by Hawke, Jessa
I am to meet the Duke for lunch; so hopefully, I will have a better understanding of how I will fit into the household. By his letters, he is a kindly man who is probably totally unaware of my predicament. However, I will sort out the situation without any help. I understand that people are wary of changes, and I am the cause of changes to their routine. I will seek their friendship, but I have to consider that it may never be forthcoming. These are the difficulties I face, and expected, when I applied for the post. I am far too selfish a person to allow such silliness to bother me. I will be who I am and hopefully, the Duke and the children will be happy with me.
A maid knocks on my door to take me to lunch, which she explains is out on the patio. It is a beautiful day and it will be good to sit out in the sun. This lightens my mood, for I love the freshness of the outdoors air, before the winter sets in and we are stuck indoors shivering for far too many months.
I am taken and presented to the Duke, and he is as much a gentleman as I had judged him to be.
“Your Grace, the pleasure is mine. It is good to finally meet you in person,” I dare to say, not exactly sure how one addresses a Duke, as I have never met one before.
“I wanted to speak with you before you meet my grandchildren,” he said, as I took my seat. “I know much of your father’s work, he is an excellent solicitor. His reputation does him credit. This made you the perfect candidate for what I had in mind. I did not want the children pampered by airs and graces. I wish for them to understand the realities of life, to some extent. Times have been hard for them, since losing their parents, so I wanted a governess not to be too set in her ways. From correspondence I have had with your father, you are a flighty female with far too much independence,” he smiles at me.
“I was not aware that you and my father had corresponded, but I know my father will shed good light on my character, Sir, for it was he who raised me,” I reply with confidence.
“Indeed, indeed,” the Duke agreed. “I want the children to have plenty of air to breathe, and not to be afraid of anything. Can you do that, Miss Blackwood?”
“I will make that my priority, Sir, you can be assured, trips will be aplenty,” I knew we would get on, and we did.
We chatted for much longer while the Duke talked about his grandchildren, I could see his fondness for them. I too had the same ideologies as he, so my job here was going to be perfect.
I probably ate more than I should as I had not breakfasted, but he did not mention it, until I drank my third cup of tea. Then the matter came up, and he laughed heartily at my rendition of my first meeting with cook. Promising that all would be sorted, before we said our goodbyes, it was agreed that I would eat with the family that evening, as his guest. I felt a certain satisfaction at that, knowing that it would probably vex the cook somewhat.
Chapter 4
I am somewhat nervous about eating with the family this evening, especially in such a formal setting. Meal times are always so informal in my own home, in comparison to what will be expected of me here. I am well versed in what dining etiquette, and have no fear of doing anything incorrectly; it is more that the dining table is huge.
When I arrive, the Duke is already seated. He indicates that I should sit next to him, although he is at the head of the table. Once I am seated and comfortable, he asks one of the serving staff to call for the children. They arrive in an orderly fashion and come to the head of the table to greet their grandfather. At this point he introduces each of them, individually.
“I consider myself blessed to have my grandchildren, they give me so much joy, it is a pleasure to have them around.” he informs me as he hugs each in turn. “First we have Harriet; she is the oldest at eighteen. Harriet is to be married shortly, but we will discuss that another time.”
“Lady Harriet, I look forward to playing the piano together,” I say to her, and indeed I did.
She says nothing and simply curtsies and goes to sit opposite me.
“Next, we have Mary. She is fifteen and flighty with it. Mary reads far too many books, especially by that Edgeworth woman, filling her head with nonsense and giving her all the wrong ideas.”
The Duke had a mischievous smile on his face and it was obvious he was teasing poor Mary.
“Grandpapa, that’s not fair,” she defended herself. “Do not tell the new governess such a thing.”
She also did a small curtesy and went to sit next to Harriet. I looked across and could see she was blushing furiously.
“Don’t worry Mary, I like to read Maria Edgeworth too,” I told her; aware I was causing mischief myself. “I’m sure we will have much to discuss, you and I.”
A little girl stepped up close to her Grandfather, and the Duke introduced her.
“Here is Margaret, who, at ten years old, has decided she never wants to ride a horse again. The horse she was learning to ride on decided to deposit her onto the floor, without any serious injury I hasten to add.”
“I still agree to ride in a carriage, grandpapa, just not in a saddle,” she said with a serious look to her features.
Margaret went to sit next to Mary.
“Ah, little Phoebe, who is a whole nine years old and loves to ride horses,” he said.
Phoebe came to sit at my side of the table, but left a space between us.
“Finally, we have Laurence, who is five and spoilt terribly by his sisters.”
Laurence came to sit at my side.
“Do you ride, Miss Blackwood?” Margaret asked me.
“Indeed I do, Lady Margaret,” I replied. “Perhaps I can help in your dilemma?”
“I doubt it Miss Blackwood,” Mary says, “Margaret refuses to go near the horses. But, I do wish you luck. She really should get back in the saddle, don’t you think?”
