“But it will keep the family close, and you’ll have your brother’s blessing.”
Sarah nodded. “I have to keep reminding myself of that so I don’t grow impatient.” She reached for an earring and held it out to Julia. “Would you help me with this?”
“Of course.” Julia gently screwed the left earring into place, and then the right.
“I wouldn’t fuss about my hair and jewelry, but since this is David’s first dinner here, and Lord and Lady Gatewood are joining us, I thought I should make an effort.”
“You look very nice. I’m sure it will be a lovely dinner.”
A knock sounded at the bedroom door, and Sarah called, “Come in.”
Katherine and Penelope entered. Both girls’ cheeks were flushed, and they were still wearing their coats and hats.
“Aunt Louisa said to tell you she’s bringing another guest for dinner tonight,” Katherine announced.
It was certainly presumptuous of Lady Gatewood to add another dinner guest at this late hour, but then she often acted as though she was the mistress of Highland rather than Sarah.
“Another guest?” A slight line creased Sarah’s brow. “And who would that be?”
Penelope’s eyes lit up, and a playful smile lifted her lips. “Miss Alice Drexel of Philadelphia.”
“I don’t believe I’ve met her.” Sarah rose from the dressing table bench and turned toward the girls. “How is she connected with your aunt?”
“Her father, Anthony Joseph Drexel II, is in banking, and he and Uncle Albert have business dealings together,” Penelope said.
“I see. And have you met Miss Drexel?”
“She came with us today when Aunt Louisa took us for our dress fitting in Fulton.” Katherine unbuttoned her coat. “She’s twenty-four and quite attractive for an American.”
Penelope slipped the scarf from around her neck and sighed. “I’d say she’s positively regal. She’s tall and blond and has the most unique green eyes, just like the color of moss growing on rocks by a stream. And beside all her outward beauty, she’s the heiress to her family’s fortune.”
“Yes, in America, daughters are entitled to inherit rather than some distant cousin.” Katherine’s voice dripped disdain.
Pain flashed in Sarah’s eyes, but she didn’t respond to Katherine’s jibe. “So what brings Miss Drexel to England?”
A look of delight filled Penelope’s face. “Apparently Alice Drexel’s younger sister, Olivia, was involved in some sort of scandal. Of course that reflects poorly on the family, and it has dimmed Alice’s prospects for marriage in Philadelphia, so they sent her here to find an English husband.”
Katherine tipped her head, and a mischievous light filled her eyes. “One who would appreciate her fortune and doesn’t mind a bit of distant American scandal.”
Julia’s stomach tensed. What was Katherine implying?
“Alice’s mother died several years ago,” Penelope continued. “So Aunt Louisa has taken Alice under her wing. She’s intent on helping her find a suitable match.”
“How long will she be staying?” Julia asked.
“She’ll be at Bedford Hall with Aunt Louisa and Uncle Albert for at least a month, then she’ll spend time in Bristol before she goes to London for the season.”
“A month … with your aunt?” Julia swallowed. “That’s quite a long stay.”
“Well, it was quite a big scandal.” Katherine glanced past Julia to the clock on the bedside table. “Oh, look how late it is. Come on, Penny, we have to go change for dinner.” She sent her sister a teasing smile. “We wouldn’t want to keep anyone waiting.”
Penelope grinned. “No, we would not.”
Katherine took a step and then turned back. “Oh, yes, Aunt Louisa said to seat Alice Drexel next to Cousin William.”
Julia’s breath caught in her throat.
“And David,” Penelope added.
Katherine shot a glare at her sister.
“What’s wrong?” Penny lifted her hands. “Aunt Louisa said to seat Alice between William and David.”
Katherine huffed. “I don’t remember her saying that at all. It was William she mentioned.”
Penelope’s brow creased. “No, I distinctly remember her saying—”
“Never mind, girls.” Sarah motioned them toward the door. “I’ll take care of the seating. Run along and change.”
