The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel

by Carrie Turansky

  “I was wondering if I might leave at ten, after Scripture reading and prayer. I understand the trip to London will take at least two hours.”

  “Will you go by train?”

  “No, my aunt’s chauffeur will drive us.”

  “I see.” His frown deepened. He didn’t like the idea of her traveling that far with the weather so questionable this time of year.

  “I know it’s inconvenient for me to be gone all day, but I’ve never met my grandmother, and I’d like to have that opportunity.”

  His eyebrows rose. “You’ve never met her?”

  “No sir, I haven’t.”

  “Why is that?”

  She lifted her gaze to meet his. “My grandfather disapproved of my parents’ marriage. He cut off all contact with them after their wedding.”

  “That seems harsh.”

  “Yes sir, I’m afraid it was. But my mother and her sister exchanged letters over the years, and those were passed on to my grandmother.”

  “And your grandfather allowed that?”

  “He didn’t know.” She hesitated a moment, then continued. “He passed away earlier this month.”

  “I’m sorry.” He sent her a questioning glance. “You never mentioned wanting to attend his funeral.”

  “There was no funeral, at his request.”

  “It sounds as though he wanted to control things even after his death.”

  She nodded. “But we can close that chapter now and look forward to being reunited with my grandmother.”

  He nodded. “Very well. You may go. I wish you safe travels and a happy day.”

  “Thank you.” She looked up at him. Her lips parted, and her eyes glowed with appreciation—and a hint of something more.

  His heartbeat quickened, and his gaze traveled over her upturned face, taking in the soft blush on her cheeks and her full pink lips. He swallowed hard.

  “Good night, sir.” She averted her gaze and stepped toward the stairs.

  “Wait. There’s something else I want to say.”

  She turned, a look of expectation in her eyes. “Yes?”

  “I believe I overreacted this afternoon when you called my brother by his given name.”

  “Oh, no sir. That was my mistake. I know you like people to be addressed properly, especially when the children are present.”

  “Yes, I do … But giving people the benefit of the doubt and offering grace to cover their mistakes is more important than proper address, and I failed in that regard. I apologize.”

  Her expression warmed. “Thank you, sir.”

  “So we are friends again?”

  “Yes, of course, friends always.” She dipped her head, then headed up the stairs.

  Longing rose and filled him as he watched her go. He closed his eyes, trying to ease the ache, but her image lingered before his mind’s eye, and the ache throbbed through him more powerfully.

  Foolish, stupid man. He must not think of her that way. It wasn’t right. She was committed to leaving him and returning to India, and he had promised himself he would not marry again. He was only torturing himself with thoughts of her.

  And it had to stop.

  TWENTY-THREE

  The chauffeur opened the rear passenger door of Aunt Beatrice’s luxurious motorcar, and Julia stepped out. She gazed up at her grandmother’s large brick home—and her eyes widened.

  Her brother, Jonathan, climbed out after her. “Did you grow up here, Mother?”

  “Yes, I did.” Julia’s mother took the chauffeur’s hand and joined Julia and Jonathan. Aunt Beatrice stepped out last.

  Jonathan slowly shook his head. “My goodness, I had no idea your family was so …”

  “Wealthy?” Aunt Beatrice supplied with a slight smile.

  Jonathan’s face colored. “Yes, I suppose that’s what I was thinking.”

  “It’s all right, Jonathan.” Aunt Beatrice inclined her head. “It’s your family as well, and it’s time you and Julia became acquainted with your grandmother.”

  Jonathan looked at Julia, surprise and a bit of apprehension reflected in his eyes. She couldn’t blame him. She felt much the same. They turned and followed their mother and aunt up the steps to the front door. The butler immediately ushered them inside and took their coats, then showed them into the drawing room.

  The house was not nearly as large as Highland, but the beautiful furnishings and expensive décor were just as lovely. Potted palms, heavy drapes, and rich color schemes gave the home a luxurious atmosphere.

