The Governess Who Stole My Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Hanna Hamilton

  How could he not? John studied the dysfunctioning mill and knew he must do what he could about repaying the loan as soon as possible. But what was possible?

  Ezra led John back to the wagon and they returned to Pembrook Hall.

  Back in Ezra’s study, he said, “My loan is secured by your Hollyoak House and I plan to sell that as soon as possible after I take possession. My bank and my attorneys are working on that as we speak.”

  “But that house is to be the school for my workers’ students. I’ve been preparing that for some time now.”

  “Then you’ll be too late.”

  “But I’ve made every scheduled payment on time. Certainly, you can’t cancel the note just like that? There has to be a grace period where I have the opportunity to pay off the loan after notification. Is that not standard?”

  “That’s as may be with a conventional loan, but if you read our loan agreement, you will find that does not apply in this instance.”

  “Ezra, please. In memory of your daughter…”

  “John, don’t you dare play that card with me.” Ezra came from behind his desk and charged up to John, threateningly. “You promised to care for her and you failed.”

  “Those were circumstances beyond anyone’s control. You know that.”

  John charged ahead. “Then for the sake of your granddaughter. Please, Ezra, just give me three months. By then I will have sold my wool and I can pay you back in full at that time.”

  “No. Unless you agree to twenty-five percent interest on the entire loan.”

  “Ezra, that is unreasonable and unfair. But I will pay you twenty percent interest instead of the five we agreed upon.”

  “Very well, but six weeks, not three months. I need that money urgently and that is the longest I can extend the loan. And I insist on twenty-five percent interest.”

  John knew he was backed into a corner. But perhaps he could work something out in the meantime. At least he would not lose the second house just yet.”

  “I agree,” John quietly agreed.

  “And how is my granddaughter? I regret we’ve not seen her for a year and a half or so.”

  “She’s thriving. I’ll have a portrait made of her and will send you that. And, of course, you and Hester are always welcome to visit her at any time.”

  Ezra went back to his desk and wrote something out. He finished and offered it to John.

  “The revised agreement. Sign it, and remember it’s due, and to be paid in full, by the date on this document—end of October.”

  “I understand. And now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s a long ride back to Haverford. And it’s a late start as it is. And thank you both for putting me up.”

  Ezra nodded.

  It was a fraught ride back to Haverford House. John’s mind swirled with possible ways to solve his problem. But no matter in which direction he looked, he could not think of a way to save his second house.

  John had built the house, especially for Annabel because she felt Haverford House was too large, impersonal, and cold. She wanted something smaller, more comfortable and homey. And John had used all of his free resources to build that house for her. He had named it Hollyoak, as the house was surrounded by a grove of fine old oaks, and, at the back, Annabel had planted a number of Holly bushes—a plant she loved so much—saying it represented their lives—with the red berries of passion and the thorns of ever changing time.

  John could not bear to move into the house after Annabel died, and he actually delayed finishing the building it until he decided to use the house as a school for the workers’ children. And now, unless he could repay the loan, he would lose the house forever when Ezra sold it.

  Once home, John spent the next several days inventorying all his possessions to see if there might be something he could sell to raise the payment. The six weeks Ezra had given him were not enough time to sheer the sheep and sell the wool. And even if he did accomplish that, it would probably not be enough with the added interest he had agreed to pay.

  He spent weeks searching the estate to find objects of value but, although the house had many fine objects, none were of significant value to warrant selling.

  He, again, contacted his bankers who, again, refused his request for a loan. He knew Aunt Clarissa had money from her husband, but he had no idea what her capital was, and quickly decided against approaching her with his problem. However willing she might be to help him if he asked, he was loath to do anything that might jeopardize her security.

  And so, he had to admit, he was at his wit's end. He sat at his desk in the library and realized he would need to reconcile himself to the fact that he would lose Hollyoak, he would lose the precious gift he promised his wife, and he would lose the school he’d planned to create for his workers.

  Chapter 11

  This was an entirely new development, John realized. Miss Wilton was to care for his daughter and was due to move in this very afternoon. He paced the library. For far too long he had pushed his daughter aside, anguished by the memory of his wife’s untimely death at giving birth to this child. Now he was being faced to acknowledge this child, and he was being asked by his aunt to actively participate in her upbringing.

  Yes, he knew he must open his heart to his daughter, but he was still too anguished to reach out to her just yet. He would need more time. But at least he recognized what he must do. But he still had to find the way to get there.

  He heard a horse and vehicle driving up to the front of the house. He looked out the window and saw a wagon with Susan and, who he assumed was, her father getting down. Standish had just come out of the house with two footmen for the luggage.

  John left the library and went outside.

  “Welcome, Miss Wilton,” he nodded toward the older man, “Sir.”

  “Thank you,” Susan said. “Your Grace, you remember my father, Squire Wilton?”

  “Of course.”

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Grace,” Papa said, as he moved a bag to the back of wagon within reach for one of the footmen to take.

  John turned to the butler and said, “Standish, make sure Miss Wilton is comfortably settled.”

  “Of course,” he answered.

