“I thank you, again.”
“You don’t need to keep thanking me,” the duke said, turning one last time before exiting. “I shall thank you.”
Once the duke was gone, Katherine fell down upon her bed and stared up at the ceiling. She was ready to begin her new life. There was a faint knock upon the door and Katherine got up from the bed, thinking that perhaps Lord Roland had returned.
“Who’s there?” Katherine asked.
“It’s me, Ma’am,” a voice said, and a woman of middling age popped her head through the door. “I’m Sofia, the head servant on this floor.” Sofia stepped into the room and Katherine had a chance to admire her crisp, starched black and white uniform.
“So nice to meet you,” Katherine said, putting out her hand.
“I’m so happy to meet you,” Sofia said, using both hands to take Katherine’s. “Everyone is already abuzz about how kind and well-mannered you are. Nothing like the last governess, who was something of an upstart.”
Katherine couldn’t imagine Rebecca being an upstart at her age, but surely, she had only met the maid for mere moments. “I promise to not be an upstart,” Katherine said pleasantly.
“Oh, and the duke mentioned your beauty, but now I see it with my own eyes.”
“Well,” Katherine replied awkwardly, bringing a hand to her flushed cheek. The duke had said that she was beautiful? How could that be?
“I won’t take up too much of your time,” Sofia said, going to the door. “Just wanted to let you know that I’m here to help.”
“Thank you,” Katherine said.
As they said their goodbyes and Katherine closed the door once more, she thought about the duke. Was it just her imagination, or did he seem pleasant and calm, and almost happy to have Katherine in his home? That afternoon in the public garden the duke had seemed rather agitated at first, and she had assumed that perhaps that was just his temperament. Truly, the individual who was far more agitated on that day was the duke’s brother.
The duke’s brother . . .
The memory of him returned to Katherine’s imagination and she tried to distract herself with something else. There was a great deal of unpacking to do, and Katherine wished to start on the lesson plan for the following day.
The first day of lessons contained a full schedule of reading, writing, piano, and even dancing. The duke was right that, in the morning, it was rather difficult to get the children to concentrate, so she used more light reading at that time, followed by more complex reading in the afternoon.
Harry took to the lesson plan instantly, smiling and laughing as he read the words upon the page. Constance, on the other hand, was a tough nut to crack. From day one she seemed uninterested, more keen to discuss matters such as the latest fashions from Paris and jewels that she had inherited from her late mother. This behavior continued for the days that followed, until slowly but surely things began to take a turn in that regard.
It began with Constance gazing at Katherine with what looked like subtle interest. This was a large step, considering the keen disinterest in her eyes previously. In days’ time, this interest turned into what might be called admiration, and finally, into love. Constance would be more eager than her brother to come down the stairs in the morning, and her talent in piano and dance excelled what even Katherine had hoped for.
In those happy days of growth, the duke would often pass the room in which they studied, and he’d observe for some time before discretely returning to his business. On these occasions where Lord Roland appeared, Katherine noted a warm smile upon his lips. There was very little fighting between brother and sister now, and what scuffles did arise, Katherine would soothe away by getting the children to engage in light exercise outside.
One of her favorite pastimes became the post-afternoon stroll, where she would take the children down to the bubbling brook. There, Harry would eagerly rip off his shirt and jump into the water, whilst Katherine and Constance sat on the banks, engaging in light conversation.
Katherine was beginning to find that the happiness she had hoped for at Bonhomie was exceeding her expectations as well. She would look forward to getting up in the morning and seeing to the beginning of the day, and at the end of it all, she would return to her room and eat the supper that Sofia had brought her, all whilst making the lesson plans for the following day and enjoying an early rest.
It was, perhaps, two weeks into her stay at Bonhomie when Nigel came up to her room in the evening and knocked upon the door.
“M’Lady?” he said.
“Do come in,” Katherine replied, having just completed her repast of lemon pepper fish with mushy peas. Katherine had not yet met the cook, who went by the name of Renee, but she looked forward to the opportunity.
“The master wishes to speak with you first thing in the morning,” Nigel said.
“I hope that everything is all right.”
“I am unsure what the nature of the meeting is, but it would be good of you to be in his study by 8.”