Katherine whispered something to Penny and tugged her sister toward the door. The younger girl giggled and nodded as they stepped into the hall.
Julia’s concern grew as she watched them. There was obviously more going on than they were saying.
Sarah sighed as she turned back toward Julia. “I was going to sit between William and David tonight, but I suppose I should honor Louisa’s request and rearrange the seating.”
“You are the hostess of tonight’s dinner. You can seat your guests wherever you’d like.”
“But I would hate to upset Louisa and start the evening off on a sour note.”
“I suppose so.” Julia followed Sarah into the hall, but Sarah’s words faded as troubling thoughts rose to replace them.
Would Alice Drexel be a good match for David or William? It seemed that was Lady Gatewood’s intention by bringing her to Highland. David was an eligible bachelor, close to her age, and the more obvious choice. William was eight years older than Alice Drexel, and a widower with two young children. Surely the young heiress would not be attracted to William when she could have David. But William had a title and a grand estate—for the time being. And a wealthy bride might be just the answer to his financial problems.
Why did that prospect seem so troubling? If William remarried, the children would have a new mother, and he would have a companion to comfort him and meet his needs as only a wife could.
Her face warmed, and she quickly shifted her thoughts in another direction. Sir William’s affections and private life were none of her business, although she couldn’t deny the sadness she felt as that thought settled in her heart.
Before she could even scold herself for letting her mind drift in that direction, Lydia came running down the hall. “Oh, Miss Foster, you must come quick!” The maid’s eyes darted to Sarah and she bobbed a quick curtsy. “Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Ramsey.”
Sarah nodded to her. “It’s all right, Lydia. What’s the matter?”
“Mr. Lawrence has sacked Peter Gates, and Ann is crying and carrying on down in the servants’ hall. Mrs. Emmitt looks like she’s ready to pop her cork, and I’m afraid she’ll sack Ann too if she doesn’t stop. Won’t you come down, Miss Foster? I know Ann will listen to you.”
“Of course.”
“I’ll come with you,” Sarah said.
Julia lifted her skirt and hurried down the backstairs, with Sarah and Lydia close behind. When they reached the bottom floor, the sound of voices raised in a heated argument reached her ears. She dashed around the corner and came to a halt.
Peter stood at the end of the hall, across from the grim-faced Mr. Lawrence. Mrs. Emmitt stood next to the butler, her face set in a stern scowl. Ann clung to Peter’s arm.
The housekeeper drew herself up and narrowed her eyes. “Peter Gates, you have been deceptive and led this young woman into all kinds of trouble.”
Peter lifted his chin, defiance in his eyes. “We’ve done nothing wrong! You’ve no call to dismiss me.”
“I have a very good reason, and I’ve no intention of arguing the point.” Mr. Lawrence held his gaze steady and stood his ground like a commanding general. “You will pack your bags and leave first thing in the morning.”
Ann bit her lip. “Please, Mr. Lawrence, don’t send him away.”
“I’ve spoken to Sir William, and the decision has been made.”
Peter glared at the butler. “All right. If that’s the way it stands. I’ll be more than glad to be done with the whole lot of you.”
“Oh no, Peter, don’t go!” Ann cried. “Please, talk to Sir William. I’m sure yo
u can work things out.” She dropped her hold on Peter and turned to Mrs. Emmitt. “We only met a few times. Nothing bad happened. I promise.”
“Stop! That’s enough! I won’t hear any more of this.” Mrs. Emmitt shifted her glare to Peter. “And don’t even think of appealing to Sir William. No false words or hypocritical apology will make any difference.”
Peter gripped Ann’s hand. “These people care nothing for you. You’re just a slave to them. Get your things, Ann, and come with me.”
Mrs. Emmitt gasped, and Mr. Lawrence’s eyes grew as round as saucers.
Tears filled Ann’s eyes, and her chin trembled. She looked at Peter and then Julia, clearly torn.
