Monday, November 21, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21 continued:

Mr. Stone was blessedly interrupted in his insinuations as four beautiful ladies and two gentlemen, accompanied by Lord Huntington and Lord Carter entered the anteroom. 

Carly was grateful for any distraction from this impious man.  Happy to see women with whom she might socialize, she wondered if guests would be an irregular occurrence at Huntington Manor, for these were the first guests for supper.  Of course there had been social calls, but none such as this.  The numbers made the party even, which Carly supposed was intended.  She was still amazed that Lord Huntington would wish her presence among this gentry. 

Lord Huntington, impeccably dressed and handsome as ever, stepped towards her and Mr. Stone, saying, “Lady Blakemore, I wish to introduce you to Lord and Lady Pembrooke and Lady Margaret Pembrooke, their daughter.  They are our closest neighbors.  Lady Madeline, I might add, is my mother’s best friend.”  Lord Pembrooke bowed, seeming rather snobbish.  However, Lady Pembrooke, expensively dressed in a simple, yet beautifully designed pale green gown seemed genuinely kind and happy to meet her. 

But their daughter seemed to have taken an instant dislike to Carly. 

But why? 

She shared the same gorgeous blonde hair as her mother, equally expertly coiffed.  With a bearing of great confidence, she obviously had no compunction for displaying herself for all to see.  Adorned in the finest, most sensual pink gown Carly had ever seen, she flaunted her exquisite creamy white shoulders and bust proudly.  Why she should look at Carly so unkindly, she did not understand. 

Lord Huntington continued, “Mr. Stone has had the privilege of knowing the Pembrooke’s for many years.  However, may I introduce you both to Miss Mary Murtaugh, a cousin of the Pembrooke’s and presently their houseguest?” 

Hair color similar to Carly’s own, she was dressed in an expensive gown as well, but more modest than Lady Margaret’s.  But even she held a noticeable malice towards Carly.  Confused, Carly was gracious as possible toward them both. 

The most fiery red hair belonged to the fourth lady.  Splendid blazing ringlets caressed her shoulders, setting off her emerald green evening gown and deepest brown eyes.  She was stunning.  Remarkably so.  The lady seemed quite taken with Lord Huntington, Carly noticed straight away.  However, the redhead hardly gave notice to the governess’s presence. 

Her accompanying friend, not as handsome as she, was quiet, yet kind, his smile mild mannered.  His inconspicuous brown hair and unremarkable eyes helped melt him into the background. 

Lord Huntington’s introduction of them did not answer Carly’s questions as to their relationship with him.  Brother and sister, the Hansen’s from London.  That was it. 

But the tension in the air had grown.  Carly studied the evening’s guests considering from whence the friction came.  Some of the apprehension was obvious, but being unfamiliar with society’s competitions and deceptions, Carly was unsure of herself with these fine ladies, let alone with the gentlemen. 

As the ladies curtsied to one another and the gentlemen bowed, they said their how do you do’s. 

Curiosity over Lady Blakemore’s presence was tangible, so Lord Huntington continued, “Lady Blakemore is Jonathon and Elspeth’s new governess.”  Lady Margaret and Miss Murtaugh looked knowingly at one another.  They already knew it seemed.  

“She is already a favorite at Huntington Manor.”  Smiling devilishly at Carly, Lord Huntington made Carly feel herself color at his words.  Miss Hansen did not seem overly pleased either about his teasing nature towards his governess.  Would anyone befriend her this night?  Someone besides the abhorrent Mr. Stone? 

“And, of course, Mr. Stone often has business with the Marquis and I,” Creighton continued, seemingly unaware of the rifled feathers in the room. 

“As well as Lord Pembrooke, my lord.”  Mr. Stone proudly chimed in. 

“Yes.  Yes, of course.”  Lord Huntington held his arm out to Carly to advance to the dining room, signaling everyone to follow.  She did not miss the way his eyes devoured her.  He leaned over, whispering into her ear as they walked, “You look exquisite in your pretty new gown, Lady Blakemore.” 