“Yes, of course,” Katherine replied, closing her lesson plan. She thought it curious that the duke wished to see her, but she thought it even more curious that the duke had made himself decidedly absent of late. When she had first arrived at Bonhomie, she saw Lord Roland everywhere. Then, in the days that followed, he was gone. Had she done something wrong? Would tomorrow be the dreaded meeting that all the other governesses had faced? Katherine could scarcely sleep that night from the worry.
The following morning finally came. Katherine arose and saw the new sunshine right out her window. It would be another beautiful day, but would she receive her adieu from Bonhomie? It broke her heart to think so, for although returning to Chance house would not be the end of the world - she did miss her family, but sent many letters - she didn’t want her happiness to end by way of leaving the Duke of Easterly’s home.
Katherine wore her best dress; lavender with gentle lace at the décolletage, which she did admit plunged down a bit lower than most of her dresses. But the gown was the most pleasing that she owned. Coming down to the study, Katherine gently knocked upon the door.
“M’Lord?”
“Come in, Katherine.”
She noted another thing which had changed was that the duke was no longer calling her Lady Katherine, but plain Katherine, instead. Was that a bad omen, as well?
Stepping inside, Katherine walked demurely to the duke’s desk and stood behind the chair, waiting for him to allow her to be seated. Finally, he motioned towards the chair and Katherine sat.
“You’re looking well,” the duke said, seeming serious and businesslike.
“I thank you,” Katherine replied, unsure if he was referring to her lavender dress or just her overall appearance. She did watch as Lord Roland looked down at the lace trim above her breasts and then hastily turned away.
“How is it going with the children?”
“So well. We’re having a lovely time. Constance would like to put on a musical concert for you,” Katherine said with a smile.
“That would be lovely,” the duke replied, finally breaking his businesslike tone and warming to her. “I have noticed quite the change.”
“All they needed was a bit of extra attention. Their behavior has improved dramatically.”
“Katherine, I called you here because there’s something that I wish to discuss with you,” the duke said, getting up from his seat and walking towards the window. He looked out onto the lawn and leaned his elbow upon the pane. “I believe that it’s now been two weeks that you have been here. And, from what I have observed, these weeks have been a remarkable success.”
Katherine heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful to hear you say.”
“So, I would like to mention a major change that will take place.”
“All right,” Katherine replied apprehensively.
“You’re no longer to take supper in your room. The children and I would like to have you at the family table for supper, as well
as breakfast.”
“Well, that’s most kind of you, but—”
“No buts, Katherine,” the duke replied, now grinning from ear to ear. “Harry has requested it and I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“So, this very night, please be our guest at the table and don’t be late,” Lord Roland quipped.
“I shall do my best.”
The day passed quickly and Katherine found herself pleased that she had put on that lavender dress in the morning, because it was the perfect attire to wear for supper. Although it was common for ladies of some standing to change gowns throughout the day, surely that would not be expected of a lowly governess? Thus, Katherine did not feel embarrassed in the slightest that she was wearing the same gown.
Entering the dining room nearly took Katherine’s breath away. Although they were a small family the dining table was large enough to accommodate at least twenty, and there were four places set at the end of it. In the center of the table was a glorious flower arrangement, not unlike the other ones found at Bonhomie.
Next to it was a charming bowl of fresh, colourful fruit, and surrounding all of this were five large tapers which were burning. Harry and Constance had changed out of their day clothes into something more fitting, and Katherine had never seen Lord Roland looking so dashing.
“Everyone, be seated,” the duke said, and everyone did as they were told. Sofia had warned Katherine of the de Bowes propensity for French cuisine, and Chef Renee himself was French. So, it did not come as a surprise when L’Aperitif was served first.
Olives, nuts, and canapés were offered; the duke and Katherine were given champagne, and the children, a fizzy drink that looked the colour of strawberries. Following this was L’Entree, which consisted of beef carpaccio, then the fish course, which was salmon.
During all of this gastronomy, Katherine was amazed to see that not only was the food light and delicious, but the family also looked happier together than she had ever seen them. Constance seemed relaxed and engaged in the conversation, the duke told stories, Harry laughed, and all the while Katherine joined in, enjoying herself immensely.
The fish was followed by a lime sorbet, then the main course was served, featuring roast chicken with a number of vegetable dishes on the side, served on separate plates. Just when Katherine thought the meal had concluded, the salad was served next, using simple greens and a vinaigrette. Next came the cheese course, followed by the pudding of chocolate profiteroles. Katherine took a deep breath, wondering how it was possible for such a feast to occur.
