by Carole Gill
It made me think of London and home and I began to feel sick.
“Are you alright, Rose?”
I nodded, knowing I wasn’t, and wondering if I ever would be.
And then the carriage stopped and I heard Dr. Bannion ask, “Now then! Are you ready to meet your new employers?”
This was when I nearly went to pieces. The calm façade was gone to reveal the frightened girl that I was. “But Dr. Bannion, what if they don’t like me or don’t think I suit?”
“Now, Rose, you must have courage. Look, there it is, Club Crimson.”
I looked over to see an elegant building, quite like a mansion. It was four stories at least. “But it has no marquee, sir.”
At first I thought Dr. Bannion looked ruffled but then he smiled. “That is because it is a very elegant private club.”
Club? Theater? Now I was getting confused. But then he helped me out and I was enthused all over again.
“What do you think?”
“I think it very posh, sir.”
“Yes it is, rather. Come on Rose—your future awaits!”
The doorman knew him and glanced at me but then looked away. “Mr. Darton is in his office.”
The vestibule and hall were furnished beautifully with gilt tables adorned with flowers and the most amazing fountains. I didn’t know what to look at first.
“This way, Rose.”
A strange looking young woman passed us and smiled. She was ever so pale. Dr. Bannion bade her good day and I did as well, which only caused her to giggle.
I thought it odd but the thought vanished as I came face to face with Mr. Darton.
“Ah, Dr. Bannion, how good to see you, and you must be Miss Baines.”
He was the most elegant man I had ever seen, dark and tall and dressed wonderfully. He too looked pale with his black hair and his coal black eyes that seemed to bore through me.
But then his interest or curiosity in me appeared to fade for he soon looked terribly bored.
I am considered quite pretty with fair skin and brown hair and have become used to stares, but I was relieved when he glanced away and asked us to come in.
We were shown into what looked to be a lounge of some kind that was furnished with plush red sofas and chairs and gilt tables, too. A little ostentatious, I thought, but pleasing to the eye in its own way.
Dr. Bannion asked him how he and Mrs. Darton were but was gently waved off. “We are going through some difficult times I fear, dreadful as a matter of fact.”
“Really, in what way?”
I noticed Mr. Darton nod my way and smile. I had the feeling he didn’t wish to elaborate further in front of me. “Perhaps you would care for some tea? I shall call someone.” He left and returned within moments. “I have been promised a tray.” How rich his voice sounded, truly I hoped I wasn’t blushing.
As for the room, I had never seen anything like it. So taken was I with the place. I think I must have spent a lot of time just staring at everything. It wasn’t until sometime later that I noticed neither Dr. Bannion nor Mr. Darton had said anything for the longest time.
At last Mr. Darton looked over at me. “I am going to ask a great favor of you, Miss Baines. I should like to discuss something with Dr. Bannion and I was hoping perhaps you might wait out in the sitting area?”
I hurried to obey. “Of course, sir.”
He got up to open the door for me. “We won’t be long.”
I hadn’t noticed the sitting room before, but I took a good look at it now. It was beautifully furnished with ruby red satin love seats and matching chairs.
I wasn’t there long when Mrs. Darton appeared. “Miss Baines! How lovely to see you again! You have met my husband?”
“Yes, I have.”
She made a face and shrugged. “And he asked you to wait out here, so they are talking in there, he and the doctor, eh?” She giggled as if it was a secret between us as to how men gossip and talk too much.
Just then a young woman appeared as if from nowhere. She was startlingly beautiful with bright red lips and dark hair. Swathed in black as she was, the paleness of her skin gave her almost a deathly glow.
She stared at me though she spoke to Mrs. Darton. “I was wondering where you were.”
Mrs. Darton laughed her light musical sounding laugh and chided her. “Really, Imogene, can I not see my husband for a moment? I told you I would be back later.”
There was something there under the surface that I was finding odd. Yet both of them smiled as though it was all part of a private pantomime.
Before I could surmise anything else, Mrs. Darton introduced me. “Imogene, this is our new employee.”
