The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel

by Carrie Turansky

  “It’s all right, Lydia.” Sarah’s eyes twinkled. “We’re the ones who should apologize. We were just celebrating a victory and not paying attention.”

  Lydia grinned. “Here’s to your victory then.”

  A few minutes later Julia and Sarah walked under the arched entrance to the garden. A chilly wind blew past, swirling around Julia’s ankles and sending a shiver up her back.

  She glanced at Sarah. “You did wonderfully with Mrs. Emmitt, but we don’t have to see the head gardener today if you’d rather not.”

  “No, I’m fine.” Sarah smiled. “In fact I’m rather looking forward to it. Mr. Dalton is a kind, sensible man. I’m sure he’ll be much more agreeable to our ideas than Mrs. Emmitt.” She wrinkled her nose at the mention of the surly housekeeper.

  Julia nodded. “I’m sure you’re right about that.”

  “So you’ve dealt with Mr. Dalton?”

  “I’ve greeted him when we’ve seen him working in the gardens. He’s always been polite to me and friendly to the children.” She thought for a moment. “Once Master Andrew’s kite was stuck in a tree, and Mr. Dalton climbed up and set it free.”

  “Yes, that sounds very much like him.” Sarah smiled again.

  Julia studied Sarah and pondered her response. She seemed very familiar with Mr. Dalton. But she did spend a lot of time in the garden, or at least she had during those first few weeks of October, until the weather cooled and the autumn rains began.

  Sarah lifted her hand over her eyes and scanned the garden path. “I don’t see Mr. Dalton. Perhaps he’s in the greenhouse.” She set off in that direction, and Julia followed. They rounded the corner and spotted him trimming the hedge.

  He looked up when he saw Sarah, and his smile spread wider. He set his hedge clippers aside, removed his hat, and nodded. “Good afternoon, Miss Ramsey. Miss Foster.” He focused on Sarah again. “How are you today?”

  Sarah’s cheeks turned rosy pink as she returned his greeting. “Miss Foster and I have something important we’d like to discuss with you. Could you take a few moments with us?”

  “Of course. My office is just this way.” He motioned down the path past the fountain and greenhouse. He and Sarah set off together, discussing how the temperature had dropped in the last few days and the changes that had brought to the garden.

  Julia followed, watching their interaction. They seemed quite comfortable together, as though this was not their first conversation. Was there a friendship—or perhaps even a romance—developing between them? Julia smiled. Wouldn’t that be lovely for Sarah?

  But she quickly reined in her thoughts. She knew very little about Mr. Dalton, and she had no idea if he was a worthy suitor, especially since Sarah had such a tender heart and little experience with men.

  It would be highly unusual for a woman from an aristocratic family to become romantically involved with a member of her staff. A head gardener like Mr. Dalton was a step above a footman, but he certainly didn’t have the same position in society as Sarah and William.

  Memories of the Indian caste system, which created such a huge gulf between the classes, came to mind. Her father had often spoken out against it, explaining that God created all people equal. The Christian faith seemed to be breaking down some of the longstanding cultural barriers in India, but it was still difficult for those of different castes to marry.

  Though the English liked to think of themselves as more civilized than the Indians, she wasn’t sure it was true. Marrying someone from a different class was still difficult here. Her parents’ situation came to mind and, with it, all the heartache their decision to marry had caused in her mother’s family.

  They reached the gardener’s office, and Julia put those thoughts aside. Mr. Dalton showed them in and offered them each a plain wooden chair.

  He remained standing by the door. “Now, how can I help you?”

  Sarah settled in her chair, then looked up at him. “My brother and I would like Highland to be more self-sustaining. We’re hoping you can help us find ways to grow more of our own produce.”

  He nodded and rubbed his chin. “We could expand the kitchen garden, but that won’t give you anything more until next spring and summer.”

  “What about the greenhouse? Could we grow more food there?”