Julia pressed her lips together. Please, Lord, help her make the right decision.
TWENTY
William walked downstairs, his footfalls soft on the plush red carpet, and his mind on the conversation he needed to have with David. He had thought through his approach, but he wasn’t certain about the timing. Would it be better to allow his brother to settle in for a few days, or should he speak to him tonight after dinner?
The question was not simply whether David had the funds to buy William’s half interest in their London home. The real issue was, would he be willing to part with the money to help William?
The sound of a woman crying and raised voices stopped him at the bottom of the grand staircase. He turned to the left, following the sounds. Two maids stood clustered at the open green baize door leading down to the kitchen and servants’ hall.
William cleared his throat. The maids gasped and stepped back.
“Beggin’ your pardon, sir,” the little blonde said, clutching her dusting cloth to her chest. “We didn’t mean to be listenin’ in, but we weren’t sure if we should go down now with all that goin’ on.”
He frowned as he crossed to the open door and cocked his head.
“These people care nothing for you.”
That was Peter Gates’s voice if he was not mistaken. But to whom was he speaking? “You’re just a slave to them. Get your things, Ann, and come with me.”
William drew himself up. Impudent man! How dare he try to convince that young girl to run away with him. William strode past the maids and marched down the stairs. “What is going on here?”
Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Emmitt, Ann, Sarah, Miss Foster, and Peter all turned his way. Peter fisted his hands at his side and glared at William.
Mr. Lawrence met him at the bottom of the stairs. “I am sorry, sir. We didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“It’s all right.”
Mrs. Emmitt scowled at the groom. “Peter is just leaving, and I’ve a mind to send Ann with him.”
William glanced at Ann, who was weeping in Miss Foster’s arms. His sister stood beside them, patting the young maid’s back. Miss Foster lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes filled with sympathy and a plea for mercy.
A ripple of surprise traveled through him. He knew exactly what she wanted him to do, and it was the complete opposite of his housekeeper’s wishes. He considered it a moment more, then faced the groom. “Peter Gates, you have disappointed us with your deceptions and reckless actions. Mr. Lawrence will not be writing a reference for you.”
Peter’s eyes registered shock, but the rest of his expression remained unchanged. “You might be master of this house, but you don’t own me. I’ll be glad to leave this place. No more bowing and scraping to the likes of you!”
William clenched his jaw. “We have nothing more to say to you. You will leave the house immediately.”
Spiteful fire burned in Peter’s eyes. He spun away and stormed off, banging out the back door and striding away into the night.
Mrs. Emmitt lifted her chin, her expression like granite. “I believe the girl should go as well. It will only cause problems if she stays.”
Ann looked at him, a pleading expression on her tear-stained face. “Please, sir, don’t send me away.”
The silent appeal in Miss Foster’s eyes remained unchanged, and he could not ignore it. He pulled in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “I’ll consider the situation.” He nodded to Ann. “You may go upstairs.”
Mrs. Emmitt’s eyes blazed, and she shot a heated look at Mr. Lawrence.
The butler stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Sir, perhaps it would be best if Mrs. Emmitt and I—”
William straightened. “I will let you know my decision.”
Mrs. Emmitt’s silent fuming was unmistakable as she spun away and marched off toward her parlor. Sarah and Miss Foster gathered around Ann and guided her toward the backstairs.
“Miss Foster,” William called. “May I speak to you for a moment?”
She sent Sarah and Ann on and rejoined him. “Yes sir?”
A kitchen maid carrying a basket of potatoes walked past, and one of the footmen strode toward them with a tray of glasses.
“Come with me, please.”
William led her upstairs. When they reached the great hall, he crossed to the fireplace and she joined him there. “I hope you understand why I had to let that young man go.”
“Yes sir, and I think it was a wise decision. He was not willing to admit his mistakes or commit to changing his ways.”
Her agreement warmed his heart, and he nodded.
