Friday, December 2, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

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

Friday, November 25, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21 continued:

Carly had not been to a dinner party in such a long time.  She was sure she should enjoy herself, for everything was fabulous.  Yet, she was reservedly excited.  Surely it was a lot to ask of her to sit beside the leering Mr. Stone.  He seemed to have reserved his manners for mixed company.  She would not soon forget.  Carly secreted away an impish thought that she would influence Mr. Thompson next time on the place settings.  She smiled at her hidden, wicked thoughts. 

As everyone started chatting around the table, the butler oversaw as footmen served the first course.  Delicious, creamy soup, fish, and a variety of vegetables were served in addition to the lovely meats, fruits, and artichokes displayed around the table. 

“Oh, dear Creighton!  You have outdone yourself again.  You always do for us though.”  Lady Margaret cooed at Lord Huntington as her chin rested flirtingly upon her gloved hand trying to be as close to him as possible. 

Lord Huntington seemed preoccupied, yet gracious as he said, “Always for the Pembrookes,” in his deep resonating voice.  

“And what of the Hansen’s, my naughty lord,” Miss Amelia Hansen flirted on his other side. 

Lord Huntington uncomfortably cleared his throat and nodded to Miss Amelia, saying, “Why of course.  How could I ever exclude you, Amelia?” 

Nodding her approval, she looked maliciously towards Lady Margaret, their competition ripe with envy.  The air sizzled with intensity. 

Creighton must control this situation, he thought.  And why had he sat between these two anyway?  Had Thompson conspired against him?  Or mother?  And where was she when he needed her expert skills at manipulating decorum? 

Gaining the attention of Lady Madeline, he said, “Mother wished for me to give you an hello, and that she shall be here soon.  She misses you terribly.” 

Snorting impatiently, Lord Pembrooke exclaimed, “It has only been a fortnight since they saw each other, my lord.  Hardly time to miss each other.” 

Ignoring her husband’s comment, Lady Madeline said, “I miss her too, dear.  She is such a good friend, always so concerned about me.”  Lady Madeline coughed into her delicate lace handkerchief, a deep body-wrenching cough.  As it subsided, she self-consciously looked back at Lord Huntington to say, “I am doing much better, though, you must tell her.” 

As they began the meal, Lord Huntington continued, “You have not been overdoing it I pray?  Mother and I are worried that you do too much.” 

“No, dear.  Do not worry so.” 

Lord Pembrooke sighed heavily obviously impatient with this constant subject. 

Mr. Stone put in, “It must be consoling to have such a devoted friend as Lady Huntington.” 

“Why, yes!  She has always been my best nurse, Mr. Stone.”  Lady Madeline beamed back at him. 

Carly noticed the dark circles under her eyes and wondered at her health conditions.  She visibly had endured much suffering, but seemed to have born it well.  Lord Carter poured wine for Lady Madeline as she began coughing again.  

Quickly, Miss Hansen got up from her seat to attend to Lady Madeline.  She seemed positively strained over her condition.  “Lady Madeline, is there anything I can do for you?” 

Lady Madeline silently shook her head before she drank from the goblet that Miss Hansen held for her. 

 “I daresay you get all the attention, mother dear.”  Lady Margaret smiled at her mother, but her eyes were ice cold. 

Carly instantly wished that this young lady would, instead, show compassion for the obvious discomfort her mother endured.  Then, unexpectedly, she noticed the cold eyes upon herself. 

What is wrong with Lady Margaret Pembrooke?  So uppity and snobbish!

Read more from this segment on Monday.  : )

Ellise

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