  “I do grow a few vegetables during the cool months. Perhaps I could increase those.” He frowned slightly. “Though I’m not sure they’re crops you and your family would want to eat. They’re simple fare: turnips, radishes, cabbage, and the like. Not the usual dishes served on your table.”

  “I’m sure they’re nourishing, and that’s what’s most important.”

  “Very good, miss.” He smiled, appreciation glowing in his dark brown eyes. “I save seed each year, and I have plenty on hand. I can start some more plants today.”

  “Wonderful.” Sarah sent Julia a bright smile, then turned back to Mr. Dalton. “I’m so pleased. And I’m sure Sir William will be as well.”

  “I’m glad to be of service to you … and Sir William too, of course.”

  NINE

  Mrs. Emmitt took the key to the store closet from the chain at her waist and inserted it in the lock. She listened for the click, then tugged on the handle to be sure the door was secure. No need to create temptation by leaving it open so anyone could stop by and help themselves. Unfortunately, not everyone was as trustworthy and loyal as she.

  Twenty-seven years she had been working in this house, first as a housemaid, then as lady’s maid for Eden Ramsey, the late mistress of Highland. These last six years, since Lady Ramsey’s death, she had been housekeeper, in charge of all the female staff and equal in authority with Mr. Lawrence to oversee the running of Highland and carry out her duties as she saw fit …

  Until today.

  Her stomach twisted as she recalled her meeting with Miss Ramsey and Miss Foster. Even after all these years, after all she had sacrificed, she was still no more than a hired servant—she had no real control over the running of the house.

  Creating menus was her responsibility, as was purchasing food and household supplies. Miss Ramsey ought to be asking her opinion and looking to her for guidance, not the other way around.

  It wasn’t right!

  Mr. Lawrence strode down the hall toward her. “Mrs. Emmitt, might I have a word?”

  She noted his frown, and a burning sensation rose and singed her throat. “I am not in the mood to hear any more bad news today.”

  “Then we had best discuss this behind closed doors.”

  She set her jaw and followed him down the hall and into her parlor. After she closed the door, she turned to face him. “Well, what is it?”

  “I’m afraid Lydia is spreading rumors and upsetting the entire staff.”

  “Why did I hire that girl? She’s been nothing but trouble since the day she arrived. What did she say this time?”

  “Only that Sir William is considering selling Highland.”

  Mrs. Emmitt gasped. “Foolish girl! I’ve a mind to find her right now and shake her until her teeth rattle.”

  Mr. Lawrence held up his hand. “There’ll be no need for that. I’ve taken care of it.”

  “Start from the beginning, and tell me what happened.”

  “We were in the servants’ hall, having tea, when she announced she’d heard Sir William was thinking of selling the estate. I was so startled I nearly choked on a biscuit.”

  “I can imagine. I’m sure the others were upset as well.”

  He nodded. “I told them not to discuss it, then I called Lydia out of the room and reprimanded her for making up a story.”

  “I hope that put an end to it.”

  He clasped his hands behind his back. “I am sorry to say it did not. She insisted she was only passing on what she’d heard from Agnes, the dairy maid.”

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake! What would a dairy maid know about such matters?”

  “I have no idea. But Lydia seemed quite convinced it was true.�
��

  Mrs. Emmitt heart lurched. “You don’t think she’s right, do you?”

  Mr. Lawrence straightened, looking offended. “Of course not. Highland has been in the Ramsey family for four generations. Why would Sir William want to sell the estate?”

  “I don’t know, but stranger things have happened.”

  “Sir William left his business dealings behind in London and moved his family here. Why would he do that if he intended to sell Highland?” Mr. Lawrence shook his head. “There can be no truth to it—none at all.”

  Mrs. Emmitt lowered herself into her chair, her thoughts tumbling over one another like water rushing down a rocky stream. It had better not be true, or they would all be out of a job. Where would she go then?

  “No need to worry, Mrs. Emmitt. That rumor will go no further. I’ve settled the matter with Lydia.”

  She sighed. “I’m afraid that’s not our only problem.”

  “Has something else happened?”

