“No, I would not, but I doubt Mr. Morrison’s cottage contains either.”
“Well, I appreciate your deferring to me. I don’t mind giving gifts to the poor, but I’m not comfortable having tea with them.”
William swallowed the firm reply rising in his throat. He would not argue with Alice, especially in front of the children, but he did not appreciate her attitude. As the baronet of Highland, he had a responsibility to care for those who lived and worked on the estate. It was his duty to treat them with respect and kindness.
Apparently that was something Alice did not understand.
TWENTY-FOUR
Julia skated to the side of the pond and turned to catch a better view of William, Andrew, and Millie. Lifting her hand, she squinted against the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered landscape.
Andrew flew past, his skates mere extensions of his feet as he raced across the icy pond. His face glowed pink beneath his freckles, and a few strands of flaming hair escaped from the back of his blue knit hat. Freedom and joy radiated from his face.
William glided toward Julia at a slower pace, holding hands with Millie, who was still struggling to catch the rhythm of skating. But she looked up and smiled at Julia, obviously delighted to have her father’s full attention.
Julia grinned and waved as they passed. “That’s the way, Millie. Keep going.”
“What about me?” William called, his eyes shining.
Julia laughed. “You’re doing very well.”
He sent her a dashing grin, and her heartbeat sped up. How handsome he looked when he smiled that way. She shifted her gaze to Katherine and Penny.
They were both experienced skaters who enjoyed being on the ice, and David had no trouble keeping up with them. His teasing laughter rang out across the pond as he sped past the girls and dared them to join him in a race.
Sarah and Clark came around next, holding hands and skating at an easy pace, happiness lighting both their faces. Sarah had been floating on a cloud since William had agreed Clark could join them on today’s outing. It was a thoughtful gesture on William’s part, and Julia was pleased he had eased his stance on keeping their relationship a secret.
Alice caught up with William and Millie and skated around once with them, then she cut across the pond and glided to a stop next to Julia. Her flushed cheeks and bright smile highlighted her lovely features. “Goodness, I haven’t skated like this since I was a little girl.”
Julia smiled. “You look as though you are enjoying it.”
“I am, but I’d be glad to take a break for a few minutes. Would you like to sit down?” Alice motioned toward a wooden bench at the side of the pond.
A slight ripple of unease passed through Julia. Alice usually acknowledged her with a nod or a smile, but this was the first time she had initiated a conversation. She scolded herself for hesitating and smiled. “Yes, thank you.”
“William tells me you were a missionary before you came to Highland.”
Julia nodded. “My family and I served in India for twelve years.”
Alice tipped her head, her gaze fixed on Julia. “Yes, that’s what he said.”
Julia shifted and looked across the pond at the skaters. Why had William discussed her background with Alice? It seemed odd, but perhaps Alice had asked him.
“Our church in Philadelphia has sent out several foreign missionaries—some to Africa and others to China, but we don’t have anyone serving in India.”
Julia forced a slight smile.
“The reason I mention it is that my father is quite a philanthropist. He’s always looking for a good cause to support. And I thought if you were returning to India, he might be willing to give a generous gift toward your work.”
“Oh, that would be very kind. I’m sure my parents would be happy to write to him and tell him more about our mission.”
“Are they still in India?”
“No, my father became ill last summer and needed medical treatment. That’s why we returned to England.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How is he doing now?”
“He’s had a difficult time, but he finally seems to be improving.”
Alice’s face brightened. “So you’ll be returning to India soon?”
Julia glanced across the pond at William and the children, and her heart clenched. “That is our hope, but I’m not sure of the timing. There are several things to consider.”
“Well, you mustn’t worry about William and the children. I’m sure he can find another governess to replace you. If you’re called to serve the poor and suffering and bring them the gospel, then you must go.” She reached for Julia’s gloved hand. “I admire you so much. And I’d be more than happy to speak to my father about your work. I’m sure he’ll be very generous with his support.”
A tremor passed through Julia. “Thank you.”
David whizzed past. “Alice, come join us!”
“I’ll be right there.” She turned back to Julia and smiled. “You will keep me informed about your plans, won’t you?”
Julia’s reply lodged in her throat, so she nodded and forced another smile.
Alice stood and pushed off across the ice, leaving Julia alone on the bench.
Searching across the pond, she looked for William. Millie had taken a spill, and he lifted her to her feet again, their laughter ringing out across the pond.
The thought of leaving him and returning to India made her heart heavy. Would it be wrong for her to stay here? Did she have to go halfway around the world to prove her faithfulness to God and her commitment to following His will? Couldn’t she serve the Lord right here by caring for William and his family?
But that might not be possible for many reasons.
Her gaze shifted to Alice, and she bit her lip. In the last few days Alice’s interest in William had become quite clear, but it wasn’t as easy to determine if he returned her feelings. He’d been polite and seemed to enjoy their conversations, but Katherine or Sarah had been the ones to suggest Alice join them in their activities.
Julia closed her eyes and tried to still her spinning thoughts. She must pray and commit all these things to the Lord, then trust that He would lead her, but her faith felt weak and wavering.
What shall I do, Lord? What do You want from me?
