A Most Unusual Governess (4 page)

As her thoughts began to settle, and as her breathing and heartbeat began to resume their usual regular pattern, she saw with relief that Lord Randall was truly interested in the little girl, and she began to believe that there was hope for their future encounters. Perhaps they would be able to work together, after all.

Lord Randall continued to study the books. At last he looked up and said in surprise, This is good; this is very good. I'd never realised Lucilla could write so neatly - or invent such interesting stories.'

'Her writing's coming on by leaps and bounds.' Sarah smiled, glad to be able to tell Lord Randall how well Lucy was doing. 'Her singing's coming on, too. She's very musical and loves to learn new songs.'

He gave a reluctant smile. It seems there is something you can do more than "a little", Miss Davenport; it seems that you can teach.'

Sarah glowed with the unexpected praise. She loved her job, and no matter how chagrined she was to discover it, Lord Randall's appreciation warmed her. With such an interested little girl it's hard to go wrong.'

His expression softened. So much so that he looked almost human! 'She's a good child,' he said. They are all good children. It's such a tragedy that... '

He stopped himself, and for a few moments he became lost in thought.

Then, rousing himself, he said, Well, you have made a good start, Miss Davenport. 111 be keeping an eye on the children's progress whilst I am at the Grange. But now I mustn't keep you. You have your duties to attend to... ' - he looked ruefully at the papers littering his desk - '. . . as I have mine.'

Sarah recognised her dismissal.

Very good, my lord,' she said, rising.

'Oh, Miss Davenport,' he called after her as she reached the door. There is just one other thing...

>

'My lord?'

She turned round and caught her breath. With the light behind him he looked devastatingly handsome. The sun was painting blue highlights into his black hair and sparking lights from his velvety eyes. It was throwing into relief the sharp angles of his cheekbones and the clean cut of his chin. And his features... was it possible? Could he actually be - smiling?

It changed his face, making him seem younger, more relaxed and less arrogant

His smile broadened and his voice was warm as he said, Welcome to Watermead Grange.'

* * * *

The top floor of the Grange was used for a number of purposes. Part of it was used as servants' quarters and part of it was used for storage but the rest was given over to the children's rooms. Here, too, were the schoolrooms. William and Peter had small studies and there was a larger room in which Sarah taught Lucy. The large room was clean and sound, and because of its size it was cool for most of the day; at least until the evening, when the sun moved round and shone into the west facing window.

Sarah often remained in the schoolroom at four o'clock, whilst Lucy, watched over by her nurse, had a rest. There she would mark the day's work or prepare Lucy's lessons for the following day, before taking charge of all three children for the early part of the evening when the boys' daily tutors left the Grange.

The only drawback to this arrangement was that Mr Haversage had discovered it, and was beginning to become a nuisance.

Mr Haversage was the boys tutor. He was responsible for teaching them general subjects, as well as Latin and Greek. There were other tutors who came in for a few hours each day to give the boys lessons in mathematics and the sciences, but it was Mr Haversage who was mainly in charge.

At a quarter to five he walked into the room.

He was a good looking young man in his early twenties and was, as always, immaculately dressed. The colours he wore were pale, and Sarah had the distinct impression they had been chosen to complement his fair colouring. His hair was a pale straw colour; his eyes were blue and cool. Despite his brilliance - he was an Oxford man - he had nothing of the air of an academic about him. Instead he had the air of an ambitious young man for whom teaching was just the start.

He was not particularly well liked by the boys, though the housemaids adored him. But for all his undoubted good looks, Sarah, in common with the boys, did not like the man.

William and Peter will be along shortly,' he told her. It was the custom for him to send the boys to the schoolroom at five o'clock. They are just finishing off a piece of Latin prose.'

Sarah mumbled a vague reply. She was absorbed in what she was doing and wanted to finish before Lucy returned with her nurse.

Your interview with Lord Randall went well, I hope?' asked Mr Haversage, going over to the globe which perched on Sarah's desk and giving it a spin.

'As well as can be expected. Although I don't know why he finds it so difficult to understand the children.'

These great men,' he said with a shrug, they never care about anyone but themselves.'

He gave the globe another spin.

'Do you mind?' asked Sarah.

She put her hand on the globe to stop its whirling. She was annoyed by his habit of interfering with her things but knew better than to say anything, for it would only provoke him. Nonetheless, she wished he would go away.

As if sensing her feelings, Mr Haversage settled himself on the desk.

That looks interesting,' he said, looking over her shoulder at the work she was preparing.

He was very close to her, and Sarah could feel his breath on her neck. The sensation made her uneasy. There was something about him that she simply did not like, and in order to get him to move away from her she said sharply, You're in my light.'

We can't have that, can we?' There was a mocking note in his voice. The conscientious governess must have her work finished on time.'