“Do you eat this way every night?” she asked.
“Only on special occasions,” Constance replied.
“Special occasions?” Katherine asked.
“We consider this evening to be special,” the duke replied.
It was all so wonderful. Katherine couldn’t have been happier with the notion that she would be dining on such rare and wonderful food during her time at Bonhomie. The chef entered into the dining room whilst tea was being served.
“Your Grace,” Renee said with a bow of the head. He was a rather roundish sort of fellow clothed in white.
“Renee, another triumph,” the duke said, putting out his hand to shake the chef’s.
“I’m enormously proud,” Renee replied, bringing a hand over his heart.
“This is our new governess, Lady Katherine Chance,” the duke said, motioning towards her.
“You’re most welcome,” Renee said to her.
“It was exquisite,” Katherine said, bringing her hands together in thanks and prayer.
“There are more to come!” Renee said with incredible enthusiasm.
“Very well,” the duke said, signifying that Renee was relieved of his duties.
***
Lord Garret de Bowes had been out of town for two solid weeks. Sometimes it felt good to get away from Bonhomie and focus on his own affairs, but that time was coming to an end. He had received news that Lord Roland had hired yet another governess, and this vexed Lord Garret to no end. Why must his brother be so inconstant? When was he going to screw his head on properly? It was the very same conduct that made Lord Garret fear that one day, Lord Roland would be unable to handle Bonhomie on his own and he’d lose everything, thus destroying the de Bowes name.
The time spent in Paris had been fruitful. There were a number of dignitaries who were in town to whom Lord Garret was introduced. He had seen much of the city and found it favorable, but he was missing the Mother County in his heart. Lord Garret had always loved Britain, and what’s more, he loved Hedge-Grove Downs. He was looking forward to returning, but not entirely looking forward to meeting yet another governess.
Still, something had been plaguing him of late. His brother had written in the correspondence that the new governess was someone that Lord Garret had met, on that bothersome afternoon in the garden when Harry had run away and nearly broken his skull. He remembered it all so clearly, mostly because it was the day before he left town. But also, because he recalled how beautiful the girl was.
There was yet another thing to vex him. Had his brother merely hired a governess because he liked the way that she looked in a skirt? Was Lord Randall finally setting his sights on the lower classes in order to find a wife, or even something tawdrier? It was despicable, in Lord Garret’s estimation, and returning to Bonhomie, he planned to get to the bottom of it all. Or at least, he planned on keeping a watchful eye over this new governess.
Chapter 5
Upon retiring to her room, Katherine thought it best to write one more letter to her mother. She had been trying to write every day but considering how demanding the schedule at Bonhomie was, it didn’t always occur. She had yet to return home for a Sunday roast, but she planned on asking the duke about being able to do so shortly.
Sitting down to her desk, Katherine looked out the window into the dark night sky. The stars were twinkling like diamonds and all was silent in the house. There was no need to lie and tell her mother that she was having a fine time even if she wasn’t. In truth, Katherine had never felt so happy.
Mum,
I’m incredibly happy here and still grateful that you and father let me come. I really feel as though I’ve found my calling at Bonhomie, and I can already see changes in the children’s proficiency in letters and music. The duke is so incredibly kind, and I shall continue to do everything in my power to please him. Please tell father that I will be returning for a Sunday roast soon. Perhaps in a week or so.
Send my love to Elizabeth, although I cannot tell you how many letters she has already written to me.
All my love,
Katherine
Sealing the letter, Katherine heard a knock upon her door and from the sound of it, it seemed to be Sofia.
“Come in,” Katherine said.
“Oh, M’Lady,” Sofia said, coming into the room with a cup of tea in hand. Sofia was kind enough to bring tea up to Katherine’s room before she went to bed; the finest herbal tea that she had ever tasted.
“What is it?” Katherine asked.
“There is news to share.”
“Come and sit down. Your feet must be tired.”
“Oh, yes, I’m weary,” Sofia said, seating herself on a side chair and massaging her temples. “What a day that it has been, all in preparation for the return of Lord Garret.”
“Lord Garret?” Katherine asked, feeling something stir within her.
Risky Rules of a Passionate Governess Page 5
