Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 20 concluded:
Carly’s eyes took him in, aware of his fine-looking suit, with the accompanying grey overcoat, black boots and hat. She noticed how his dark hair stuck out from his hat in wild curls brushing the collar of his overcoat. His crisp, white cravat was always a sharp contrast to his tan skin and, though it was only past noonday, his beard was showing already. Trembling, she found his presence entirely commanding.
Mr. Stone cleared his throat. “What a remarkable young lady you are, Lady Blakemore, to be out riding alone. And with such abundant zeal.”
Startled from her reverie, just now aware of Mr. Stone’s presence again, Carly looked at him with a furrowed brow, responding a little fervently, “I enjoy the freedom I feel on horseback, do you not also?”
Chuckling, in response, to her hasty temper, Mr. Stone looked over at Lord Huntington as if to tell him he had just sweetened the deal between them.
But Creighton was still looking at Lady Blakemore, oblivious to Mr. Stone’s satisfaction. He asked, a sudden worried look upon his face, “Do you not have an escort with you today, Lady Blakemore?”
“Yes, my lord.” Looking over her shoulder, she spotted Henry in the distance, “See, just there…”
Relief showing upon his face immediately, he said, “Good, good.” After making eye contact with the groomsman, exacting continued loyalty to his important task, Creighton continued, “We must ride together one morning. I shall show you the grounds more extensively.”
Enthusiasm glimmered in her eyes as she answered, “I would like that very much, indeed.” Carly was excited at the prospect…or was it the hope of being alone with her master? She reprimanded herself for such a silly thought. As if dinner weren’t enough time alone.
“Then it is a plan.”
Continuing to look at each other, Carly nervously said, “Well, I am sure I am holding you up from some purpose, so I shall bid you farewell.” They lifted their hats to her as she nodded and said, “Gentlemen.” As soon as Lord Huntington let go of Clover, Carly was off like a bolt of lightning, wild hair and all.
Lord Hayden Carter had watched his best friend, Lord Huntington, through this entire exchange with great enthusiasm as he saw between this young girl and his long-time friend a magnetism that was incredibly palpable. Knowing Creighton as well as he did, he also knew his friend was completely besotted. And quite oblivious to his obsession.
But Hayden also sensed in Lady Blakemore a confusion or fear of Creighton beyond her attraction for him. In these brief moments, he realized this young lady was awfully innocent. Creighton would have to tread carefully.
Mr. Stone’s thoughts were completely different, his attention captivated by this juicy little tidbit he had discovered under the roof of his business partner. His head was already swimming with ideas, plans, and wishes to be satisfied.
Grinning a lustful grin to himself, he joined in on the pleasure of watching her departing figure.
Chapter 20s conclusion shows a perfect example of Carly's love of nature and horseback riding...and romance.
Thank you for reading with me today! Next week begins a look into a major bad player in The Governess. Join me again then.
Ellise
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