The aforementioned Imogene drifted toward me. “You are…” Her voice trailed off dramatically and although she smiled, I had a feeling she would have wished to throttle me.
Mrs. Darton nodded as though to say, ‘introduce yourself,’ so I did. “I am Miss Baines and I have come for employment.”
If the pale, sad creature with the vivid red mouth looked annoyed before, she looked furious now. She turned to Mrs. Darton and asked, “What, to work here? Is that it? Why her?”
The two women exchanged a look… what was it? Anger, hostility, resentment? Or something far deeper than that? Something brewed beneath the surface, that was certain. A secret shared, perhaps. Imogene was the first to break eye contact, frustration and desperation branded on her face.
Mrs. Darton shook her head. Her eyes were now fixed on me. “No, I think not,” she answered. “I think we shall use her services at Blackstone House, actually.”
Chapter 7
I felt such unrelenting hostility from that young woman that I began to tremble. Mrs. Darton noticed and soon sat down next to me. Taking my hand in hers, she smiled. “My dear, you are nervous. Don’t be! There is no need.”
The nasty girl laughed. “Oh, really?”
“You may leave us, Imogene,” Mrs. Darton replied. She didn’t take her eyes off the girl until she left. Then she turned back to me. “You are young, are you not? About how old? I am so bad at guessing people’s ages.”
“I am nineteen.”
“Are you, indeed? That is wonderful.” She glanced at the door to her husband’s office, which was still closed. “Whilst we are waiting for them to let us in,” she smiled, “permit me to tell you about the position I am offering. I think it is far more suitable for you than anything at this Club. You would have lodgings and a modest wage. Tell me, young lady, do you like children?”
I hadn’t ever thought about it, but I supposed I did. “Yes I do. I had a brother and sister—”
She nodded sadly. “Dr. Bannion told us of your tragedy. I am so sorry.”
She hugged me gently. I allowed myself to be comforted for truly no one had shown me any affection at all for a long time. My mother had barely said goodbye to me when I last saw her alive, so troubled was she in her mind. I think truly if she hadn’t been murdered, she might have taken her own life!
What a horrifying thought that was. Perhaps father had driven her mad, too. Two mad parents, what hope was there for me?
At last I looked up at her. “I must find a way for myself in the world now, I haven’t any family. I understood I was to work here…”
She took my hands and clasped them in hers. “But I do not think you belong here. It is,” she made a sweeping gesture, “not for you.”
“It isn’t?”
“No, it is not. I shall speak to my husband, but in most matters he does agree with me. I can be persuasive.” I smiled for she had a way about her that made a person smile. “Ah, it is good that you smile. Permit me now to tell you of my children…”
A strange thing happened then. She was smiling one minute and the next she looked sorrowful.
“Are you alright, Mrs. Darton?”
Her eyes still looked sad, as if a veil had come over them. Then suddenly, the veil lifted, replaced by a strange harsh glow. It reminded me of something from my childhood
. Once, before my father’s illness, I had seen prisoners being transported. Father told me they were bad men and were being taken to Newgate. One of them caught my eye and smiled. And although he smiled, he had about his face such a look of hatred as I have never seen. Now I saw it again and from such an unlikely source.
I think Mrs. Darton was aware of my staring and smiled. “I have my own sad memories you see.”
I wanted to ask her about it, but I knew it was not my place to. Instead I asked her, “So tell me about your children, then. Please.”
“Yes! Oh, they are good children. Ada and Simon. Ada is—”
The same thing nearly happened again, but this time she shook it off and continued. “Ada is ten and Simon is twelve. They really are good children, kind and considerate. You will like them…”
“I’m sure I will. Is Simon leaving for school, though?”
“No,” she replied, looking grave. “He will be taught at home as his sister is. They have had tutors, you see. But now I think they might also have you to be their governess.”
I was just about to reply when the door opened and Mr. Darton invited us inside.