She shivered noticeably. 

As he escorted her through the Red Room’s doors, she looked up into his face with a shy smile, and said, “Thank you, my lord.”  He nodded and smiled, his dimple showing.  Carly’s heart flip-flopped in her chest. 

As Mr. Thompson, the unassuming butler, quietly showed everyone to their places at the table, and Lord Huntington seated Carly, she noticed the brilliant red walls, magnificent décor, and the elaborately set table.  Exquisite centerpieces and foods for the first course of many were exhibited for all to enjoy.  Everyone commented on how superbly everything looked and smelled. 

What an evening this would be! 

Carly is excited to meet new people.  Will they become her friends?

Join me Friday for more from this dinner party.

Ellise

Friday, November 11, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

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

Monday, November 7, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

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

Friday, November 4, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 20 continued:

Feeling invigorated by the speed, Carly also felt cleansed somehow with the spring breezes that embraced smells of flowers and fresh rain blowing in her face.  Carly was enjoying her horse and ride and did not care where she went as long as it was fast, furious and free.  Clover was kicking up clumps of muddy wet grass as she flew enjoying just as much their time together. 

Riding so quickly that her hat became loose, before she could grab it, it flew from her head into the air, but Carly was too carried away in this feeling to care.  Her hair was next to be buffeted by the breeze, and it felt glorious to have the pins picked and pulled by the wind till it was free to blow wildly behind her.  Laughing vibrantly, she shook her head and squealed an exhilarating squeal of delight at the feeling of freedom she was enjoying, oblivious to anyone around her.  Laughter spurred the horse on faster, enjoying her riding companion’s exuberance. 

Creighton and his guests watched from a distance as the lovely young lady thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, completely unaware of them.  Noting how her hat flew off behind her, he thought he might retrieve it for her, until he saw her magnificent tresses come loose, thinking of nothing else while he watched, enraptured by her exquisite loveliness.  She was elegance and energy personified. 

Carly soon realized that she was coming upon three riders.  They were coming from a different direction but intersecting with hers.  Unenthusiastically, she slowed the reluctant horse to a trot and then came to a halt. 

Stunningly gorgeous in her cranberry-colored riding habit, her hair all about her shoulders and face and curling from the humidity, her eyes shined bright with excitement from her ride as her breathing slowed.  Clover, her beautiful chestnut mare was prancing impatiently as if she would take off again any second, their race having been cut short.  The three riders sat astride their steeds facing her now with great admiration showing upon all their faces. 

Blushing at their perusal, she looked down with reserve, until she was composed, which was difficult because of her energetic feelings of moments ago. 

“Good afternoon, Lady Blakemore.” 

Carly answered him, “Good afternoon, Lord Huntington.” 

“May I introduce you, Lady Blakemore, to two of my business partners, The Most Honourable, The Marquis of Southwickshire, Lord Hayden Carter and Mr. Melville Stone?”  Turning to look at the gentlemen, he continued, “Lady Blakemore has recently come to Huntington Manor as my,” he hesitated, correcting himself, “as the new governess.” 

They each tipped their hats to her in greeting, saying, “How do you do?” seemingly both genuinely pleased to meet her. 

The Marquis of Southwickshire had a similar build to Lord Huntington, and handsome, and kind, she thought.  He looked all of five and twenty, tops.  His dark auburn hair curled expertly under his hat, touching his brown collar.  Honey-brown eyes sparkled, staring curiously at her.  She could sense in this gentleman a certain mischief.  He smiled his boyish grin without reserve. 

Instantly, she liked him.  .    

Mr. Stone, however, was a different story.  

Hmmm...what will these gentlemen be like, I wonder?  Good, bad or simply flirts?

Thanks for reading with me today.  If you haven't already read it, you might find last Friday's post beguiling.

Ellise