His expression eased, but his eyes still held a trace of … what? Mistrust? “Very well. We don’t want to keep everyone downstairs waiting.” He turned and strode off.
Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, Julia gathered the children and followed the group past the green baize door.
Piano music and laughter flowed out from the servants’ hall, but as soon as William and the others walked through the doorway, the music stopped.
Mr. Lawrence approached and nodded to Sir William. “We’re glad you could join us, sir.”
“Thank you, Lawrence. Happy Christmas to you all.” William motioned toward Lydia, who sat at the piano. “Please, continue playing.”
Lydia smiled and turned back to the piano, but she chose a softer tune, and the conversation among the servants became more subdued.
Holly, pine branches, and oranges decorated the center of the large wooden table laden with cookies, pastries, tea, and punch. In the corner of the room, on a side table, a stack of wrapped gifts and a basket of gingerbread men sat, waiting to be distributed to the servants and their families. William and Sarah walked around the room, stopping to greet each servant. Katherine and Penelope came after, shaking hands and wishing each one a happy Christmas.
Chef Lagarde picked up a tray of pastries and held it out to Julia and the children. “Joyeux Noël, my friends. Please, help yourselves.”
Andrew’s eyes lit up, and he scooped up two of the pastries. Millie took one and thanked the chef. Julia raised her eyebrows and sent Andrew a glance.
“Thank you, Chef Lagarde,” Andrew mumbled past the pastry in his mouth. “These are very good.”
The chef laughed. “You are most welcome.” He moved on, offering his treats to the others.
Millie touched Julia’s arm. “Look, there’s the little girl I met in the garden. May I go and see her?”
Julia glanced across the room just as Mr. Dalton introduced Sarah to his mother. Mrs. Dalton looked to be in her late fifties and wore a warm smile as she took Sarah’s hand. Relief filled Julia. Surely Mrs. Dalton was a kind woman who would welcome Sarah into her heart and family.
Millie tugged in her hand. “Miss Foster? May I go, please?”
“Oh yes, you may.”
Andrew took another pastry and followed Millie, then changed directions when he saw Mr. McTavish and his two sons near the piano. One boy looked a little younger than Andrew, and the other was just a toddler, but Andrew seemed happy to join them.
Julia glanced around, feeling a bit awkward. Her position as governess left her strangely in the middle—below the family and above most of the other servants except for Mrs. Emmitt and Mr. Lawrence. She and Ann got along well in the nursery, but Ann had joined the group at the piano, watching Lydia play.
“Would you like some punch?” Nelson held out a glass toward Julia. His teasing smile and the tilt of his eyebrows made her slightly uncomfortable, but she didn’t want to be rude.
“Thank you.” She accepted the cup.
He seemed to take that as an invitation to join her. “It’s nice to see you downstairs with us for a change. We’re not a bad lot. You should come down and take a meal with us more often.” He lifted his cup to her in a toast. “But be that as it may, Happy Christmas.”
Her face warmed, but she forced a small smile and raised her glass to touch his. Just as she did, William turned and looked her way. She saw surprise in his gaze … and something more.
Displeasure? Disappointment?
Both?
Julia’s stomach dropped. What had she done now? Wasn’t the purpose of the party for the staff and family to enjoy Christmas Eve together? Why shouldn’t she accept a cup of punch and a toast from Nelson? William had no right to scowl at her as though she had broken some rule.
The compassion she felt for him earlier evaporated. He might be her employer, but he did not have a right to spoil her Christmas Eve with his gloomy mood and dark looks. She had done nothing wrong.
She turned away from William and focused on Nelson. “This is delicious. Thank you.”
“Have you tried the pastries?” Nelson lifted a tray and held it out to her.
She chose a small round one with raspberry filling. “So, Nelson, how long have you worked at Highland?”
“I’ve been here three years. Before that I worked for Sir James Martindale in Chelmsford.”
Julia tried to pay attention as Nelson went on, but her gaze drifted to William, watching him make the rounds and greet each servant. Would he stay in a gloomy mood all day and spoil the holiday for the children? She certainly hoped not. It was one thing to scold her, but it was quite another to steal the children’s Christmas joy.
David walked into the servants’ hall and glanced her way. She shifted her gaze back to Nelson and nodded as though she were absorbed in what he was saying. Nelson might be a bit obnoxious, but she would rather spend an hour with him than a single moment with David Ramsey.
William sank back in the overstuffed chair and released a heavy sigh. The Christmas tree shimmered with candlelight reflecting off the tinsel and ornaments. Flames leaped and crackled in the fireplace, while the scent of wood smoke, evergreens, and candle wax hung in the air.
Katherine and David sat across from him engaged in conversation about the best sights to see in London, their opened Christmas gifts beside them. Sarah, Penelope, Miss Foster, and the children completed the circle that Christmas Eve.
William drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair as he stared into the fire. He should be enjoying this time with his family gathered round. His gifts had all been given, and the evening was coming to a close, but something undefined weighed down his spirit.
He glanced across the room at Miss Foster, and his mood sank a few more degrees. She had distanced herself from him today. Was it because of their clash that afternoon? Or was there another reason? Had she truly used his brother’s given name by mistake, or did it confirm she had deeper feelings for him? The thought of her falling in love with David made his stomach knot.
