The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel

by Carrie Turansky

  “Wait.” He reached for her hand. “I just want to say … I’m very glad you’ve come back.”

  She smiled, and her eyes filled with warmth. “I’m glad as well.” She glanced down at their clasped hands.

  Relief rushed through him. He nodded and released her hand, then jogged off to the stables, hoping to catch the groomsmen before they harnessed the horses.

  Sliding open the stable door, he hurried down the center aisle, searching the stalls. “Hardy! Gates! Are you here?” But no one answered.

  Frowning, he pushed open the back door and scanned the rear stable yard. His car sat in the covered portico behind the stables. And there in the shade of the building stood one of the young groomsman, Peter Gates, and the nursery maid, Ann, clasped in a tight embrace.

  “What the devil!” William marched toward them.

  Gates dropped his arms and spun around. The maid gasped and stepped back, her face red and blotchy.

  “I sent you with an important message!” He glared at the young maid. “But did you deliver it? No! I find you cavorting with the groom in the stable yard! Have you no conscience? No decency?”

  Gates stepped in front of Ann. “There’s no need to shout at her. She’s upset after being up all night with your children.”

  William pointed at him. “You had better hold your tongue, young man, unless you want to be dismissed this instant.”

  The groom’s face flushed red, but he clamped his mouth closed.

  “I’m ever so sorry, sir.” The maid’s voice quivered as she stepped out from behind Gates. “I searched for Mr. Lawrence, but I couldn’t find him. So I thought if I came out here and told Peter, he could go for the doctor.”

  “It doesn’t look like either one of you were thinking one whit about my children or the doctor.” He scowled at the maid. “Go back to the house. Report to Mrs. Emmitt. And don’t let me catch you out here with Gates ever again. Do you understand?”

  “Yes sir.” She bobbed a quick curtsy, lowered her head, and ran back toward the house.

  “And you, sir.” He shifted his narrow-eyed gaze to the groom. “I should send you packing, but I don’t have the time to deal with it right now. Go start my car.”

  Gates hustled off without a word.

  William shook his head. What was this world coming to? Every time he turned around he discovered someone else carrying on a secret romance with no thought to the impact it would have on others.

  Secret romances below stairs caused all kinds of trouble. He would have to speak to Mrs. Emmitt and Lawrence about the situation later. Right now he must find Dr. Hadley and bring him back to Highland to see the children.

  He clenched his jaw as an anxious prayer formed in his mind. Please watch over Andrew and Millie and restore them to good health. I have not been the father I should be, but if You will give me another chance, I will make an effort to change my ways. Please, Lord, I could not bear to lose them.

  Sarah looked up as the clock on the nursery mantel struck three. Late afternoon sunlight spilled across the floor and touched the head of Andrew’s bed. She set his empty soup bowl on the bedside table. Surely, finishing his broth would help him regain his strength and fight off this terrible illness. She smiled down at him. “Why don’t you just close your eyes and rest for a bit?”

  “All right,” he whispered and turned his head to the side. Poor lad. She had never seen him this ill.

  The doctor’s diagnosis of scarlet fever had struck fear in her heart and sent a wave of panic through the house. Dr. Hadley ordered the children to be isolated, and only Sarah, Julia, and Ann were allowed in the nursery to care for them.

  Sarah glanced at Ann as she put away one of Millicent’s clean nightgowns in the closet. A basket of folded laundry sat at her feet. The girl was certainly faithful and a hard worker, but for once, Sarah wished Ann would leave the room so she could speak to Julia privately.

  The last thirty-six hours had been an exhausting whirl, caring for the children and grieving over her brother’s insistence that she must break off her relationship with Clark. If she wasn’t so worried about Andrew and Millie, she would go downstairs right now and beg William to change his mind.

  Clark was a fine, honorable man, worthy of her love and William’s acceptance. Surely, there was some way she could persuade her brother to agree to their courtship.