  Aunt Beatrice turned to the butler. “Higgins, will you please tell Mrs. Moorefield we’ll speak with Mother before we have luncheon?”

  “Yes, m’lady.” The butler bowed and retreated from the room.

  Julia’s mother clasped her hands and turned to her sister. “Do you think I ought to go up first? That might give Mother time to prepare before she meets Jonathan and Julia.”

  “There’s no need. Mother is quite anxious to see you all.”

  Julia’s mother leaned closer to Beatrice and lowered her voice. “But you know how Mother can be, and I don’t want her to say anything hurtful to them.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll find her quite changed. The years have softened her in many ways.”

  She nodded, still looking uncertain as she turned to Julia and Jonathan. “Are you ready?”

  “Of course.” Jonathan sent her a confident smile. “I’m quite looking forward to it.”

  Julia took her mother’s arm. “We’ve prayed to be reunited with your family for many years.”

  “Yes, that’s true. I only wish your father could be here with us.”

  Julia nodded. Her father had wanted to come, but Dr. Hadley felt the trip would be too strenuous for him. He had stayed home and assured them he would lift them up in prayer all day.

  Beatrice led the way upstairs and knocked on the first door on the right.

  “Come in,” a frail voice called.

  They followed Beatrice into the large bedroom, and Julia tightened her hold on her mother’s arm. The scent of lemon oil and camphor floated on the air.

  Her grandmother rested in a large canopy bed with heavy gold drapery tied back at each corner. She peered at them as they drew closer, her wrinkled face pale and her skin papery thin. A ruffled nightcap covered most of her hair, except for a few white curls in front. Several pillows supported her while a plump gold coverlet lay over her.

  Her grandmother extended a bony finger toward Julia’s mother. Her chin trembled, and tears filled her watery blue eyes. “Mary?”

  “Yes, Mother, I’m here.” Julia’s mother hurried toward the bed and embraced her mother. They exchanged greetings, and then both wiped away their tears.

  “I want you to meet your grandchildren.” Julia’s mother turned and smiled at them with shining eyes. “This is Jonathan and Julia. Children, this is your grandmother, Henrietta Shelburne.”

  Jonathan stepped forward. “Grandmother, I’m very happy to meet you.”

  “My, what a tall and handsome young man you are.” She held out her hand to him.

  He grinned, took her hand, and kissed her fingers. “Thank you. If only my good looks could carry me through my medical training, but alas, that’s not the case. I must work doubly hard to prove I’m not just a handsome face.”

  Grandmother smiled. “I’m pleased to hear you have a fine sense of humor as well. Why aren’t you married?”

  His eyes widened, but he smiled. “Oh, I thought I should finish my training first, and then I must find someone who is willing to return to India with me.”

  “Do you have someone special in mind?”

  “Not yet. I am focusing on my studies right now.”

  Grandmother nodded. “That’s very wise.” She turned to Julia. “And what about you, young lady? I understand you are working as a governess?”

  Julia smiled. “Yes ma’am. I am.”

  “Are they good people?”

  “Oh, very good, ma’am.”
r />   She glanced at Beatrice. “Do we know them?”

  Beatrice nodded to Julia.

  “I am employed by Sir William Ramsey, baronet of Highland Hall, near Fulton in Berkshire.”

  Grandmother considered that. “Ramsey … I knew a Charles Ramsey many years ago.” She shifted her gaze to Julia again. “Tell me about the family.”

  “Sir William is a wise and caring man, a widower with two young children. His son Andrew is nine and Millicent is six. He is also the guardian of his two cousins. Katherine will be coming to London for her first season this spring, and Penelope turns sixteen soon. I oversee the care and studies for all four of them.”

  “What happened to his wife?”

  Julia hesitated, surprised her grandmother would ask for such details, but she supposed someone who was elderly and cut off from society by poor health enjoyed hearing about the lives of others. “She passed away three years ago.”

  “I see.” Her grandmother settled back against the pillows. “And are you happy there? Is it a good situation?”