His brother had never been faithful to one woman, nor was he serious about marriage, especially to someone of a lower class.
William closed his eyes, trying to block out Miss Foster’s image and quiet those disturbing thoughts. David would return to London next week, and hopefully that would put an end to it. Everything could go back to normal.
Opening his eyes, he glanced at his brother. He still needed to have a conversation with him. He should do it tonight, while David seemed to be in a good mood, thanks to all the attention Katherine had focused on him today.
William pressed his lips together. That concerned him too. Katherine and David ending up together was not a happy thought. He would have to speak to his brother about that as well.
Millie approached, holding her treasured Christmas gift. “I love my new doll, Papa. Thank you for giving her to me.”
“You’re welcome, Millie.” Sarah had chosen the doll, and he felt a bit sheepish taking the credit, but his sister wouldn’t mind.
Millie walked over and sat beside Miss Foster. “Isn’t she the prettiest doll you’ve ever seen?”
Miss Foster smiled and placed her arm around Millie’s shoulders. “She’s lovely, and I hope you’ll take very good care of her.”
Millie nodded. “I will. She can sleep right beside me when I go to bed tonight.”
Andrew picked up an arrow from his new archery set. “Papa, can you take me out tomorrow and show me how to shoot?”
“We’ll see. We’re attending church in the morning, and then Lord and Lady Gatewood and Miss Drexel will be joining us for Christmas dinner at two.”
Andrew wrinkled his nose. “After that? Please? I really want to try them out.”
“I said, we’ll see.”
At his gruff tone, Miss Foster glanced his way, a question in her eyes.
He shifted in his seat. She was right to question him. There was no need to snap at his son just because his thoughts were fa
r from happy. He managed to offer Andrew a smile. “Perhaps there will be time for an archery lesson after dinner, if the weather holds.”
Andrew’s face lit up, and he lifted the arrow into the air. “Yes! Thank you!”
William nodded to his son. “Remember, those are real weapons, and you must handle them with care and respect.”
“Yes sir. I will.” Andrew replaced the arrow in the quiver and tested the strength of the bowstring again. William wasn’t sure the archery set was the wisest purchase, but it had been Miss Foster’s suggestion. He hoped it would help Andrew learn to focus his energy and attention.
He looked across the room and studied Miss Foster. Was she pleased with the gift they had given her? Sarah had chosen some silky, blue material that could be made into a dress. After Miss Foster unwrapped it, she had thanked William and Sarah, but her response seemed a bit subdued.
He frowned. Why hadn’t he selected something nicer? But Sarah had handled most of the Christmas shopping, and it would not have been proper for him to choose an extra gift for Miss Foster. Still, it would do his heart good to see her as delighted with her gift as the children were with theirs.
The clock struck nine, and Miss Foster rose from her chair. “Come along, children, it’s past time for bed.”
Andrew groaned. “But it’s Christmas Eve … Can’t we stay up a little longer?”
“We’ve had a lovely day, and there are more special things planned for tomorrow. Let’s have a grateful heart and bid your family goodnight.”
Andrew sighed and rose to his feet. “Thank you for my gifts.”
William nodded to his son. “You’re welcome, Andrew.”
Millie kissed her aunt and offered hugs to everyone else. She embraced William last, lingering in his arms for a moment. “Happy Christmas, Papa. I love you.”
William wanted to reply with the same sentiment, but his throat tightened, and he patted her back instead. “Thank you, Millie.”
Miss Foster took Millie’s hand and met his gaze. “Thank you for a pleasant evening.” But he couldn’t miss the trace of sadness in her eyes.
“You’re welcome.” He wished he could tell her he was sorry for his cross words earlier and the distance it had put between them, but that wasn’t possible with the whole family gathered around.
“I should go too.” Sarah yawned and stood. “Good night, everyone.”
Penny rose from her chair and looked at her sister. “We should go up as well.”
“You go ahead. I’m not tired yet.”
“But Katherine, you always say you need your beauty rest. And you wouldn’t want to be cross and irritable on Christmas Day, would you?” A silent challenge passed between the sisters.
Katherine sent her sister a heated glance, but she rose from her chair. “I’m sure I’ll be well rested and ready to celebrate the holiday tomorrow.” She nodded to David and then William, wished them good night, and strode past her sister.
Penny shrugged, a slight smile on her lips. “Good night, all. I hope you sleep well.” She took a candle from the side table and followed Katherine up the stairs.
David chuckled. “I can’t believe this country life. Nine o’clock and the whole family is off to bed.”
William turned toward his brother. “I don’t mind staying up a bit longer. In fact, I was hoping there’d be an opportunity for the two of us to talk.”
“Well, now’s the time. What’s on your mind?”
William shifted in the chair. “Moving to Highland has been quite an adjustment for me.”
“Yes, I can imagine how trying it must be, with this huge house and estate to occupy your mind.” David’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
William leveled his gaze at David. “Running the estate does take a great deal of thought and planning, and that’s what I wanted to discuss.”
