William stifled a groan. “I’m not sure that’s going to be possible.”
She pulled back. “Not possible? What do you mean? It’s your responsibility to see that they are properly dressed when they’re presented to society.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I am well aware of my responsibilities.”
“Katherine must have a fetching wardrobe to secure the attention of the right young men. She simply can’t take part in the season without the proper clothing.”
“Then perhaps she should not go to London this year.”
Lady Gatewood’s eyes widened. “Surely you jest.”
“Not at all. Your brother-in-law left the estate in a very difficult financial situation, and the death duties have made it much worse.”
“Oh dear.” She lowered herself onto the settee. “I knew Randolph did not give enough attention to managing his finances, but I didn’t realize it was that bad.”
“It’s been a disturbing discovery for me as well.”
“Surely there’s enough money to pay for Katherine’s needs for the season.”
“I’m looking into ways to increase our income to pay the duties, but I’m not certain I’ll be able to manage it.” He glanced away and steeled himself for her reaction. “I may have to sell Highland.”
Her face flushed as she rose to her feet. “But this house has been in the family for four generations!”
He focused on her again. “I will do everything I can to keep the estate intact, but in the end, I may not have a choice.”
Lady Gatewood strode across the room, dissatisfaction hovering around her like a dark cloud.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose where a headache had just begun. He hated the thought of selling the estate. But breaking it up and letting it go piece by piece would be even worse. Would he end up losing it all and having to return to London?
Lady Gatewood faced him again. Her expression eased, and a new light shone in her eyes. “What if you were to marry?”
He released a harsh laugh. “That’s impossible.”
“Not if she were a lady with wealth and position. Her fortune might secure Highland for you and future generations.”
“I have no intention of marrying again.”
“Why not? You’re still young, and it would give you a companion to share your life.”
He glared at her. “Marriage did not suit me.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.” But her words held little true sympathy, and her expression made it obvious that the gossip about his wife had spread from London to Berkshire.
Heat rose up his neck and burned through his face. “Finding a wife worthy of that role is impossible. The qualities of honesty, loyalty, and faithfulness are far too rare.” But as soon as the words left his mouth, a vision of Miss Foster rose in his mind.
Honesty and loyalty were apt descriptors for her. She seemed to be one of the few people in his life who was not afraid to tell him the truth. But what did that have to do with him? He could never become involved with a governess. It wasn’t done. The society gossips would have a heyday if he chose that route.
He closed his eyes and forced the thought of her away. No matter how tempting it might be to forget issues of class and wealth, it was not an option he could consider. He had been humiliated when word of his wife’s unfaithfulness spread throughout London, and he would not be scorned and ridiculed for marrying beneath him. That kind of misstep would make him and his children outsiders from society forever.
SEVEN
Lifting her skirt slightly with one hand, Julia carried the tray down the servants’ steps.
“Miss Foster, there’s no need for you to bring that tray all the way down to the kitchen.” Nelson watched her descend the stairs with a teasing smile. “Just ring for me next time. I’m always glad to help.” He took the tray from her hands.
“I don’t mind.” She looked past him down the hallway. The low curved ceiling, plain beige walls, and dim light were a stark contrast to the beautiful architecture and furnishings upstairs. “I came down to speak to Chef Lagarde.”
“He’s in the kitchen, but beware. I just heard him let loose a string of French you wouldn’t want to translate.” He winked and grinned, obviously hoping for a response.
She averted her eyes and stepped to the side.
He matched her movements and blocked her path. “Just let me know what you need.” He lowered his voice and leaned closer. “I’ll be more than happy to supply it.”
“No, thank you.” She stepped around him. Cheeky man! It was a good thing Ann usually brought their meals upstairs. Julia was glad she didn’t often have to deal with Nelson.
The scent of fresh baked apple tarts filled the air as she rounded the corner and entered the warm kitchen.
Chef Lagarde stood at the large table in the center of the room, hovering over Betsy, the petite, red-haired kitchen maid. “I said to chop zee onions, not mince them!” He grabbed the knife from her hand and whacked a second onion in half. “Like ziss!” Laying his hand over the top of the knife, keeping the point down, he swiftly chopped the onion into neat, square pieces. “There! That is how it is done.” He passed her the knife. “Now you do it.”
The kitchen maid bit her lip, looking uncertain.
“Go on!” He waved his hand. “I cannot stand and watch all day. I have to make zee dinner!”
“All right.” The girl grasped the knife, whacked the onion with surprising energy, and chopped it into a tidy pile, perfectly mimicking the chef’s actions.
Julia pressed her lips together to hide her smile. Good for her! It must take a great deal of courage to work with such a forceful, exacting man, let alone try to understand what he is saying with that strong French accent.
Chef Lagarde looked up. “Ah, Miss Foster, what brings you to my kitchen?”
“Thank you for the delicious luncheon. Master Andrew and I enjoyed it very much. But I’m afraid Miss Millicent is not feeling well today. Would you be able to provide some broth and toast for her instead?”