  Sarah closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. Confronting her brother would have to wait until the children were out of danger and she had a little rest and could think clearly.

  Across the room, Julia hovered over Millie, a spoon in her hand. “I know your throat is sore, dear, but please try one more little sip.”

  Millie whimpered, a pitiful look on her face. But she finally opened her mouth and accepted a spoonful of the chicken broth.

  “That’s a good girl. Now lie back and rest.” Julia placed the half-empty bowl on the tray. “Ann, will you please take these dishes down to the kitchen?”

  Ann nodded, looking as weary as Sarah felt. “Would you like me to bring up anything else?” she asked as she accepted the tray from Julia.

  “Just some fresh water, please.”

  Ann nodded and left the room.

  Sarah glanced at Millie, then checked on Andrew once more. Both children appeared to be resting quietly or asleep. She crossed the room to Millie’s bedside and leaned closer to Julia. “I need to speak to you. And no one else must hear.”

  Julia nodded and led Sarah to the alcove across the room. “What is it?”

  Sarah clasped Julia’s hand. “William knows about my feelings for Clark. He discovered us alone together in Clark’s office.”

  Julia lowered her eyes. “I know. He told me.”

  Sarah straightened. “He did?”

  “Yes. He came to my parents’ home that afternoon and asked me to return to Highland and try and convince you to give up Mr. Dalton.”

  Indignation surged through Sarah. “How could he think you would take his side and speak against Clark? Of all the prideful and self-righteous men in all the world—”

  Julia laid her hand on Sarah’s arm. “You must try to see things from his point of view. He loves you and is concerned for your future.”

  “If he truly loves me, then he ought to agree to our courtship instead of insulting Clark and … and breaking my heart.” Hot tears flooded her eyes, and she lifted her hand to her mouth. “Oh, Julia, what am I going to do? He has forbidden me to see Clark.”

  Sympathy filled Julia’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

  Sarah sniffed and took a handkerchief from her pocket. “You should’ve seen him when he discovered us. He was so angry.” She wiped her nose, and a tremor ran through her at the memory of her brother’s fierce expression.

  “What did he say to Clark?”

  “I’m not sure. He insisted I leave. I didn’t want to go, but Clark urged me to let him handle it.”

  “That was probably wise. I admire his courage.”

  “As do I, but before I left, I told William if he dismissed Clark and sent him away, I would leave Highland and go with him.”

  “Oh, Sarah.” Julia searched Sarah’s face. “That would be so painful for everyone.”

  “But I love Clark. There must be some way I can convince William to let us marry.” She clasped her hands and paced a few steps away, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Suddenly she spun around, hope rising in her heart. “Would you speak to William for us? Surely he’d listen to you.”

  “I tried that day he came to see me. And I’m sorry to say it did not go well.”

  Sarah moaned and sank down on the window seat. “Then what am I to do?”

  Julia sat beside her. “You must pray about it and ask the Lord to guide you.”

  “I have prayed, and so has Clark. We’ve both been praying for a mate for years. And now we’ve found each other, and the only thing lacking is William’s acceptance and blessing.” She clasped her hand again. “Please, Julia, you mu
st help me find a way to convince William that Clark and I should be allowed to marry.”

  Julia thought for a few moments, then turned to Sarah. “Here is what I suggest. Go to William and tell him what you’ve told me, then ask him to reconsider. But be calm and listen to whatever he says without argument. Perhaps if he feels you’ve heard his concerns, he might be more willing to hear what you have to say.”

  Sarah nodded, but she bit her lip, wondering how she would ever find the courage to face her brother and tell him everything in her heart.

  “And be open to compromise.”

  Sarah frowned. “What kind of compromise?”

  “Perhaps if you promise to wait a few months, that would give everyone time to adjust to the idea and see that you and Mr. Dalton are truly committed to each other.”

  “Do you really think that would help?”