*
I detected an air of tension in the room for I had a sense that something important had been discussed and was still troubling each of them, though they smiled politely.
I am no seer but I can sometimes see beyond what is in front of me. I thought Dr. Bannion particularly unsettled. But that was before I noticed Mr. Darton looking at his wife. Or not looking so much as staring.
I think he felt my eyes on him and he smiled.
Just then there was a knock at the door and our tea was brought in.
As the tea was handed out, I thought I detected a rather unpleasant scent from somewhere, especially from the tea itself. Mr. Darton appeared to be studying me.
“It’s a special brew,” he said. “Special herbs. Quite beneficial.” I smiled politely as he went on, “Of course it is an acquired taste and my wife and I are the ones who will drink it now. We should not burden you with our own eccentricities.”
“Quite right,” Mrs. Darton replied, as she daintily stirred hers. Then, glancing at her husband, she added, “You know Louis, I really think Miss Baines might be more suited for a position at Blackstone House, looking after the children.”
If Mr. Darton looked mildly surprised, Dr. Bannion looked shocked. “Yes,” she went on, “I think Miss Baines would be far more suited to being governess. I quite think it is just the position for her.”
“Whatever you say, Eve. It is your decision.”
Mrs. Darton appeared pleased. “Thank you.”
This was one of those interesting moments that occur sometimes when there seems to be so much to say but it is left unsaid for whatever reason. Such was this moment between them, I thought.
Mr. Darton nodded toward me. “Well, how nice. Of course there is some renovation we are doing—has my wife told you about our home, Miss Baines?”
“Not yet, sir, only to mention its name.”
“Yes,” he smiled. “Blackstone House. We have a house in town here too, but we shall be living solely at Blackstone now.” He glanced over at Dr. Bannion and then again at me. “It is on the edge of a moor, Miss Baines, Blackstone Moor. It is quite desolate I’m afraid. But it’s quiet and sometimes quietude is comforting.” He gazed deeply into my eyes. “But would that suit, do you think? We are rather cut off.”
“Yes it would, I’m sure.” I replied as I recalled Marsh and its iron gates.
Mrs. Darton looked pleased. “That is good. And it isn’t so far that you can’t walk to town, the town being Egton. And you’ll find the children are lovely and bright, won’t she, Louis?”
Mr. Darton nodded. “They are charming children. So you agree, Miss Baines?”
“Oh yes, sir!” I replied. “I am quite willing.”
Dr. Bannion spoke up then: “Well, Miss Baines will be staying at my house, for a bit. Just to get used to the world again. And that, I should think, will leave you time to do any renovations.”
“So shall we say a month, then?”
Mrs. Darton answered. “One month from today, exactly. That is wonderful!”
“Well!” Dr. Bannion smiled. “Then it is settled.”
“Yes, it is!” Mrs. Darton replied. “It has all come to a most satisfying conclusion. Now, before I forget.”
I was amazed to see her reaching into her purse. “Dr. Bannion, perhaps you will put this in a safe place and permit Miss Baines to buy some clothes and shoes and things with it.” Mrs. Darton nodded as she handed him some money.
I was overwhelmed. “I shall pay that back…”
“No need, my dear. I am happy to do it. I am so delighted you have accepted the position, you will be so happy there I am sure!”
*
Dr. Bannion spoke to me at length in the carriage. “That was a surprise. But truly I think you are best suited to work as a governess. The Club is pleasant enough—but I think you would like the children and they you, Rose.”
I felt so excited at the prospect, particularly relieved I didn’t have to go back to Marsh to wait in the interim.
“It won’t be far to Clegton.”
“Clegton, sir?”
“That is where I live. It isn’t far from Marsh.”
I bit my lip at the mention of that dreadful place. Would I ever erase those desolate hallways, the personal tragedies that filled them, the horror and the cruelty from my mind?
Dr. Bannion looked startled. “Are you alright, Rose? You must forget about Marsh now and think of other things.”
It was true and I smiled. “The clothes sir, that was so kind of Mrs. Darton.”