  John turned back to Susan and her father. “Would you like to come inside for a glass of sherry?” John asked.

  “Wouldn’t say no to a glass of hospitality,” Papa said, smiling.

  John ushered them into the Library where he poured three glasses of sherry.

  “Squire and how is your lovely wife?” John asked, being the perfect host.

  “Most gracious of you to ask. A few creaks in the old joints, but fair to middlin’ otherwise.”

  Susan stood by and let John and her father talk about sheep and weather. Then her father asked out of nowhere, “Sir if you don’t mind my asking, have ye heard from your brother, or naught, since he ran off on our Susan’s wedding day?”

  John was taken aback. He’d not given too much thought to Simon lately with all of his debt troubles.

  John answered, “I’m sure Miss Susan must have told you of her encounter with him in London, but as for myself, I have not heard from him and, unfortunately, I have no way of reaching him. He has cut himself off completely from the family.”

  “Aye, most sorry to hear of that, Your Grace,” Papa said as he offered his glass for a refill.

  John topped up Papa’s glass and then turned to Susan. “Miss Susan, please take the time to familiarize yourself with Haverford House, and feel free to walk anywhere on the estate. There are some very fine walks and paths for exploration if you are so inclined.”

  “I should like that very much,” she answered. “And if you don’t mind me asking, can you clarify for me what exactly my status will be as tutor and governess? Shall I dine and socialize with the staff, or am I to share the table with you and Aunt Clarissa? I have no preference either way, but I would like to know what is expected of me.”

  John had not given that any previous t
hought. On the one hand, she was the ex-fiancé of his brother, and as such should be considered as part of the family. But, on the other hand, she was a member of the staff and in some households would not be allowed to socialize with the family.

  John answered, “In this large, and relatively empty house, it would be a great pleasure to have your company as part of the family. And, as you’ll be intimate with my daughter, it would be good for me to hear first-hand of her progress from the person most in the know.”

  “Then if that’s what you wish, that’s what I shall do,” Susan said with a slight nod.

  John hesitated but felt he needed to say, “But Miss Susan, now that you’re an employee at Haverford House, I think it best, for all concerned if you called me, Your Grace, in the future. I’m sure you can see the need for greater formality under the circumstances.”

  Susan looked a little surprised but nodded gain. “Of course, Your Grace, I totally understand.”

  Susan turned toward the window and looked out towards the fields beyond. Was she feeling slighted? John didn’t know, but he did feel his request was necessary.

  At the same time, a cloud moved from the face of the sun and a beam of light shown upon her hair and face. He was suddenly stricken by her beauty. Not that he’d not noticed it before, but it was only now that he saw how delicate her features were, how lovely her hair, and how noble her reserved bearing. It made him feel at peace for a short moment. It caught him by surprise, but pleasantly so.

  Susan turned to her father. “Papa, I think it’s time for me to settle into my new quarters. Would you like to see where I’ll be staying?”

  “Aye, I’d like that,” he replied.

  Susan turned to John. “And we’ll take our leaves now. And thank you for your kind welcome.”

  “Miss Susan, Squire.” John nodded to them.

  “Thank ye for the libation,” Papa said as he followed Susan out of the library.

  John, alone again, found himself in a new kind of turmoil. Ever since Annabel’s death, he’d never looked at a woman with any romantic interest. And now, suddenly, he found himself not only looking but also admiring another woman. What did this mean, he asked himself? Was he being untrue to his great love? Or was he healing? He had no idea. And it frightened him—just a little.

  And the fact that the Squire had brought up his brother also concerned him. He’d been so wrapped up in his own troubles he’d forgotten his concern for finding and reuniting with Simon. But perhaps this was not the best time to be searching for him. John had but one main concern just now and that was to save the Hollyoak house.

  Susan loved her new quarters. They were so much larger than the room she’d had at home and she could see herself spending many happy hours here.

  “Papa, you best be getting back to Mamma. You know how she worries, and I don’t want you traveling in the wagon after dark.”

  Papa gave Susan a long hug and Susan began to feel herself tearing up.

  “Please take good care of yourselves and give my love to Louisa. I didn’t have time to say good-bye to her. And let me know if you ever need me for anything,” Susan said.

  “Bye lass,” Papa said and left, quickly wiping at his eyes.

  After Susan sorted out her luggage she decided to unpack later but first, she wanted to see Aunt Clarissa and Elizabeth. She left her suite and went to Aunt’s door and knocked.

  “Come in,” she called out.

  Susan went inside and found Aunt at her writing table.

  “Sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to let you know I’ve arrived and am ready to start my duties.”

  “Oh, Susan, we’re so happy to have you here.”

  “And I’d very much like to see Elizabeth, if I may. Would it be convenient to see her now? I know it’s a bit late in the afternoon but I promised I’d be back in a day or two and I don’t want her to think I’ve forgotten about her.”

  “Certainly. Let’s go there right now.”

  Aunt rose and she and Susan headed toward Elizabeth’s room.

