Monday, December 12, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 22 continued:

(Sorry...I forgot this part leads into the "Moonlight Kiss".)

All guests were gone, except for the sleeping Mr. Stone and Lord Carter.  Creighton and Hayden were alone in the library sharing the port. 

“She is a lovely creature, Creighton.  How did you find her, if I may ask?” 

            “You have no need of a governess, so why do you care?”  Creighton was wound tight from this evening’s meal next to Lady Margaret and Miss Amelia.  He usually left the planning of dinner parties to his mother, but the Pembrooke’s had returned home from London much earlier than expected, and Creighton’s mother had desperately wanted her son’s opinion on how her best friend was faring.  And, of course, he had promised Amelia and Felix Hansen an invitation as well. 

The constant competition for Huntington Manor sickened him.  Did they not realize he knew their intentions?  It was most outrageous!  One had been his wife’s enemy.  The other—her best friend.  Both were so different, and yet so annoyingly similar. 

            “I am only curious as to where one goes to find such an endearing young lady as this.”  Grinning with bright, honeyed eyes, Lord Carter showed that he was not intimidated in the least by his friend’s strong bearing. 

            Creighton sighed, exasperated at having to give any explanation.  “No one answered my advertisement in the surrounding area, explaining my need of a governess, which irks me still, I should say,” he added with a loud voice.  “So I took out an advertisement in Northamptonshire—far from here—and this is what I acquired,” his hand extended toward the door to the library, as if Lady Blakemore should suddenly materialize. 

            Hayden raised his eyebrows and nodded his head.  “She simply gets under your skin, does she not?”  Laughing a kindly, affectionate laugh, he interrupted Creighton’s thoughts by slapping him on the back, projecting him forward.  “I am glad to finally see it!” he bellowed excitedly.  “You have been brooding for much too long.” 

            “What on earth are you babbling about?” Creighton growled at him. 

            “I am simply saying that I know that this girl has affected you and that I am glad of it.  Oh, how the mighty fall!”  He laughed again, raising his glass of port as if toasting Creighton. 

            Creighton quickly walked over to the decanter and poured himself more drink.  “She is simply my governess, Hayden, nothing more.  And I plan to keep it that way.” 

            “Yes, yes, I see how it is.”  Creighton turned and faced Hayden, who seemed amused by this whole conversation.  “You are not even aware yet of your tender feelings for her, are you?” 

            “Tender feelings!” he shouted.  Looking at the door, he lowered his voice slightly and continued, “You do not know what you are talking about, Hayden.”  Creighton impatiently paced the room. 

            “Don’t I?” 

            Exasperated, Creighton exclaimed, “If I have feelings then they are of anger, for she infuriates me!  I have argued more with her in the short time that she has been here than I ever did with Janese in our entire marriage!  If I touch her, it is to shake her!”  Fists balling up, he shook them at Hayden as if he could show him what he had done to the poor girl.  “Do you call that tender feelings for her?  She has even slapped me across the face!”  Pointing to his left cheek, he exaggerated as if he could provide evidence of a red welt. 

Unmystified, Hayden replied, “And yet she remains here...” 

Will Lord Huntington admit to his feelings for Lady Blakemore?

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