“Cousin William has hired a governess for his children, and he insists we must be under her supervision.” Katherine looked expectantly at her aunt.
“A governess?” Lady Gatewood’s expression brightened. “Why that might be just the thing you need.”
Surprise rippled through William. This was definitely a first. The girls’ aunt hadn’t expressed her approval of anything he’d done since he arrived at Highland.
Katherine’s eyes widened. “Aunt Louisa, how can you say that? You know I’m almost eighteen. I shouldn’t have to report to anyone.”
Lady Gatewood touched Katherine’s cheek. “You and Penelope have not had the benefit of your mother’s guidance these last few years. I’ve tried to help, but with all the traveling we do, I haven’t been able to devote adequate time to your preparation.”
“But must we really have a governess?”
“She can help you polish your skills so you’ll be ready for the season.” Lady Gatewood turned to William. “That is, if the woman is qualified.”
William opened his mouth to answer, but a sudden wave of doubt hit him.
“Well, don’t just stand there gawking. Does the woman have social skills and understand how things are done in London?”
His mouth snapped closed. Infernal woman! Why was she always putting him on the spot like that?
Katherine huffed. “How could she? Miss Foster is a former missionary. She’s been out of the country for years. What would she know about society or the season?”
Louisa Gatewood shifted her gaze back to William. “I would like to meet this Miss Foster and judge for myself if she is the right person to train my nieces.”
William shook his head. “I’m sorry. That decision has already been made.”
She pursed her lips. “So I’m not allowed to meet my nieces’ governess?”
“No, of course you may meet her. I simply meant I’ve already judged her adequate and hired her.” He would not mention the one-month trial period. That would only weaken his position.
The woman locked gazes with him. “My brother-in-law may have named you as the girls’ guardian, but I don’t intend to let Katherine launch into her first season without proper guidance and preparation. She must shine like a beautiful jewel to make the best match and secure her future.”
As much as he hated to admit it, Lady Gatewood had a point. Seeing his cousins happily married and settled in their own homes was a responsibility he took seriously. What if Miss Foster was not able to teach the girls the social skills they needed? Had he made a mistake by hiring her so quickly? But what choice did he have? It wasn’t as though he had other applicants who were more suitable.
He nodded to Lady Gatewood. “I’m sure Miss Foster would be glad for your help with their preparations.”
The girls’ aunt pulled back, her eyes widening. “You’re suggesting I assist the governess?”
“Well, if you want them to shine like beautiful jewels, then yes, you might want to consider working with the governess and giving your nieces a bit more of your time and attention.”
“Well, that’s a very unexpected suggestion.”
Penelope took her aunt’s hand again. “It’s a wonderful idea. You know everything there is to know about London society. You will help us, won’t you?”
Lady Gatewood sent him a scornful glance, then sweetened her expression as she focused on the girls. “Of course I will. But first we must meet this Miss Foster and see for ourselves what she’s like.” She sent William a final disdainful look as she turned away and shepherded the girls out of the library.
He watched them go, then walked to the window and stared out at the fading autumn colors. Would Miss Foster have enough confidence and strength of character to deal with the girls’ aunt? He certainly hoped so.
His thoughts shifted back to earlier that morning in the great hall, when he’d seen Miss Foster come down the stairs with the children. It had stirred him in the most unusual way. He wasn’t sure if it was her winsome smile or the caring manner in which she guided the children. She was spirited. He’d discovered that through their conversation the day they met, but she also seemed to possess kindness and genuineness that pleased him. She would be good for the children.
And he didn’t intend to let Lady Gatewood—or anyone else—make him send her away.
FOUR
The midday sun filtered through the nursery window, casting a warm light across the book in Julia’s hands. On the other side of the table, Andrew sketched wolves and snakes on a drawing pad as he listened to her read aloud from The Jungle Book. Millicent leaned against Julia’s arm and gazed at the pen-and-ink illustration of Mowgli holding a blazing branch while the wolves gathered around him.
Julia turned the page and continued reading. “ ‘Good!’ said Mowgli, staring round slowly. ‘I see that ye are dogs. I go from you to my own people—if they be my own people. The jungle is shut to me, and I must forget your talk and your companionship.’ ”
Millie looked up at Julia. “Why does Mowgli have to leave the jungle?”
“Shh!” Andrew glared at his sister. “Stop asking so many questions.”
Millie stuck out her lower lip. “I just want to know why.”
“Be quiet! Let her go on and you’ll find out.”
Julia closed the book, keeping her finger in it to mark her place. “Andrew, it is not kind to speak to your sister in that manner. Please apologize.”
“Why should I? She’s the one who keeps interrupting the story.”
“Even so, your impatience is not helpful.”
He crossed his arms and glared toward the windows. “I don’t see why I should say I’m sorry when I’m not.”
“You do not need to feel sorry to apologize. You simply do it because it is the right thing to do.”
He set his jaw and continued to scowl.
“Very well, I’m afraid we will have to put the book away.” Julia rose from her chair.
“No!” Andrew jumped up. “We have to find out what happens to Mowgli.”
