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
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