  “Perhaps tomorrow morning you could acquaint me with my duties and Elizabeth’s schedule. I don’t want to disrupt her routine too much at first. Later, if there are changes to be made I can incorporate them little by little. It’s very difficult for a child to absorb too much change too fast.”

  Aunt put her hand on Susan’s arm. “I completely trust your skills and instinct. And if you ever need my assistance with anything please come to me.”

  They arrived at Elizabeth’s door and went inside. The child looked up, and seeing Susan, rushed over to her and threw her arms around Susan’s legs.

  “You’re back,” she exclaimed.

  “Just like I said I would. Are you happy to see me?” Susan asked as she kneeled down and took Elizabeth by the shoulders. “Now then, it’s going to be your dinner time very soon, and then bath and bed. Does that sound about right?”

  “Yes, Miss Wilton,” Elizabeth said.

  “Oh, please call me Miss Susan. I’d prefer that.”

  “But Aunt Clarissa said I must call you Miss Wilton.”

  Susan looked up at Aunt to see how firm she was on that. Aunt nodded that it was fine.

  “Miss Susan will be just fine, Elizabeth. Now, why don’t you show me what you were playing with?”

  Susan was settling in very well at Haverford. She loved her quarters and was establishing a fine relationship with Elizabeth who was already opening up more and more under Susan’s supervision.

  Susan was an early riser and she began taking walks in the mornings before breakfast. She started by exploring the paths and trails closest to the house but was soon venturing farther afield, finding little used paths and quiet glades in the surrounding woods. It delighted her no end and now that autumn was more fully advanced, she delighted in tramping through the fields and forest admiring the autumn colors and falling leaves.

  One early October morning, soon after the first frost, Susan was traveling back toward the house when she was surprised to see John up ahead with his two dogs. He was stopped just off the path where the dogs appeared to have discovered something. Susan came to where he was standing, but he had not caught sight of her yet.

  “Your Grace, out early?”

  John turned to her. “Oh, Miss Susan, I didn’t see you. Are you enjoying a stroll?”

  “I am.” She pointed to the dogs. “What did they find?”

  “I have no idea. They’ve caught some sort of scent, but there appears to be nothing there.”

  “Our dogs would often roll in a pile of leaves for no apparent reason. We never understood that either.”

  The dogs began to rub their necks and heads in one spot.

  “There… they’ve caught a scent and are trying to cover themselves in it.”

  “Why would they do that?”

  “They probably want to track it and it helps them do that. But not today.” He slapped his hand on his leg. “Come. Let’s go. Come on,” he shouted and the dogs came over.

  They started walking back toward the house. Susan looked over at the Duke, and he turned and caught her staring at him.

  “How are things with Elizabeth? Is she responding to your instruction?” he asked.

  “My, what a bright child. I’m so happy to report she’s doing very well. You must stop by some morning and see how much she’s opened up and learned already. She’s quite taken with learning her letters and I expect she’ll be able to start basic writing very soon.”

  “Splendid. I’ll try and come by sometime.”

  They walked on in silence. Susan could feel the warmth emanating from his body. She was surprised that it made her feel so comfortable and safe. She was tempted to put her arm through his, but it was totally inappropriate and she refrained.

  As they approached the house the Duke turned to her.

  “Miss Susan, I often find it pleasant to walk in the mornings as you seem to do. Perhaps we could walk together. Just let me know at dinner when you’ll be
walking and we can arrange to meet the next morning. If that pleases you, of course.”

  “That would be most agreeable, Your Grace.”

  He paused for a moment then said, “You only need call me Your Grace in front of others. When we are alone, you may still call me John.”

  John was visiting the cottages in the small village where his workers lived. He was looking for his chief shepherd, Robert Arnold.

  John rode up to the cottage and dismounted. Robert came to the door before he knocked.

  “Sir, out for a ride?” Robert asked.

  “Came to see you. I know it’s your day off, but I need a word.”

  “Come in, Misses will make a cup of tea.”

  “Not necessary. And do you think we could take a walk?”

  “Certainly. One moment for me coat and I’ll be right with’e.”

  John stood in the street and looked at the children playing games. It reminded him of his promise for the school. Now he was more determined than ever to save Hollyoak.

  Robert came outside, wrapping a scarf around his neck and putting on his cap. He was a worn looking man in his fifties.

  “Ready, sir,” he said.

  “Come, walk with me to the pens,” John said.

  They walked to the end of the village where the sheep were kept when they weren’t grazing. They went inside the first building and leaned against the railing of the first sheepfold.

  “Robert, you know how I’ve kept promising to set up a school for the children.”

  “Aye, sir. But it’s been a promise a long time a-coming.”

  “I know, Robert. I’m truly sorry, and that’s why I wanted to talk to you today.”

  John looked into the pen and studied the sheep. “Here’s my problem. When we had that outbreak of blackleg a few years back I needed to take out a loan with my father-in-law. Now the note is due and I can’t pay it.”

  John turned to Robert. “I’m telling you this in the strictest of confidences, you understand.”

  Robert nodded. “It’s close with me, sir. Nary a word shall I say—not even to the Misses.