She waited for an answer, but no clear impression or specific directions came to mind.
Opening her eyes, she looked across the pond. William and Alice now skated side by side with Andrew and Millie following close behind. They looked perfect together, very much like a happy family.
She pressed her lips together, her hopes sinking. Wasn’t that what she wanted for William and the children?
But in her heart, she knew the truth. She wanted to be the one who captured his attention and filled that role in his heart and life.
“I don’t see why we must go to bed now when everyone else is staying up until midnight.” Andrew’s mouth twisted into a scowl.
Julia smoothed the covers over Andrew’s chest. “Everyone else is an adult.”
“I’m not an adult,” Millie piped up from her bed across the room.
Julia smiled. “No, you are not, and that’s why you are also going to bed now.”
“But it’s New Year’s Eve,” Andrew said. “I think I should be allowed to stay up with the others.”
Ann picked up Millie’s shoes. “Your papa made the decision, not Miss Foster, so you should be a good lad and stop complaining.” She set the shoes in the closet and closed the door.
Andrew sighed. “All right. But next year I’m staying up until midnight with everyone else. I’ll be ten then, and that’s certainly old enough.”
Julia brushed the hair off his forehead. “We’ll see. Now it’s time for prayer.”
“Millie should go first,” he said, still looking vexed by his early bedtime.
“All right.” Julia turned to Millie.
The little girl folded her hands and closed her eyes. “Dear
God, thank You for today and for Papa and Aunt Sarah and Miss Foster and Ann. Please keep us safe while we sleep, and don’t let us have any bad dreams. Amen.”
Julia added her own thanks for the day, then turned and nodded to Andrew.
“Dear God, please let Papa take me out to practice archery again tomorrow. Thank You for everything, and please let me stay up until midnight next New Year’s Eve. Amen.”
Julia’s heart warmed as she listened to their prayers. She kissed them both on the forehead, then turned down the lamp. “Good night, my dears. Sleep well, and I’ll see you next year.”
“What?” Millie looked up at Julia with a confused expression.
Andrew huffed. “Don’t you understand? Tomorrow morning will be next year.”
“Oh yes.” Millie yawned. “That’s right. Good night, Miss Foster. Good night, Ann.”
Julia closed the door partway and followed Ann into the hall.
The nursery maid stopped and wiped her hand across her forehead. Her shoulders sagged as she poked a strand of blond hair back into her cap.
“Are you all right, Ann?”
The maid slowly shook her head. “I can’t stop thinking about Peter and wondering what he’s doing, especially tonight.”
Julia reached out and touched her arm. “I’m sorry.”
Her eyes grew misty. “I haven’t heard from him since he left. Not even one letter.”
Sympathy filled Julia’s heart. “I know that must be hard.” Ann’s painful news confirmed Julia’s impression that Peter had little true concern for Ann or what was best for her. Still, Ann cared for him, and she needed consoling.
“I don’t know how I’ll ever get past it.”
“Losing touch with someone you love is never easy. But the pain will ease if you give it time.”
“I don’t see how it could. I love Peter, and I always will.”
Julia slipped her arm around Ann’s shoulder, wishing there was more she could do. “Are you going down to the servants’ party?”
Ann shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d just spoil the fun for everyone else.”
“But it might take your mind off your troubles.”
Ann bit her lip, looking torn.
“What if I went with you?”
Ann’s eyes widened. “Would you?”
“Of course.” Julia sometimes felt out of place in the servants’ hall, but if going down to the party would help ease Ann’s broken heart, then she would make the effort.
“All right.” Ann’s face brightened. “I’ll just go up and change.”
“Knock on my door when you’re ready.” Julia glanced down at her plain skirt and blouse, wishing she had something special to wear to the party.
“I’ll be right back.” Ann hurried off toward the stairs.
Julia hoped she would not regret her decision. Staying up until midnight and ushering in the new year with a toast and some revelry wasn’t the usual way she spent New Year’s Eve. The footmen had been joking about the party, making it sound rather wild. But surely Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Emmitt would be there and see that things did not get out of hand.
She chuckled and shook her head. She had no doubt about that.
William glanced at the clock in the drawing room and took a seat next to Sarah on the couch. He sat back, thankful he could soon bid everyone good night. He was tired of parlor games and trite conversation, but it would be rude to leave before the clock struck midnight and he wished everyone a happy new year.
Alice, Katherine, and Penelope sat opposite him, while Lord and Lady Gatewood were seated on his right. David stood by the fireplace, a drink in his hand. William frowned—that was at least David’s fourth drink since they’d left the dining room.
William had lifted the ban on alcohol for the evening because Lord and Lady Gatewood had sent over a special selection for New Year’s as their gift. Unfortunately, David’s drinking had loosened his tongue and caused a few uncomfortable moments during their game of charades.
Between Katherine’s flirting, David’s bragging, and Alice’s playful banter, he longed to call it an evening. It wouldn’t have bothered him so much if Lady Gatewood hadn’t been watching him and Alice so closely. He could practically see the matrimonial wheels turning in her mind, and it grated on his nerves.