“Then you must do as I asked.”
“Oh, all right. I’m sorry.”
Julia shook her head. “An insincere apology is no better than none at all. You must acknowledge what you’ve done wrong and sound like you truly mean it.”
His expression eased, and he blew out a deep breath. “I’m sorry for my impatience and rude manner.”
Julia nodded. “And you must ask for her forgiveness.”
Andrew sent her a quizzical look.
“Asking forgiveness is an important part of a sincere apology.” Had no one ever taught the children these most basic skills? How could that be?
She motioned to Andrew. “Go ahead.”
He sighed but finished his apology with a note of sincerity. Millie accepted it, and Julia nodded her approval and sat down. She opened The Jungle Book and started reading again.
The nursery door opened, and an elegantly dressed middle-aged woman wearing a large feathered hat entered, followed by two young women dressed in riding clothes. The two girls must be her new charges, but who was the older woman?
“Miss Foster?” The woman crossed the nursery. “I am Lady Gatewood, and these are my nieces, Miss Katherine and Miss Penelope Ramsey.”
Julia rose. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
The shorter girl sent her a slight smile while the taller girl lifted her chin and glanced away.
“I understand you are the new governess.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And you will be helping Katherine prepare for the season?”
Julia nodded. “Sir William has asked me to oversee both young ladies as well as his children.” She glanced at Andrew and Millicent. The two watched the scene wide-eyed.
Lady Gatewood lifted her chin, ignoring the children. “You have only six months to help Katherine prepare for her presentation at court and first season. That might seem like a sufficient amount of time, but there’s much to be done.”
Katherine gazed at Julia, her expression disdainful.
“Both girls will need lessons in French, conversation, a bit of history and literature, art appreciation, dancing, and general knowledge about social etiquette. Penelope is too young to attend many of the social events, but she can begin preparing along with Katherine.”
Julia’s stomach tensed. Her knowledge of the fashionable London season was limited at best. How would she ever meet Katherine’s needs and this woman’s expectations?
Julia met Lady Gatewood’s gaze. “I am prepared to teach most of the subjects you mentioned, but it would be best to bring in someone else to teach dancing and social customs for the season.”
Lady Gatewood’s dark eyebrows drew together, then she sighed. “Well, at least you’re honest enough to admit your shortcomings.” She glanced away. “I was not blessed with children, but several of my friends have prepared their daughters for their presentation and the season. I can ask them to recommend a dancing instructor. And I suppose I can teach the girls what is expected of them during social engagements.”
Relief flowed through Julia. “Thank you. That would be most helpful.”
“I am not doing it for your benefit, Miss Foster. My nieces’ futures are at stake. With the memory of my dear sister to guide me, I intend to do all I can to prepare them for a happy future.” She tipped her head and smiled at the girls. “Now, I must be going. Lord Gatewood and I have dinner guests arriving in a few hours.”
Penelope kissed her aunt’s cheek. “Thank you, Aunt Louisa. Dancing lessons will be divine. We’re ever so grateful.”
“Dancing is important, but you must apply yourself to your other studies as well. No man wants a wife with an empty head.”
Penelope smiled and nodded. “I will. I promise.”
Lady Gatewood turned to Katherine. “And you, my dear, will be the focus of my attention these next few months.”
Katherine leaned toward her aunt and brushed her lips past her cheek. “Thank you for stepping in to save the day.”
“Of course, dear. That’s what I do best.” Lady Gatewood crossed the room to leave, and the girls followed.
Julia stepped forward. “Excuse me, Miss Katherine? Miss Penelope?”
The girls stopped and turned while Lady Gatewood sailed out the door.
“I’m almost finished with Andrew’s and Millicent’s lessons. Shall we meet for our studies at eleven?”
Katherine sent her an unconvincing smile. “As you can see, we’re riding this morning.”
“Very well. One o’clock then. Shall we meet in the great hall?”
“Unfortunately, we have an appointment at the milliner’s this afternoon in Fulton.”
Julia frowned slightly. “What time is the appointment?”
“Not until three o’clock,” Penelope said.
Katherine sent her sister a glare.
“Very well,” Julia continued. “I assume someone is driving you to Fulton. That takes ten minutes at the most, leaving you plenty of time to meet with me before you go.”
“I’m sorry,” Katherine said, though she didn’t sound the least bit apologetic. “We must change after riding, and we don’t expect to have luncheon until one-thirty, so we won’t be able to meet with you today.”
“All right. Let’s plan to meet tomorrow morning, directly after breakfast.”
Penelope opened her mouth to answer, but Katherine gripped her hand. “That’s simply not possible. Our neighbor, Lucy Chatsford, has invited us to call on her tomorrow morning.”
“Miss Katherine, your cousin has hired me to give you instruction on several subjects, and your aunt has just added more. It is impossible for me to fulfill their wishes if you will not make time for your studies.”
“We were not informed of your arrival until this morning. Our schedule has been set for some time. Perhaps we can discuss it on Friday morning.” Katherine turned and strode out the door without waiting for an answer.