  “I’m not sure, but if waiting would resolve the issues between you and Sir William and allow him to give you his blessing, then it would be worth it.”

  Sarah sighed, her emotions rising and falling like the waves of the sea. “I can’t imagine William changing his mind. He seems so set against us.”

  “Beyond all his objections, I believe your brother loves you and wants what’s best. We must keep praying for him to have a change of heart.”

  “Yes, we mustn’t give up hope.” Sarah wrapped her arms around Julia and leaned her head on her shoulder. “Thank you, Julia. You are so dear. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  SEVENTEEN

  Julia folded the top edge of Millie’s sheet over the blanket and smoothed it across the little girl’s chest. “Time to rest, my dear.”

  Millie’s forehead creased and anxiety filled her pale blue eyes.

  “It’s all right, Millie. I will be right here when you wake up.” Julia gently ran her hand over the little girl’s forehead. “Resting is the best thing you can do to regain your strength.”

  Millie’s expression eased, and she released a faint sigh as her eyelids slid closed.

  Julia scanned Millie’s face, her heart aching for her. The prickly red rash seemed to be fading, but the sore throat, headache, and stomachache continued to make her miserable. Swallowing was especially difficult, so she resisted speaking and eating.

  Julia sighed and straightened, her neck and shoulders aching from the long hours she’d spent caring for the children the last five days. It had been a wearying watch, with just Ann and Sarah giving her an occasional break for a few hours’ sleep.

  Sir William had heeded the doctor’s warning and stayed away the first day. But the next morning, after breakfast, he arrived and announced he would not be kept from his children any longer.

  Julia had been pleased by his refusal to follow the doctor’s order and by his desire to spend more time with the children. Since that first visit, he had come three times each day to check on them and sit with them for a little while. Before he left, he always called Julia aside to discuss their condition and ask if there was anything she needed.

  Her gaze drifted to the window as she recalled what he had said to her that first day. “I am placing you in charge of the children’s care. You have much more experience with nursing than Sarah or Ann, and I trust your skills and good sense.”

  His confidence in her meant a great deal, and it had strengthened her determination to faithfully watch over Millie and Andrew through the worst of their illness.

  Yesterday, when Andrew had improved enough to sit up and take a light meal, Julia asked William to read aloud a chapter from The Prince and the Pauper. Millie had listened for a few minutes, then fell asleep before the chapter’s end. But Andrew hung on every word and begged for a second chapter when William finished the first.

  Julia smiled as she sank into a chair next to Millie’s bed, remembering the animation in William’s voice as he read the story and how the children responded and soaked up his attention. Caring for the children through this illness had been exhausting, but it seemed the Lord was using this time to draw William closer to his children. And that was a wonderful answer to prayer.

  Sarah stepped through the doorway into the children’s room, carrying her embroidery hoop and basket of thread. She set them on the bedside table. “Is Millie asleep?”

  Julia yawned and nodded. “I think so.”

  “Why don’t you go lie down?”

  Julia shook her head. “I want to be here when the doctor comes.”

  Sarah sent her an indulgent smile. “All right. But at least put your feet up and close your eyes for a bit.” She slid the padded footstool over in front of Julia’s chair. “Go on. I’m perfectly capable of watching over two sleeping children.” She nodded toward Andrew, who also rested peacefully in his bed.

  Julia smiled. “All right. But wake me if there is any change in their condition.”

  “I will.” Sarah took an extra blanket from the end of Andrew’s bed and draped it over Julia.

  “I’ll just rest for a few minutes.” The warmth of the blanket weighed her down into the soft folds of the chair. She closed her eyes, and within seconds she drifted off to sleep.

  William led Dr. Hadley up the main staircase and through the gallery. “I’m concerned about Millicent. She doesn’t seem to be recovering as quickly as Andrew.”

  “Her health was not as strong as Andrew’s before the illness. I’m sure that’s the reason for her slow recovery.”

  William’s shoulders tensed. “But she is out of danger, isn’t she?”