  Julia nodded. “Yes ma’am. I am grateful and quite content.”

  “But what about your own prospects for marriage?”

  Julia’s face warmed as Sir William’s face rose in her mind. “I am twenty-seven and well past the age when most young women marry.”

  Her grandmother’s silver eyebrows dipped. “You look much younger than twenty-seven, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t marry. The problem is you’ve been hidden away in India all these years, and now you’re toiling in seclusion in the country, overseeing someone else’s children, when you ought to be out in society meeting your prospective husband.”

  Julia’s mother took a step closer. “Julia is a loving daughter who has made many sacrifices to serve the Lord and help our family. We are very proud of her.”

  “Of course you are, as you ought to be.” Her grandmother shifted her gaze to Julia. “I’m sorry, my dear. I didn’t mean to offend.”

  “It’s all right. You haven’t offended me.” She swallowed and forced a small smile. “The Lord knows my circumstances, and if He wishes me to marry, He’ll bring the right man into my life. If not, then I’m content with that prospect as well.”

  Her grandmother shook her head. “I’ve always believed we must do our part to make those connections possible, and then we give the good Lord something to work with.” She sighed. “The spinster life may be fine for some, but I don’t believe it is the best path for you.”

  Julia’s mother sent her an apologetic glance, then focused on their grandmother. “Please tell us how you’re feeling. Has your doctor been to see you recently?”

  That shift in the conversation occupied her grandmother for several minutes as she described her aches and pains and numerous complaints. Julia listened patiently, but soon her mind drifted to her grandmother’s comments about her lack of marriage prospects. Was Grandmother right? Should she still hope for marriage and do more to make that possible? But how could she with her duties as governess?

  “Julia?” Her mother touched her arm.

  Julia blinked. Oh dear. She’d lost track of the conversation. “Yes?”

  “Your grandmother has a gift for you.” Her mother pointed to the envelope on the nightstand.

  “Oh, thank you.” It was traditional to give gifts to the poor on Boxing Day. Was that what had prompted her grandmother, or was it simply a gesture of love meant to draw them closer? She took the envelope with her name written on the front. Jonathan took his as well, then passed the third envelope to their mother.

  “They’re just small gifts,” Grandmother said.

  Julia glanced at her mother. Should they open the envelopes now, or wait until they were out of her grandmother’s presence?

  “Thank you, Mother. It’s very kind of you to think of us.” Julia’s mother slipped the envelope into her skirt pocket.

  Julia started to do the same, but her Grandmother pointed a trembling finger at her. “Go ahead. Open them now.”

  Julia carefully tore open her envelope and found a ten-pound note inside. What a wonderful surprise! This would provide a nice cushion for her. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

  “You’re welcome. I wish it could be more. Perhaps when Mr. Holloway, our solicitor, settles the matters with your grandfather’s will—”

  “Mother.” Aunt Beatrice sent her a warning glance. “Please, don’t make any promises.”

  Grandmother sighed. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. Mr. Holloway says there is no guarantee what will be left after he settles the debts and pays all the taxes and duties.”

  “Of course, Mother. We understand.” Julia’s mother smiled. “These are generous gifts. Thank you so much.”

  Julia nodded, then released a soft sigh. It would be wonderful if her grandmother could relieve her family’s financial burden, but it didn’t seem likely.

  Somehow that realization didn’t disappoint her as much as she thought it would. Experience had taught her that God would supply their needs. He had done so during those twelve years they were in India, and He would watch over them now.

  After all, He was the giver of every good gift. He had blessed her in so many ways. She would not doubt Him now.

  William adjusted his goggles and steered the car around a rough section of road. The cold wind blowing through the open window ruffled the hair beneath his cap and numbed his ears.

  Alice tossed the veil covering her large hat over her shoulder and smiled his way. “I think it’s wonderful that you drive yourself.”

  He smiled. “You do?”

  “Yes. It’s very exciting.” The ends of her veil fluttered in the breeze. She turned toward him, her green eyes bright.