“I’m sure Miss Blackwood has a whole agenda of ideas for you all, but now is not the time to discuss this, just yet,” the Duke stops the conversation. “For now, we show our manners and simply welcome the new governess into our home.”
As he finishes, he indicates for the staff to begin serving dinner, of which we start with a most delicious soup.
“My compliments to the cook, Your Grace,” I say, once I’ve finished the first course. “The use of herbs in the soup was inspiring.” I did mean my compliment, but I had said it mainly so word would get back to cook, and she might look upon me a little more favorably.
“Yes, we are very fortunate in the kitchen. Agatha has been with us years and she is good with herb remedies as well, should you ever have a cold or fever, Agatha will have a remedy,” the Duke informs me. “Girls, while we await the next course, why don’t you explain the rooms to Miss Blackwood?”
Mary was the first to speak, “We have rooms set aside for our use, Miss Blackwood. The nursery is where we keep the toys, but only Laurence tends to go in there. Next door is the classroom where we do our book work, and then there is the piano room, and finally there is a room where we do our sewing. I think you will find them all most agreeable,” she finishes.
“Thank you, Mary, for your informed description. It seems then that the reading room is where we will start our day, shall we say 10 ‘o’ Clock?”
“So long as we do not have to learn Latin,” Margaret speaks up. “Grandpapa says that only Laurence will have to learn such a boring subject, and we can continue with our French.”
“Miss Blackwood and I shall discuss your subjects, so fear not, nothing shall be missed,” the Duke says. “I have a tutor coming in to teaching the girls the string instruments, but we will discuss this further after dinner. For now, everyone, let us eat.”
The rest of the meal is just as delicious as the soup, and I eat heartily, each course seemingly better than the previous. By the end of the evening I have eaten my fill, and note to myself that I must be more restrained at meal times, or adjustments to my dresses will become necessary.
After dinner we all move into the drawing room, where the children play and I sit and discuss their education with t
heir grandfather. I am pleased that we soon have a solid timetable established, by the end of the evening. It makes my task easier, to be organized from the onset. At which time I am introduced to the two nursemaids. Laurence has his own nanny, as he is still quite young, but the girls share one, as they become more independent. I liked the nursemaids; they both seem kindly and suited to caring for children. I think the Duke has good taste when choosing his staff. Now, all I need to do is work on the cook, and everything should be fine.
Chapter 5
As the days went by, I slowly settled the children into a daily routine. One by one I became familiar with their characters and skills, and I worked it out from there. I was not going to force Margaret onto any horses, just yet, but that would come eventually, if she allowed it. From Monday to Friday I took each day of the week to concentrate on getting to know each one of them. This worked out well as there were five charges, though Harriet did not need my help at anything, really. This way, I could get to know them individually, which would help me plan future lessons. For now, I simply stuck the three R’s for the youngest, though they were very bright already, but it was nonetheless an easy start for them, and for me. For the two older girls, Mary and Harriet, our lessons were on French conversation and history, with piano instruction for Harriet. Saturday, I intended would be for field studies, and small trips of historical interest. The Duke was very agreeable to this, his belief that you learned much more outside of the classroom than in it, helped me. Leaving Sunday, when I would attend church in the morning, with the Duke and his family, and the afternoon was my own.
Our plans for this weekend were different though. I had been invited to dine with the family on Saturday. Apparently, Harriet’s future intended was arriving, Sir Guy Copley, and the Duke felt I should meet him so I could help Harriet with her plans. I did not mind, one way or the other, though I did enjoy our Saturday trips. Lord Guy was in fact Harriet’s first cousin, though not a blood relation. The Duke’s sister had remarried, and Guy was one of her husband’s offspring from a previous marriage. It seemed a strange coupling to me, however, they had met several times and both agreed to the marriage.
The Duke had chosen his youngest grandchild, Laurence, as the heir to his own estate. Being the only male grandchild, it stood to reason. The other children hadn’t been forgotten though, and all of them would inherit some land and a yearly allowance, on the passing of their grandfather. I am aware of this because Harriet is a chatterbox, and she constantly speaks of her eventual inheritance. It seems these things are important to her, though goodness knows why, but she insisted that her grandfather explain it all to her, which, he did. The only part she was really interested in was her own inheritance. I try not to judge, but it was clearly of great importance to Harriet.
I suppose having lost her parents, and being of an age where she can understand what that could mean to her family, she is simply ensuring she will be safe and secure in a manner that she is used to. I cannot blame her for that, though it does make me wonder if her future husband is pushing her to ask such questions. That perhaps is mean of me to assume, I have never met cousin Guy and I am sure he is of good character, otherwise the Duke would not approve.