“But I hope you will consider keeping Ann on. I’m afraid if you send her away now, she’ll run straight into Peter’s arms.”
He didn’t like the sound of that.
“She has made some poor choices, but she is a hard worker, and she doesn’t want to lose her position.”
“So you feel she should have another chance?”
“Yes sir. And if she is given guidance and time to mature, I think she’ll become a fine young woman. I’d like the opportunity to help her.”
“You would keep an eye on her and encourage her to make better choices?”
She nodded. “I would, sir.”
He glanced away. Mrs. Emmitt would not be pleased, and Lawrence would not agree, but he could not deny Miss Foster’s request. He focused on her again. “Very well. Ann may stay.”
Miss Foster’s eyes widened. “She may stay?”
“Yes.”
A smile burst across her face, and she laid her hand on his forearm. “Oh, thank you, sir. This means so much to me.”
He returned her smile, and his chest expanded as warm feelings coursed through him. To see her so happy and pleased with his decision filled him with deep satisfaction.
“Well, you both certainly look happy.” David crossed the great hall toward them.
Miss Foster dropped her hand. She stepped back and lowered her gaze.
“Miss Foster, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Are you joining us for dinner?”
Did her hand tremble slightly as she smoothed out her skirt? Was she embarrassed by his question or by the fact she was obviously not dressed for dinner, since she had not been invited?
She looked up, her expression serene and giving no hint to her true feelings. “No sir, I will be dining with the children.”
“What a pity. I was hoping we might have a chance to get better acquainted.” David smiled and lifted one eyebrow.
William clenched his jaw.
“If you will excuse me.” Miss Foster nodded to William, then to David.
David watched her cross the great hall and start up the stairs, then he chuckled under his breath. “My, she is lovely. Too bad she is the governess.”
William shot a quick glance at Miss Foster. Had she overheard David’s remark? He certainly hoped not. He stepped toward his brother and lowered his voice. “That’s quite enough.”
David pulled back, a glimmer in his eyes. “What’s the matter, William? Has the pretty, young governess caught your eye as well?”
Julia stifled a gasp and almost missed the next step. She straightened her shoulders and continued climbing, pretending she hadn’t heard David’s comments.
She listened for William’s reply, but she heard nothing.
Her throat tightened, and she blinked against her stinging eyes. What did she expect? David’s assessment was correct. She was a paid member of the staff, and her lack of wealth and position created a huge gulf between her and William.
She could never cross that gulf, and he would never choose to do so.
The sorrow of that thought sent a painful tremor through her. When had she allowed her heart to begin to hope for something more?
Had it started at her parents’ cottage when her mother suggested the possibility? Or was it before that, when he took her into his confidence and asked for her input concerning his financial struggles? No, if she was honest, it went even farther back, to the day she had challenged him to spend more time with his children, when he had listened and looked at her with that hint of acceptance and admiration in his eyes. Her heart had been drawn to him then, and those feelings had only grown stronger over time.
How could she have let it happen?
When they first met, she thought he was a brooding, selfish man with little true concern for his children or anyone else.
But now she knew he was a strong, confident man who thought deeply. He loved his children and his sister and took his responsibilities very seriously. And though she didn’t always agree with his decisions, they were based on his desire to do what he thought was right and best for his family and staff. He was an honorable man, a noble man.
Her understanding, admiration, and affection had grown so subtly she hadn’t even been aware of it. Or if she had, she had pushed it aside.
But now that the truth was clear, there was only one choice before her.
She must cast off those thoughts and double the guard around her heart. That was the only wise and prudent choice. But knowing the right thing to do and doing it were two different matters.
When she reached the gallery, the footman announced the arrival of Lord and Lady Gatewood and Miss Alice Drexel.
The desire to see Miss Drexel from a discreet distance tugged her toward the banister, and against her better judgment, she peeked over.
William and David walked forward to greet their three guests, and Lord Gatewood introduced Miss Drexel to William.
The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Page 22