“Of course.” He issued brisk orders to another maid who stood at the sink, washing a large pot. She set it aside and hurried off to follow his instructions.
“So, how are things going with zee children?” The chef scooped a pile of chopped carrots into a large bowl along with the onions.
“I think we’re getting along very well.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “And Master Andrew? He is … yielding to your … instruction?”
Julia smiled. “He is energetic and has a strong will, but he is learning to tame those qualities. I’m sure they will serve him well, and he’ll make a fine master for Highland someday.”
“Ha! You are very clever I think.” He speared a chunk of celery with the end of his knife and scraped it off into the bowl.
Julia smiled. “I’m not sure about that. But I do enjoy teaching the children. It’s wonderful to watch them grab hold of a new concept or tackle a challenge and master a new skill.”
“And zee young ladies?”
Julia hesitated. Her sessions with Katherine and Penelope were not going as well, but she did not want to speak ill of them. “They’re coming along. I believe we are learning to understand and appreciate each other.”
“Bien! Those two have much to learn. They need a guide and teacher.”
Betsy looked up and grinned, her green eyes shining. She obviously agreed with the chef on that point.
The clatter of feet in the hallway drew everyone’s attention. Ann rushed past, covering her mouth and stifling a sob as she fled up the stairs.
Mrs. Emmitt followed and strode into the kitchen, her face red. “Miss Foster, come with me.”
“Of course.” She glanced at the chef.
He glared at the housekeeper and shook his head. “Go on. I will send up Miss Millicent’s tray when it is ready.”
“Thank you.” Julia followed Mrs. Emmitt to her parlor. Ann had obviously done something to upset Mrs. Emmitt and received a
scolding. And now Julia would hear about it.
The housekeeper pulled the door closed and turned to Julia. “Did you see Ann run past?”
“Yes, she looked quite upset.”
“I saw her take the children’s laundry outside earlier. When she didn’t return in a reasonable amount of time, I decided to investigate.” She pursed her lips. “And it’s a good thing I did!”
“What did you find?”
“Sheets on the line, flapping in the breeze, and an empty laundry basket!”
Julia’s breath caught in her throat. “Where was Ann?”
“I searched the courtyard and garden and finally found her in the stables with that scoundrel of a groom, Peter.”
Julia’s heart sank. “Oh dear.”
“Thank goodness I got there when I did.”
“They weren’t …” Julia’s face flushed.
“No, but they were carrying on a very intimate conversation. I warned her when she was hired that Highland maids were not allowed to have followers or fraternize with the men on staff. I won’t stand for that kind of foolishness!”
The memory of Ann and Peter together in the courtyard rose into Julia’s mind. She hadn’t said anything to Ann at the time, and she regretted that now. Perhaps she could’ve prevented this scolding if she’d spoken up. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Emmitt. I’ll speak to her right away.”
“I hope so.” The housekeeper scowled at Julia as though she were the one caught in the stable. “As nursery maid, she is under your supervision. You must see that she obeys the rules. If I catch her with him again, I’ll send her away with no reference.”
“I understand.”
“Make sure that Ann does as well.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Mrs. Emmitt pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and patted her glowing cheeks. “Such behavior will not be tolerated. Not at Highland.” She nodded to Julia. “You may go.”
Julia walked to the door, then looked back. “Thank you for not dismissing her. I know she values her job.”
“Then it had better not happen again. I will not be so lenient next time.”
“Yes ma’am.” Julia hurried up the backstairs, her mind churning. She could not allow Ann to lose her position over this foolish lapse of judgment. In the last few weeks, they had grown closer, and Ann had told Julia about the struggles she’d faced at home on the farm. Julia was determined to watch out for her friend.
She must find Ann and help her calm down, then make sure she knew how important it was to follow Mrs. Emmitt’s rules. She checked the nursery and found Andrew sitting at the table drawing and Millie resting in the chair with her doll on her lap. “Has Ann come in?”
Andrew looked up, a slight frown on his face. “Yes, but she left right away.”
Millie clutched her doll to her chest, her eyes wide. “She was crying. What happened?”
Julia crossed to Millie’s chair and gently laid her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “It’s nothing for you to worry about, dear. I’ll find her.” She sent Andrew a pointed look. “Please stay here and play quietly. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
He gave a slight nod and returned his attention to his drawing. For once both children seemed to sense the need to obey her instructions, so she left them and set off in search of Ann. A few seconds later she knocked on Ann’s bedroom door, then opened it without waiting for her reply.
Ann stood by her bed shoving clothing into her small carpetbag.
Julia gripped the doorknob. “Ann, what are you doing?”
“She’s going to sack me. I know it. I might as well pack my bag and be off.”
“No, she’s not going to dismiss you.”
“But she said she will if I so much as look at Peter Gates again. And I can’t promise that. I won’t!”
“Mrs. Emmitt doesn’t allow staff to seek each other out or spend time alone. You know that.”