David settled back. “All right. I’m listening.”
“I’ve received an updated assessment of the death duties, and they’re much higher than I anticipated.”
“Really?” A hint of amusement lit his eyes.
William forced down his irritation. “Yes, and I must pay the full amount by the first of March, or a large fine will be added.”
“How dreadful.” David propped his feet up on the ottoman.
“Really, David, can you be serious and try to put yourself in my shoes for a moment?”
His brother’s expression sobered. “I’ve always walked in your shadow, William, but I’ve never been too skilled at stepping into your shoes.”
Surprise rippled through William, and he studied his brother. David had never admitted the feelings of rivalry that existed between them. William had hoped time and distance would ease that strain. Apparently it had not.
But he had no choice. He had to press on. “The truth is, I’m in a bit of a financial bind. The estate provides an income, but not nearly enough to pay the death duties along with the other expenses. I’ve explored several options to raise the funds, but I haven’t found one that will make the money available in time.”
“And what does that have to do with me?”
“I wondered if you might be interested in becoming the sole owner of our London home.”
David pursed his lips. “You mean, buy you out—the way I bought out your interest in the family business?”
“Yes, that’s what I was thinking.”
David rose to his feet, a slight smile lifting his lips. “Well, now, I don’t know.”
“I thought we might have a professional assess the value of the house and furnishings, and then we would have a fair way to set a price for my half interest.”
“And where do you suppose I would get the money to buy your half?”
“From the business we inherited from our father and from your other investments.”
David’s face colored slightly. “Ramsey and Sons has not been as prosperous as I’d hoped. In fact, we’ve had quite a downturn these last few months.”
William frowned. “How can that be true? When I left last summer, we had a huge backlog of orders waiting to be filled.”
David turned and paced a few steps away. “We’ve had several challenges since then. One of our ships went down in November, carrying a full load of cargo.”
“You have insurance to cover that kind of loss.”
“Yes, but it’s taking a long time for the claim to be processed. I haven’t seen one shilling yet. Then Milton Braggs resigned last month over some silly misunderstanding, and I haven’t been able to replace him.” David lifted his hand. “It’s just been one thing after another. I can’t believe how difficult it is to run the business.”
“So … what are you saying?”
David turned and faced him. “I’m sorry, William, but I don’t believe I have the funds to bail you out this time.”
William studied his brother, disbelief turning his stomach. “So you won’t help me?”
“I don’t think it’s fair for you to expect me to solve your financial problem. If you don’t have the income to run the estate, then you’ll just have to swallow your pride and let it go.”
Heat flashed through William. “That’s your answer?”
David shrugged. “I wish I could give you the money, but I don’t think that would be wise.”
William rose and faced his brother. “I’m not asking you to give me anything. I’m offering you total ownership of our London home in exchange for the funds. You could keep the house as an investment or sell it. I’m only asking that you pay me a fair price for my half.”
The muscles in David’s jaw rippled. “I suppose I can discuss it with my solicitor, but I can’t promise you the funds.”
William clamped his jaw against the reply rising in his throat. He did not want to destroy the slim chance that his brother might still help him. “Very well. I’ll wait to hear from you after you speak to your solicitor.”
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew William’s attention. He glanced to the left as
Miss Foster reached the lower landing.
David turned her way as well, and a slight smile replaced his guarded expression. “Miss Foster, you decided to rejoin us?”
She hesitated and sent David an uncomfortable glance. “No sir. I would like to speak to Sir William.”
“Well, don’t let me interrupt. I was just going up.” David crossed the hall and met her at the bottom of the steps. “Good night, Miss Foster.” His voice lowered to an intimate tone. “I hope your sleep will be sweet.”
Irritation burned in William’s stomach.
“Thank you,” she murmured, but she shifted her cool gaze away and stepped far out of his path.
Relief welled up in William. Perhaps she was not enamored with David after all.
“I’m sorry to disturb your conversation with your brother.” She crossed to meet him.
“It’s quite all right. I don’t have any more to say to him tonight.” He glanced past her, up the stairs, but David had already disappeared. “Are the children tucked in for the night?”
“Yes sir, although I’m not sure how quickly they’ll fall asleep considering all the excitement and sweets they enjoyed today.” She sent him a slight smile, as though testing his mood.
“Yes, we did indulge them a bit, but Christmas comes only once a year. I’m sure they’ll be fine in the morning.”
“I wasn’t being critical. I was very glad to see everyone enjoying the day together. They’ll treasure these happy memories for a long time … as will I.”
Her pleasant words and sweet smile soothed his spirit, and the burning in his stomach eased. “I’m glad to hear it.”
She pressed her lips together and glanced toward the fire.
“Is there something you wanted to say?”
“Yes sir. I know I usually take my half day on Sunday afternoon, but I wondered if I might take the twenty-sixth off instead.”
“Boxing Day?”
“My brother is visiting, and my aunt Beatrice has arranged for us to see our grandmother.”
He frowned slightly, thinking of Sarah’s plans to take gifts to their tenant farmers that day. He thought he would go along and bring the children and Miss Foster, but without her it wouldn’t be the same.
The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Page 25