  “Miss Ramsey met with me this afternoon, and she brought Miss Foster with her.” She pursed her lips and sent Mr. Lawrence a meaningful look.

  “What did she say?”

  “Miss Ramsey wants to control the household purchases, and she intends to make changes to the menus for the staff and family.”

  “Really? She seems as timid as a mouse. I can’t imagine her taking all that on.”

  “Well, she’s not afraid to speak up now.” Mrs. Emmitt sniffed and took her handkerchief from her sleeve. “It’s that Miss Foster. She’s the one stirring up all this trouble.”

  Mr. Lawrence sent her a skeptical glance.

  “It’s true,” Mrs. Emmitt wiped her forehead. “Miss Ramsey has barely spoken a word to me since the day she arrived. And now, all of a sudden, she waltzes in with that governess at her side and wants to turn everything upside down.”

  “And you believe it’s because of Miss Foster’s influence?”

  “Of course. You should’ve seen the way she nodded and urged Miss Ramsey on during our meeting.” She paused and lifted her finger. “And wait until you hear this.”

  He cocked his head.

  “There’s to be no more wine served at dinner or after and none purchased without Sir William’s permission.”

  The butler’s eyes widened. “That’s most unusual.”

  Mrs. Emmitt sat back and glared at him. “None of this happened until Miss Foster arrived.”

  “I don’t know that you can blame all the changes on the governess.”

  “And why not? She’s been raised by radically religious parents and spent the last twelve years in a heathen culture. Why else would Miss Ramsey want to do away with wine and simplify the meals?”

  He clasped his hands behind his back again, looking grim. “It’s certainly not the way we’ve always done things at Highland.”

  “No, it is not.” She stared into the fire, turning the issue over in her mind. Perhaps it was time she found a way to be rid of Miss Foster.

  Julia looked to the top of the grand staircase where Katherine and Penelope waited. Sarah stood beside Julia at the foot of the stairs, watching her cousins with a hint of amusement in her eyes.

  Lady Gatewood waited on the lower landing, her gaze focused on her two nieces. “During the season there will be many occasions when you will walk down a stairway to make an entrance into a ballroom. This is an important opportunity to catch the attention of everyone in the room. If there is a butler or footman present, always wait to be announced. Then you must descend slowly, displaying the utmost poise and grace.”

  The girls exchanged uncomfortable glances. Katherine tapped Penelope’s arm. “You go first.”

  “Why me? You’re the one who’s making her debut.”

  “But you’re the one who needs the most practice. Go on.”

  The younger girl huffed and rolled her eyes. “All right.” She straightened the sash on her dress, then sent her sister a haughty glance. “At least I’m not afraid to try.” With that Penelope plodded down the stairs, looking a bit like a tired workhorse.

  Sarah leaned closer to Julia. “Oh dear, she won’t make a very good impression that way.”

  Julia agreed, but she couldn’t very well correct Penelope. Lady Gatewood had taken charge.

  “No, no, please stop,” Lady Gatewood called. “That will not do. You must float down the stairs, as though you were carried on a cloud.”

  Penelope scowled at her aunt. “How in the world am I to do that?”

  “You must bend your knees slightly to absorb the shock of your descent, and then you glide along, keeping your head erect and your shoulders level. Like this.” Lady Gatewood demonstrated by lifting her chin and gliding down a few steps while the girls watched.

  “She looks more like an actress on stage than a debutante arriving at a ball,” Sarah whispered, a merry twinkle in her eyes.

  Julia nodded slightly and lifted her hand to hide her own smile. Katherine glared at them from the top of the stairs. Julia sobered. Sarah lowered her gaze, but her faint smile remained.

  Penelope tried again, but her second attempt looked more awkward than the first. “This is ridiculous. It feels so unnatural.” She stomped down the last few stairs and joined Julia and Sarah at the bottom.

  Lady Gatewood sighed and waved her hand. “Never mind, dear. We’ll keep practicing. You have two more years before your presentation.” She looked to the top of the stairs. “Your posture and carriage should show an attitude of inner confidence and a bit of mystique. All right, Katherine, shoulders back, chin up, and remember, a lady has only one opportunity to make a first impression.”