  “I like it too, Papa,” Andrew called from the back where he sat with Sarah and Millie.

  William glanced over his shoulder, checking on the children. They looked warm and happy, wearing heavy coats and sitting close to their aunt with a blanket over their laps. He focused on the road again. “I thought about hiring a chauffeur when we came to Highland, but I enjoy driving, and we have the groomsmen and carriages when we need them.” He slowed and turned left at the crossroads.

  Millie leaned forward. “Where are we going now, Papa?”

  “I want to stop at the cottages and deliver those last three boxes.” They had already visited their tenant farmers and given each family a box containing sweets, nuts, dried fruit, tea, sugar, flour, and spices. He wished it could be more, but with the financial pressures he faced, it was all he could do this year.

  “Who lives in these cottages?” Alice brushed her veil back.

  “Some of the old servants who used to work for the family.”

  She nodded, a slight line appearing between her slender golden eyebrows.

  William pulled the car to a stop in front of the first of the three stone cottages, and Andrew jumped out. “I can carry the boxes.” He reached in and took a gift-wrapped box from the rear bench seat.

  “I want to carry one.” Millie climbed down and took a second box.

  Sarah passed the last box to Andrew with a smile. “Careful now.”

  Andrew nodded and slowly adjusted the two boxes so they were balanced.

  William smiled, pleased to see Andrew showing some caution.

  “I’ll take those.” Alice lifted the boxes from Andrew’s arms. “We wouldn’t want you to drop them and spoil the gifts.”

  Andrew looked as if he was about to object, so William squeezed his shoulder. “Thank you, Alice.”

  Andrew scowled and trudged off with Sarah and Millie.

  A ripple of unease traveled through William. Though Alice continually offered him bright smiles and witty comments, her lack of patience with the children was wearing on them all. But she was young. Perhaps she didn’t have much experience dealing with children.

  William put that thought aside and knocked on the front door of the first cottage. A few seconds later, an elderly man, puffing on a pipe, opened the doo
r. He wore a heavy green sweater and tweed pants with a red winter scarf wrapped around his neck.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Morrison. How are you today?” William had met Mr. Alfred Morrison, the former groom, the first week he had arrived at Highland, when Mr. McTavish had taken him on a tour of the estate.

  “Very well, thank you, sir.” He smiled, but his gaze hesitated when he noticed Alice. “What brings you all to my door today?”

  “We have a gift for you.” Millie stepped forward and offered him the box.

  His eyes lit up. “Well, now, isn’t that a nice surprise.”

  “We visit all our friends on Boxing Day and give them presents,” Millie added with a delighted smile.

  “Boxing Day, you say?” He chuckled and winked at William.

  “Yes sir,” Millie said. “It comes every year, the day after Christmas.”

  “Well, that’s very kind of you to remember me. Would you like to come in? We could have a cup of tea, and you could sit by the fire and warm yourselves.”

  Millie looked up at her father with an eager smile, and Andrew did the same.

  Before he could reply, Alice shook her head. “No, thank you. That’s kind, but we don’t have time today.”

  The light faded from the old man’s eyes, and he slowly nodded. “Of course, m’lady.”

  “Why can’t we go in, Papa?” Impatience filled Andrew’s voice.

  Alice’s expression hardened, and she sent Andrew a cool look. “We have several others to visit, and I promised Lady Gatewood I’d be home in time for tea.”

  Andrew frowned at Alice, then shifted his irritated gaze to William.

  William turned to Mr. Morrison. “We hope you’ll enjoy the gift, and we wish you a happy new year.”

  The elderly man nodded again, a touch of sadness in his expression as he closed the door.

  Sarah sent William a disappointed glance, as did Millie. But Alice took his arm and smiled up at him. “Thank you, William.” She released a shuddering breath. “I couldn’t imagine drinking tea in that old man’s dreadful little cottage.”

  “I’m sure it would’ve been fine.”

  “But who knows what it’s like inside. You wouldn’t want to expose me or the children to filth or disease.”