“But I like Peter—very much. And he likes me. It’s not fair that we’re not allowed to be together.”
“I know you’re upset, but please just sit down a moment.”
The girl pulled in a shuddering breath and slowly sank down on the bed. “All right.”
“I know you care for Peter—”
“Oh, I do, so much.”
“But you must think this through.”
“I have, night and day! I can’t stop thinking about Peter. He’s the most wonderful boy—”
Julia laid her hand on Ann’s arm. “What I mean is you must be very certain before you make a choice.” How well she knew the consequences of not doing so.
“What choice? I have no choice!”
“Yes, you do. You have a good position here. And you told me you don’t want to go back home.”
“No, I don’t.” Ann looked down and fiddled with the hem of her apron. “Peter says I’m the kind of girl he hopes to marry someday.”
Julia tensed. “Are you sure he’s worthy of your affection?”
Ann looked up and shrugged slightly. “How am I to know when we’re only allowed a few stolen moments together?”
“The fact that he is talking to you about marriage when he hasn’t actually proposed does not speak well for him.”
“It does show he’s serious.”
“Perhaps. But coaxing you to meet him in the stable—when he knows it could cost you your job—makes me doubtful of his character.”
“But he says the sweetest things and makes me feel so special.”
“Sweet words are no replacement for a lifelong commitment. If he truly loves you, he should do what’s best for you, not just what makes him happy.”
Ann nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting a hint of doubt. “Oh, Julia, what should I do?”
“Only you can answer that question.”
“But if it were you, what would you do?”
Julia thought for a moment, wanting to give her best advice. “I suppose I would pray and ask the Lord to guide me. And while I waited for His direction, I would obey Mrs. Emmitt’s rules and make every effort to do my job to the best of my ability. But above all else, I would guard my thoughts and hold on to my heart.”
Ann heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m not sure I have the strength to do all that.”
The memory of her own broken engagement filled Julia’s mind and sent a shiver through her. “Giving your heart away before you are certain of a man’s character and commitment is dangerous. You must discern his true intentions, or you’ll pay a high price.”
William pushed aside the books and papers on his desk in the library. “Let’s spread out the map and take a look.” He had put off discussing his financial troubles with Gordon McTavish, Highland’s steward, as long as he could. He hated to spread the news among the staff, but it was time the steward knew that the future of Highland was uncertain.
“Very good, sir.” McTavish unfolded the map of the estate. “What was it you wanted to discuss?”
William scanned the map, then looked up and met McTavish’s gaze. “If I had to let some of it go, which portion do you think would bring the highest price?”
“I’m not sure that’s possible, sir. I don’t believe the estate can be broken up. At least that’s what Sir Randolph told me.”
“It wouldn’t be my first choice, but the government has placed a heavy tax on all inherited property. I must pay it on time or face some steep fines.”
“What I mean to say, sir, is that you may not have that choice. From what I understand, Sir Randolph’s grandfather set things up legally so the estate has to be passed down or sold intact.”
An unsettling wave traveled through William. “But surely there is some way to sell a portion of the land if we have no other option to raise the funds.”
McTavish rubbed his gray beard, looking doubtful. “Maybe your man of business could find some way around it, but I’m not sure it would be wise. You’d definitely see a drop in your income if you break up the estate.”
William huffed and scowled at the map. �
�What about this grazing land? Do you think we need all of it?” He pointed to the top left corner of the map.
“That could bring a high price, but it includes the estate’s water access.” McTavish shook his head. “You don’t want to let that go.”
William studied the map again. “What about this forested area? Do you think we could sell it, or is there a possibility of selling the timber?”
“It shelters your game, and we use that timber for making repairs to the cottages and outbuildings.”
“And this area?” William pointed to the lower right section.
“That’s your hay and grain fields, mostly barley and oats.”
William nodded. “And we need that to feed the animals.”
“Yes sir. We’ve had a decent crop this year, and I intend to sell the excess. I expect you’ll receive that income at the end of the month.”
William looked up. “How much will it be?”
McTavish stated the amount, and William’s hopes deflated. It would only provide a small portion of what was needed to pay the death duties.
“Can you think of any other way we could bring in more income, even temporarily?”
McTavish narrowed his eyes and studied the map. “I’m not sure what it would be, sir. I like to think we’re managing the property well and making the most with what we have.”
William’s shoulders sagged. “Yes, of course. I’m sure you are.”
“We try to do our best for you, sir. Our very best.”
William nodded. “Thank you, McTavish. I appreciate your work.” He folded the map and handed it back to his steward, and along with it went his hope that he would find an easy solution to his financial problems.
A sick feeling of dread filled him. If he ended up losing Highland and returning to the city, people would consider him a failure—the baronet who had squandered his family’s estate in less than a year.
What would he do? Who would help him carry this load?
Sarah walked into the library, intent on finding her missing copy of Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps she had left it behind last night when the family had gathered here after dinner.
The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Page 8