  His footsteps slowed. “It appears so. But scarlet fever can have some very serious complications—pneumonia or rheumatic fever, for instance. We must watch her very carefully until she is completely recovered.”

  William nodded, his resolve growing stronger. Millicent’s poor appetite and persistent fever were nagging concerns. Miss Foster had asked the chef to send up broths, juices, and even ices to tempt his daughter, but she would only take small amounts.

  “It’s a stroke of luck you hired Miss Foster as governess. Her skills as a trained nurse are admirable.”

  The tension in William’s shoulders eased a bit. “Yes, her years in India, assisting her father in the clinic, have given her some excellent nursing experience.” But he knew it was more than that. Spending time with Miss Foster these last few months had influenced him in many ways. And now he was sure it was divine providence rather than luck that brought her to Highland.

  The doctor paused at the nursery door. “I think the children are going to be fine, but my examination today will give us a better idea how they are progressing.”

  William nodded and followed him through the doorway. The doctor paused and looked over his shoulder. “You understand, even at this stage, they may still be contagious.”

  “Yes, I understand.”

  “Very well.” The doctor crossed the room to Andrew’s bed. Sarah sat beside the boy, sewing and watching over him while he slept. She greeted the doctor in a hushed voice, then nodded to William. He moved to her side as the doctor took Andrew’s hand and checked his pulse. The boy stirred and opened his eyes. He looked up at them with a sleepy smile.

  William laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. “How are you, Andrew?”

  “Much better.” He yawned and shifted in the bed. “May I have something to eat? I’m terribly hungry.”

  “How about some nice warm soup?” Sarah set her sewing aside and rose from her chair.

  “I’d rather have something cool and sweet—maybe some ice cream?”

  William grinned, glad his son’s appetite was returning. “I’m sure we can find something agreeable.” He glanced at his sister.

  “I’ll go down and speak to Chef Lagarde.” Sarah smiled at William, relief evident in her eyes, then she turned and left the room.

  While the doctor continued his quiet examination of Andrew, William crossed to Millicent’s bed and checked on his daughter. Her face seemed less flushed and her expression more relaxed. A wave of relief coursed through
him. Hopefully she had truly turned a corner, and the doctor would confirm it.

  Miss Foster slept in the chair next to his daughter’s bed. Her right hand rested on Millicent’s pillow, as though she wanted to reassure her that she was close by if needed.

  The sight of them both sleeping so peacefully touched him deeply. His gaze settled on Miss Foster. She looked so serene, with her long, dark eyelashes fanned out above her softly rounded cheeks. Her pink lips were slightly parted, and he noted the gentle rise and fall of the thin blanket covering her shoulders. A strand of dark brown hair lay across her ear and curved down her pale neck in the most appealing fashion.

  He pulled in a sharp breath and averted his eyes. What was he doing? If she awoke and found him staring down at her, surely she would not be pleased. He took a step back and cleared his throat.

  Julia stirred and blinked, then sat straight up. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I just shut my eyes for a moment.”

  “Please. Don’t apologize. I’m glad to see both you and Millicent resting so peacefully.”

  She smoothed her hand over her hair and tucked behind her ear that one strand he had just been admiring. She glanced across the room. “When did the doctor arrive?”

  “Just a few moments ago.”

  “What will he think of me, sleeping the day away?”

  “He thinks you’ve done an excellent job caring for the children, and I quite agree.”

  Her ruffled expression faded and was replaced by a slight smile. “Thank you, sir.”

  Millicent’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him. “Papa …”

  “Hello, Millie. Have you had a good rest?”

  She nodded, a slight smile warming her expression.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “A little better,” she said softly.

  “Well, that’s very good news.” He leaned down and brushed his hand across her forehead, taking a closer look at her pale blue eyes and the sprinkle of freckles across her pert nose. “You must do all you can to get well, because I am making plans to go and cut our Christmas tree very soon.”