“Yes it was, rather. She is an elegant lady and is quite taken with you, my dear. I shall send Mrs. Mott to assist you when you go to the dressmaker’s; she’s my housekeeper and a very able lady. You will like her, I’m sure.”
I felt excited and happy. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt that way. Surely my life was turning full circle.
Suddenly, Dr. Bannion cried out, “Clegton, Rose, take a look!”
It could have been a million miles from Marsh. I realized that as soon as the carriage crossed over a bridge.
“There are swans and ducks there. Perhaps you will see them before you leave. My house isn’t far from here.”
It was a lovely village, and stone-fronted shops lined both sides of the high street—there were book shops and food shops, as well as a dress and hat shop.
“Yes, we have all the shops here that you could need.”
At last, we turned onto a drive. “I live just at the end,” Dr. Bannion said before tapping the roof for the driver’s attention. “He’s new or he should know where I live.”
I felt so happy, so full of expectation, I nearly cried.
And then the carriage stopped and we were there.
“There it is, home.”
I looked to see a three-story stone house, not large, but modest, fronted by a lovely garden.
“It’s beautiful,” I gushed.
Dr. Bannion smiled and got out first. As he turned to help me out, the front door opened and a woman appeared. She was smiling but when she saw me alight, the smile vanished. Dr. Bannion turned to her. “Mrs. Mott, this young lady is staying with us for a short time.”
I stood down and smiled at the woman who by now looked somewhat more pleasant. Dr. Bannion introduced us. “Mrs. Mott is a treasure, Rose, and I am sure you will feel comfortable and at home.”
“I am certain I will, sir.”
I am not high born, so it might be surprising for me to say this—but I did find her manner forward. She was after all a servant.
The pecking order for domestic help in England was such that governesses stood apart in their own little sphere, housekeepers beneath that and maids and cooks next. Lowest were stable hands and scullery maids.
Everyone in England knew that, yet this Mrs. Mott enjoyed what I considered to be a great
deal of familiarity. I was surprising myself with such opinions. What a little hypocrite I was, for what had I just been hired as?
I think I felt this way because I quite resented Mrs. Mott’s attitude toward me and wondered if I should change my opinion.
*
Dr. Bannion asked me if I was tired and I said I was. “Well then, you might wish to have supper in your room. I can have Mrs. Mott bring it up.
“Yes, if it isn’t too much trouble.”
I was glad to eat in the room, for I knew I should feel awkward eating at his table, yet I had no doubt at all that Mrs. Mott dined there all the time!
The room was small, but comfortable. It was cheery and dry and it faced the garden, which was pleasant.
I was tired and nearly nodding off when I heard a soft knock at the door. It was Mrs. Mott. “Tray for you, Miss Baines.” She smiled and put it down. “There’s a nice bit of stew, freshly made today, and a pot of tea as well.”
I assured her she was more than kind. I did notice cheeriness in her attitude as if some reassurance had been forthcoming from Dr. Bannion.
“It smells delicious, thank you, Mrs. Mott.”
She looked pleased and turned to leave. “One more thing, I shall be delighted to show you to the shop for your clothes. Dr. Bannion has told me you are to do some shopping.”
“Thank you, I am.”
“Good evening, enjoy your meal,” she said as she closed the door.
I did and ate every bit of it.
The excitement of the day caught up with me at last for I could not stop yawning. I climbed into the cozy bed and fell quickly asleep. I was awakened during the night by the sound of giggling and running footsteps past my door.
I smiled to myself. Clearly, she was Dr. Bannion’s woman.
Chapter 8
It amused me that she was his woman. Yet, I think if I am honest with myself I realized I was also jealous. Not so much jealous of her relationship with Dr. Bannion, I was instead jealous that I had no one in my life.
I had only known a nineteen year old boy whose fondness for me was not permitted to bloom, but was cut short by my father.
John was nice and I did like him, especially his eyes and steady gaze, the depth I saw in them, so clear, unblemished, and not riddled with insanity or depravity.
