Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 20 continued:
Very handsome, as well, possibly five and thirty years old, with smooth blonde hair and black eyes that matched the color of his hat, there was something unsettling about him straight away. His eyes burned into her as if she had nothing on. Blushing at such a thought, she quickly dismissed these feelings, saying instead, “My Lord Carter—Mr. Stone.” Carly tipped her head formally, “The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.” Smiling brilliantly at them, she noticed again how Mr. Stone stared openly at her. Uncomfortable still with the way he was ogling her, she looked away to ask Lord Huntington, “Do you often ride your grounds, Lord Huntington, for I rarely see you do so?”
“Nearly every day. Sometimes more than once a day.”
“You have a very grand estate.” Smiling radiantly, Carly continued, “Which I have enjoyed very much. Of course, today the rain halted my morning ride…but it’s wonderful out here now.”
Nodding his agreement, Creighton continued, his own eyes not able to pry away from her, “I was only just showing Mr. Stone around the grounds, for he has been here but rarely, unlike my close friend, Lord Carter, who claims this estate as his second home.” Breaking away his intense gaze momentarily, Creighton looked at Lord Carter with amusement. The Marquis grinned with no apparent regret to the truth of this statement.
Carly’s mare had not stopped pawing at the ground, and Carly tried to calm her by leaning over, her long hair falling about her, and whispering to her, “Shhh, Clover Girl…” and patting her gently on the neck, “Shhh…” she encouraged, but it was not working. Lord Huntington’s magnificent black stallion had become excited because of the mare. Clover was now turning around in a circle, bored with the talking. Carly’s hair flowed freely all around her as she tried to gain control of the beast. Lord Huntington reached out, and with one swiftly controlled movement, caught the horse’s bridle holding her still. Clover seemed to know her master well.
Lord Huntington was now face to face with Carly, and she could only stare back into his striking green eyes which bore into hers, aware only of his essence. As he reached out and brushed her hair back that had tangled upon a button, she started. “Oh…,” was all she could say, her gloved hand going to her glowing cheek.
Lord Huntington and Lady Blakemore were completely oblivious that there were two other gentlemen sitting, waiting on them.
Join me on Friday to finish this scene and this chapter. Thanks for reading with me!
Ellise
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