Penelope blinked, looking torn. “Sorry,” she whispered, then hurried after her sister.
“Of all the imperious, uncooperative—” Julia clamped her lips together, barely able to restrain the rest of her sentence. Only the knowledge that the children were listening allowed her to keep her peace.
“They never do what Papa says.” Andrew picked up his pencil and began sketching again with quick, rough strokes. “They’re so mean. I hate them.”
Julia lifted her trembling hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Andrew, you mustn’t speak of your cousins like that.”
“Why not? It’s true.”
Millie bit her lip and looked up at Julia. “Why don’t they like us?”
Julia laid her hand on Millie’s shoulder. “It has nothing to do with you, Millie. They’re obviously preoccupied with their own concerns.”
The little girl sent her a quizzical look.
“That simply means they think of their own wants and desires first, rather than considering how their actions and words will hurt others.”
Andrew ripped a sheet of drawing paper off the pad. “I say they’re horrible, and I’m glad we rarely have to see them.”
Julia sighed and sank into her chair. If only she could say the same.
The next afternoon Julia took Millie’s hand and led her across the back courtyard. “It’s a lovely day for a walk. Andrew, will you show us the way to the gardens?”
“Follow me,” he called over his shoulder as he raced down the gravel path.
Millie sighed. “He always runs ahead.”
Julia laughed. “My brother used to do that as well.”
“You have a brother too?”
Julia nodded. “Jonathan is in school in London. He’s studying to become a doctor.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Very much. I hope he’ll visit us at Christmas, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
They followed Andrew through an arched stone gateway and into the gardens. Julia’s steps slowed as she took in the magical setting. Neatly trimmed hedges and a high stone wall enclosed the garden. Gravel pathways bordered with perennial flower beds crisscrossed the close-clipped sod. A small pond with a fountain stood in the center, surrounded by a few late-blooming roses. “Oh, it’s lovely.”
“Look at these.” Millie bent and picked up a handful of blooms. She held them up to show Julia. “I love purple flowers.”
“I believe those are asters.”
Millie smiled.
Andrew kicked a small stone down the path. Julia and Millie followed at a safe distance. As they rounded the hedge at the corner, Sarah Ramsey came into view, sitting on a wooden bench with a book in hand. She looked up and greeted them with a timid smile.
“Hello, Aunt Sarah.” Andrew ran toward her.
Millie scampered after him.
Julia greeted Sarah and then turned to the children. “I’d like you to find five signs of autumn.”
Millie bit her lip and a slight frown creased her forehead.
“Consider it a treasure hunt with a prize for your best efforts,” Julia added.
The children hurried off.
“Would you like to sit down?” Sarah asked.
“Thank you.” Julia settled on the bench beside her. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Sarah nodded and looked up at the clear blue sky. “Autumn is my favorite season.”
“Mine too, although I’m also very fond of spring.”
Sarah smiled and looked down at her book again.
“What are you reading?”
“Pride and Prejudice. It’s one of my favorites. Have you read it?”
Julia smiled. “Several times. I’ve always admired Elizabeth Bennett.”
“Oh yes. I like Lizzy too. And Mr. Darcy is an interesting character. There is so much more to him than it seems at first.” She looked down and turned the page. “I was just reading the scene where Lizzy walks to Netherfield.”
Julia caught sight of Sara
h’s right hand, and her reply stuck in her throat. Sarah’s fingers were small and misshapen, and her wrist bent at a severe angle. Julia’s thoughts flashed back through the past two days. Each time they’d met, Sarah had hidden her hand behind her back or in the folds of her skirt, and she walked with a slight limp.
Sarah looked up, and her gaze connected with Julia’s. She must have read the sympathy in Julia’s eyes, because her cheeks turned a deep shade of pink and she slipped her hand under the book.
If only she could assure Sarah she wasn’t bothered by her handicap. She’d certainly seen much worse at the medical clinic in India. But unless Sarah spoke of it first, it wouldn’t be proper for Julia to mention it.
She shifted her gaze to the flower beds and prayed her friendship with Sarah would grow and that someday they would speak freely about matters that were close to their hearts. Until then, Julia would show Sarah the kindness and acceptance she deserved.
“This seems to be the problem, sir.” Clark Dalton, Highland’s head gardener, tapped the pipe running down the far wall of the greenhouse. “There’s a leak at the joint, which lowers the pressure and prevents the sprinklers from reaching the plants on the outer edges.”
William leaned closer, surveying the old pipe. “It looks like we’re losing quite a bit of water.”
“I’m afraid so, sir. I noticed these loose floorboards this morning. Seems the water has been dripping down and rotting the wood.”
“It’s probably been going on for some time then.”
Dalton gave a sober nod. “I thought the warmth of the summer season had lowered the water level and caused the pressure to drop.” He clicked his tongue, looking chagrined. “I’m sorry I misjudged the situation.”
William straightened. “It’s all right, Dalton. It’s an easy mistake to make. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.” The gardener seemed to be an intelligent and respectful man, about the same age as William, though he had a stockier build and deeply tanned skin.
The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Page 5