“Let’s play one more round.” Alice smiled across at him, her green eyes dancing. “I love charades.”
“I’m not sure we have time.” William checked the clock again.
“Then why don’t we play Alphabet Minute? That doesn’t take long.”
David took another glass from the silver tray. “Sounds like a grand idea. I can converse at length on any topic.” He smiled and downed the amber liquid in his glass.
William narrowed his eyes at David. “Yes, but can you think clearly enough to start each sentence with the next letter of the alphabet?”
“Of course I can. My mind is as sharp as a sword and as strong as … as strong as it needs to be to play Alphabet Minute.”
William shook his head. “I think you’ve played enough games tonight.”
“Whas wrong with you, William?” David’s words slurred. “Why are you always so serious?”
Heat flooded William’s face, and he clenched his jaw. He’d had enough of David’s surly comments.
Sarah stood. “Why don’t we just enjoy conversation for the next few minutes?” She turned to Mr. Lawrence. “Will you please prepare the champagne for our midnight toast?”
“Yes, miss.” The butler moved to the far end of the room where the champagne waited on ice.
Sarah joined Penelope and Katherine and engaged them in conversation.
William stared into the fire, his mood sinking lower. What would the new year hold for him? If David wouldn’t buy his half interest in the London house, would he agree to sell it? Could they even find a buyer in time? If the house did sell, where would they stay when he took his family to London? He’d assured Katherine she would have her debut this April. Lady Gatewood would have a fit if he canceled those plans after all the effort and expense she had borne in the preparations.
What if he sold the London house, and then ended up losing Highland as well, where would he go? He had to provide a home for his children, sister, and cousins. He sighed and closed his eyes, his concerns feeling like a four-stone weight bearing down on his shoulders.
“Why the long face, William?” Alice sat beside him.
“It’s nothing, at least nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“All right.” She smiled and patted his arm. “But if you ever need a friend to listen to your troubles, you can count on me.”
He nodded but didn’t reply. Somehow the prospect of talking to Alice about his concerns didn’t seem nearly as comforting as sharing them with Miss Foster.
He glanced toward the open door leading to the great hall. Had Miss Foster enjoyed being included in the family’s New Year’s Eve tea this afternoon? Where was she now, up in her room? Perhaps he should go check on her. He shook his head. That wouldn’t be appropriate, especially not this late in the evening.
“William?”
He turned back to Alice. “Yes?”
She searched his face, her brows drawn together. “I don’t think you heard a word I said. It’s almost midnight.” She nodded toward the clock, a look of impatience in her eyes. “Shouldn’t you gather everyone for the toast now?”
Irritation coiled in his stomach. Alice was sounding a great deal like Lady Gatewood, and he didn’t appreciate her tone. He rose to his feet and nodded to Lawrence.
The butler carried the tray of champagne flutes around the room, serving each guest. They all stood and formed a loose semicircle in front of the fireplace.
The clock struck midnight, and William lifted his glass. “Happy New Year, everyone.”
“Happy New Year,” they all responded, then exchanged smiles and took sips of champagne.
As the clock continued to strike, Sarah turne
d to David and kissed his cheek. “Happy New Year, David. I’m very glad you’re here with us.”
Penelope and Katherine exchanged a kiss on the cheek, and Lord Gatewood kissed his wife.
Alice looked up at William with a smile.
Heat flushed his neck and face. A kiss at midnight was traditional. It wouldn’t mean anything special. “Happy New Year, Alice.” He leaned toward her intending to kiss her cheek, but at the last moment she turned, and her lips met his. Her mouth was soft and warm, and she responded with unguarded enthusiasm.
Surprise shot though him, and he pulled back.
She smiled, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s all right, William. It’s New Year’s.”
His brother slapped him on the shoulder. “Bold move, William. You’re making me jealous.”
Alice laughed softly and kissed David on the cheek. “Happy New Year.”
David slipped his arm around Alice’s shoulder and grinned. “I’ve decided I love American women, truly I do.” His hand shook slightly as he lifted his champagne flute and nodded to William. “I told my brother you were a beautiful woman the first day we met. Any man who marries you will be very lucky. Isn’t that what I said, William?”
William took hold of David’s arm. “That’s quite enough. You don’t want to embarrass yourself.”
“No, that’s what I said. I remember it all very clearly.”
William pulled him closer and lowered his voice. “Keep silent. You’re making a fool of yourself.”
David pulled his arm away and glared at William, then crossed to the piano, turning his back on everyone.
Sarah moved the group to the great hall and William followed. They bid Alice and Lord and Lady Gatewood good night. Alice sent William one last smile as she stepped out the door.
Sarah sighed and turned to William. “I’m off to bed. Good night.” Katherine and Penelope climbed the stairs with her.
William paced into the library. Though the hour was late, he would not be able to sleep until he calmed the troubling thoughts swirling through his mind.
The servants’ hall buzzed with conversation and laughter as the staff gathered to enjoy their New Year’s Eve celebration. Chef Lagarde, the kitchen maids, and Mrs. Emmitt had baked all afternoon, and now the table was loaded with sweet and savory treats for the staff to enjoy.
The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Page 27
