remembered previous entreaties on bended knee, helping her to understand that all was going as designed by a loving Father and His guiding hand.  Believing further that the children’s faith-filled prayers were uniquely powerful, the calmness she felt grew in abundance and swelled deeply in her heart.  Completely contrary to her feelings of last night, Carly was glad for the change. 

Earlier, Millesant had brought breakfast up to her to hurry her along.  So helpful and kind, Millesant was becoming a fast friend.  Knocking sounded upon the door again, and quietly opening it, Millesant came in smiling sweetly, ready to help further. 

“Good morning, milady!  Oh, you look a lovely sight!” 

“Thank you, Millesant, and you do not have to pretend.  I know how I look,” the governess said a little wearily.  Her mind slipped back to the horrible noises from last night which had further caused her sleeplessness.  As if she wasn’t having trouble already! 

“But, no worries milady.  Everything will be made right,” she tried convincing herself.  “You shall see!  Now, get that frown from your pretty face.  I shall wish you luck all the same, especially after last night.” 

Carly shuddered at her memories, jumping from one bad episode to the next.  Absently, she asked, “Why would someone purposely try and frighten me?  Am I that undesirable to have around as a governess?” 

Millesant looked completely baffled.  “I do not believe that the master was trying to frighten you on purpose, milady.  Of course, he can be terrifying, but never intentionally.”  Conviction was written upon the maid’s countenance. 

A look of confusion covered Carly’s face.  “Yes, of course.  I did not mean Lord Huntington, though he did frighten me as well.” 

“Yes, I am quite sure of it.  But then, what are you speaking of, milady, if not the master?” 

“Oh.”  What could Carly say?  She was puzzled herself.  “Well…besides my encounter with the master, I…”  Had she imagined the noises?  No, she was sure she had not.  So then, what was her conclusion?  “Someone was trying to frighten me last night by scratching at my door.” 

Now that it was out, it sounded absolutely ridiculous! 

            “For heaven’s sake, milady!  Are you alright?”  Millesant came closer observing the dark circles under Carly’s eyes with additional insight. 

            “I am not that easily manipulated, Millesant, but I was frightened, nonetheless.”  Carly was touched to see that Millesant was genuinely concerned about her well being.  “I just don’t understand why, that is all.” 

With furrowed brow, Millesant exclaimed, “You can bet I’ll talk this over straight away with Mrs. Thompson, to be sure!” 

“Thank you…but, I may not,” hesitatingly, she continued, “I may not be here for long this morning.”  Staring blankly, in agony over the memory of her battle with Lord Huntington, Carly dismally turned away from Millesant. 

“Milady, I do know about your skirmish with Lord Huntington last night.  I am very sorry.  He can be a bit bullheaded, as you well know.”  She tugged gently at Carly’s shoulder and looked at the troubled governess thinking that she, of all people, would forgive her discourteous words used against her master. 

Meekly, Carly quietly asked, “You say you do know about last night then?” 

“I am sorry, milady.  I did not mean any disrespect by saying that, but it was awfully hard not to hear all the commotion.  It is only…well, the staff and I are all cheering for you, milady.” 

Astonished by this information, Carly asked, “So, you all heard?” 

“Only those of us that were in the nearby kitchens, milady.”  Shrugging her shoulders, she added, “Which was most of us.  Sorry!”  Sheepishly she continued, “But like I said, we are all rooting for you…at least most of us,” she said in afterthought.  Smiling brightly at Carly, she said, “You are so well-liked already, milady.” 

Hesitating for only a moment, Carly gave Millesant a big hug, and exclaimed, “Thank you so much, for all you have done.  Encouragement is priceless and I thank you for yours, Millesant.”  Brushing the dear girls’ cheek, she then said, “Well, moving on!  Do I look the part of governess this morning, Millesant, or shall I pack my bags now?” 

“You look lovely as always, milady, although, I would like to play with your hair a bit here,” she pointed at the severe chignon at the nape of Carly’s neck.  “Now sit down and let me primp a little.”  Millesant worked her magic yet again on her hair, making Carly feel more like a lady than a governess. 

“There.  A few more curls like that will do the trick.  No need to look like you are an old maid just yet.”  They each smiled at each other’s reflection in the mirror while Millesant’s excellent hands did their job. 

“Thank you, again, Millesant.  I so appreciate your kindness to me.” 

Millesant smiled back at Carly, always enthusiastic of her kind approval.  “I am pleased as punch to help you, milady.  I hope you always know that.”  After they were finished, they stood looking at each other for a breathless moment. 

“Well, I shall be off then.” 

“And good luck to you, milady.” 

Will Carly get thrown out?  Join me on Monday to find out!
Thanks,
Ellise :)