I will soon find out, as I wait outside the dining room for the butler to announce my arrival. He ushers me in, and I take a different seat to where I sat on my first shared dinner with the family. Lord Guy is seated on one side of the Duke, with Harriet on the other side. I am placed at the end of the table with the girls, and little Laurence is seated next to Lord Guy. Rather extraordinary, but I am told later, by Harriet, that she had arranged the seating positions. This registered in my mind as a lesson to cover, the delicate etiquette of seating at the dining table. I hoped that Laurence would not spill anything over the handsome young man seated next to him.
And a handsome young man he is. Before I am even introduced to him, I am struck by his good looks. Not that I am want to seek the attentions of the opposite sex, for I had vowed to myself that I would love or desire no other, after Peter’s passing. Though, I must admit that this man would turn any woman’s head. Lord Guy is of tall stature with square, handsome features. He exhumes a masculinity that a female can pick up from the other end of a dining table. I was very taken by him and could understand Harriet agreeing to the marriage.
For the first time, I also noted the age difference. Lord Guy is nearer my own age than he is Harriet’s, but that is not unusual in arranged marriages.
I am much now much more comfortable dining with the family, and thoroughly enjoy the chatter throughout the meal. Lord Guy tells us some frivolous tale of a recent experience of his, and he tells his stories with great humor. Even the Duke was entertained. I am very impressed with Lord Guy Copley, and dare I admit, my stomach is a flutter whenever he speaks.
After dinner we continue in the parlor, and I am better introduced to him. Our closeness brings about a blush upon my cheeks, which I am not impressed with, whatsoever. I hope he does not notice and I step back to part myself from the family, a little.
When finally I arrive at my room, my heart is pumping wildly, and my mind is in a dithering confusion. Whatever is the matter with me? Am I coming down with something? Surely this could not be my reaction to meeting a handsome young man? Yet, I think it is. I cannot help but admit to myself that I am quite taken with Lord Guy. Whatever shall I do?
My first decision is to avoid him, all I can. This has never happened to me before and I do not understand why I am such a withering idiot. I must remind myself, I am there only to assist Lady Harriet, I must stop this nonsense and try everything I can to avoid being in the same room as Lord Guy. Hopefully, this silliness will pass.
Chapter 6
Despite my determination not to be in the company of Lord Guy, my plans are dashed when the Duke insists that I chaperone Lady Harriet and Lord Guy around the gardens, on a short walk. It appears that this year the family is to have the wedding, and next year Lady Mary is “coming out,” in London, as she will be sixteen years old. I have a busy couple of years ahead of me, although I hope the Duke will employ personal maids for them both, so I can continue teaching the other children.
Today I am to meet with Lord Guy first, and we are to collect Lady Harriet for the walk.
“Harriet is lucky to have so beautiful a governess for her teachings. My own was a monster,” he laughs as he speaks to me, upon our greeting.
I was unsure how to take his remark, realizing that he was obvious forward speaking. I merely ignored it with a curt smile. He should not be paying other ladies compliments when he is courting, surely?
“I am arranging a trip to Bath, for myself and Harriet, and you are to come along with us. Once she has chosen a personal maid, then I’m sure you chaperoning days of Lady Harriet will cease. Meanwhile, you are stuck with my company,” he informs me.
“I find your company pleasing, Sir,” I reply, courteously.
Never before has a man had such an effect on me. My knees are trembling and I cannot seem to hide my blushing. I find Lord Guy Copley a most attractive figure. He seems to be the kind of person that stands close to another, whenever he speaks to them, or is he just doing that to me? I can smell the masculine aroma from his body and almost feel the heat emanating from his skin. This is very uncomfortable, finding Lady Harriet’s intended so attractive. What am I to do?
We set off through the front door whilst he continues his conversation with me, mainly with regards to our trip to Bath. We walk around the grounds, close to the house, and collect Lady Harriet from the French doors, to the library.
“There you are,” she squeals, most giddily.
Although she did not really note my presence, nonetheless, I nod my head with a smile to greet her. Marrying such a handsome young man is giving the young lady airs and graces, which I suppose she rightly deserves. Should I be marrying such a handsome catch, I think I would also be giddy with romance in my heart, too.
Lady Harriet hooks her arm int
o his, and we set off strolling along the pathway around the lake. I trail behind, as is fitting. I think of them as rather an odd couple. He comes across as quite mature and clearly experienced with the opposite sex. Whereas I am aware that Lady Harriet can be rather immature, and almost childish in her behavior. I suppose marriage will help her to grow up quickly, so I should not wish maturity upon her.
Occasionally, I catch Lord Guy looking at me. At first I think it is just my imagination, but it happens too many times. I have been told, by relatives, that I have rather fetching features, almost exquisite. My mother was beautiful as a girl, so my father often tells me. Although, she is still rather stunning in her later years. My fiancé also used to call me beautiful, but then one would expect the man you are pledged to marry, to be attracted to you somewhat, especially as we were marrying out of love.