  Katherine stiffened and lifted her nose so high she couldn’t possibly see where she was going. Julia held her breath, hoping she wouldn’t fall. Lady Gatewood continued calling out a series of suggestions, but they only seemed to confuse Katherine. Her face grew pink, and her expression hardened.

  Sarah leaned toward Julia and whispered, “Poor girl. I’m afraid she looks a bit like a giraffe with her neck stretched out like that.”

  Fire blazed in Katherine’s eyes as she reached the bottom step. “How dare you stand there and laugh at me.”

  Sarah’s eyes widened. “Oh, Katherine—”

  “I saw you whispering.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “Of course you did. You meant to humiliate me in front of my aunt and sister.”

  “No, I didn’t, but it was thoughtless of me to make light of your efforts. I’m sorry.” Sarah sent a worried glance Julia’s way. “I’m sure with all the effort you’re putting forth, you’ll do very well when you go to London for the season.”

  Katherine spun around. “What would you know about the season? You were never presented to the king and queen or took part in any of it. Your deformity kept you out of society.”

  Sarah gasped.

  Katherine hardened her expression. “You know nothing about courtship or marriage, and you probably never will, so that gives you very little room to laugh at me.”

  The color drained from Sarah’s cheeks.

  Fire flashed through Julia. “Katherine, stop! You may not speak to your cousin like that.” She stepped closer to Sarah.

  “I quite agree.” Lady Gatewood joined them. “Ladies of good breeding—especially members of the same family—do not criticize each other in public. It’s unseemly.”

  “They don’t laugh and try to embarrass each other either.” Katherine lifted her chin. “But we might as well get these issues out in the open.”

  “What issues?” Lady Gatewood looked from Sarah to Katherine.

  Katherine narrowed her gaze at Sarah. “I know how she and her brother feel about us.”

  “What do you mean?” Sarah’s voice came out choked and breathless.

  “You were more than happy to inherit Highland and take over all that should have been ours, but Penelope and I are an unwelcome burden.”

  Sarah shook her head, pain and disbelief shimmering in her eyes. />
  “Well, you needn’t worry. By this time next year I expect be married and established in my own home, then you and your brother will be rid of me.”

  Tears pooled in Sarah’s eyes. She lifted a trembling hand to cover her mouth and hurried away.

  “Sarah, wait,” Julia called. But Sarah disappeared through the doorway at the end of the hall without looking back.

  Julia spun toward Katherine, her heart pounding. “She never intended to hurt you. You’ve misjudged her and been thoughtless and unkind.”

  “You’re just as bad, smirking and making fun of us.”

  Julia didn’t flinch as she met Katherine’s haughty glare. “You cannot excuse your behavior by pointing your finger at someone else.”

  “I am very tired of your self-righteous attitude. You’re just as human and sinful as the rest of us, and you’ve proved it today.”

  A hot reply rose in Julia’s throat, but before she could speak, William strode into the great hall, his dark eyebrows knit together.

  “What is going on?”

  “Nothing!” Katherine turned on her heel and rushed up the stairs.

  Mrs. Emmitt slipped behind a large column in the upper gallery as Katherine stormed past. The girl was so furious she didn’t see her, but Mrs. Emmitt had overheard everything.

  Katherine jerked open her bedroom door, strode in, and slammed it behind her.

  Mrs. Emmitt shook her head, her own anger simmering. Poor girl. She was still grieving and struggling to accept the changes that had swept through the house following her father’s death. She hadn’t always been this fractious. It was only in the last few months since her world had been turned upside down that she’d become sullen and difficult.

  Today’s confrontation certainly had not helped. What right did that governess and Miss Ramsey have to mock the girls’ efforts to prepare for the season? Of course, she didn’t approve of Katherine’s response, but being the brunt of jokes and laughter cut to the heart. She knew that all too well.