She looked round impatiently. 'Do you have anything to say to me, or are you just bored?' she asked.

'I wouldn't need to be bored to talk to you.' He perched himself on the edge of her desk and thrust his hands into his pockets and said banteringly. 'My only concern is that you don't talk back.'

But Sarah had no intention of bantering with him. She felt unhappy at his closeness and could feel the small hairs on the back of her neck rising.

'I'm busy,' she said.

You won't be busy next Friday.'

'I'm always busy on a Friday,' she remarked, making an exclamation of annoyance as a large blob of ink dropped from the end of her quill and blotted her page.

'Not next Friday. You've been here almost a month now. It will be your afternoon off.'

Sarah stopped in the middle of sanding her paper. She was surprised. But a moment's reflection told her that what he said was true.

What will you do with the time?' he asked her.

'I hadn't really thought about it.'

There are some interesting ruins just a few miles to the north of here. They're surrounded by trees; cool and shady. I'd be happy to show them to you if you like. I know them well.'

'No - thank you,' she added. She often seemed to add a belated thank you when speaking to Mr Haversage. His remarks somehow always made her uneasy and her first reaction was to shoot out a curt reply.

Why not?'

Sarah had the disturbing feeling he was enjoying her discomfiture.

She shrugged. 1 have other plans.' 'And what are they?' he asked her, challenging her to produce any.

They - are my own concern.'

'A pity.' He stood up suddenly as Lucy and her nurse entered the room. 'Perhaps another time.'

Sarah made no reply, but she was not sorry to see him leave. She was probably over-reacting, but still, she did not like Mr Haversage's company and was happy that Lucy had returned.

'Are we going to play in the woods?' asked Lucy, as her nurse followed Mr Haversage out of the room.

Sarah hesitated. She had not been able to make Lord Randall see the value of play, however, he had not expressly forbidden it and besides, she had managed to establish a more friendly relationship with him towards the end of the morning's interview. If any difference of opinion arose between them in the future Sarah felt confident they would be able to talk the matter over in a calm fashion. Her hesitation lasted only for a moment, after which she responded to Lucy's open arms with a hug and said, Yes. Well have to wait for the boys, but as soon as they arrive well go outside.'

Peter was the next to arrive, followed closely by William, and together the small party made its way down to the woods which lay behind the house. In the weeks that Sarah had been at Watermead Grange the boys had lost their reserve, and were now happy and confident in her company. Lucy, too, had flourished, and was quickly developing into a confident and capable little girl.

It was pleasantly cool in the woods. The large trees were fully leaved, and created a welcome sea of shade away from the glare of the sun. The children, who had been rather limp after a day spent indoors, began to revive. Before long they were running about, playing hide and seek, with Lucy, as the youngest, being given the first turn to hide.

It was a game that Sarah knew would occupy them for some time. She settled herself comfortably beneath one of the trees and, after watching the children play for a while, she turned her attention to a piece of embroidery she had brought with her. It was a cross stitch picture, showing two birds fluttering through a wooded background; perfect for her present location.

She selected a length of blue cotton and threaded her needle, then began to stitch. The repetitive work was soothing, and she thought how lucky she had been to find such an enjoyable post. She loved teaching Lucy, and to be able to teach her in such pleasant surroundings was fortunate indeed.

She was just about to finish off and call the children, telling them it was time to return to the house, when she heard voices. One she recognised immediately as the voice of Lord Randall. The second, a man's voice, was one she did not know; but, as they drew nearer and she caught some of their conversation, she realised he must be the estate manager.

In another minute the two gentlemen were upon her. She stood up to greet them. After the friendly ending to her interview with Lord Randall Sarah felt she could meet him with confidence. But then she saw the expression on his face and her spirits sank.

'Shouldn't you be looking after the children?' he asked, as he found her in the woods apparently alone.

'Oh, I am,' she hastened to reassure him. She could not blame him for being angry if he thought she had abandoned her duty.

'I don't see them,' he said, glancing round the woods.

Thinking some humour would lighten the situation and prevent it from developing into another battle, Sarah said with a smile, You're not meant to. They are playing hide and seek!'

But Lord Randall evidently mistook her humour for impertinence, thinking she was taking advantage of the friendliness he had shown her at the end of that morning's interview and a frown crossed his face.

'If youll excuse me, my lord,' said Dawson, the estate manager, I'd better see to the drainage.' He hurried away.

You were told to make sure that the children's occupations were educational,' said Lord Randall as soon as Dawson was out of hearing. 1 thought I had made myself clear.'

'An hour spent in the woods is educational,' said Sarah, with a calmness she did not feel. 'Children aren't like adults. They can't spend all their time working. They need time to run about and be free. They need time to enjoy themselves. They need time to play.'

We have had this conversation before,' he said darkly.

'And will no doubt have it again,' she returned.

'I am not in the habit of having my decisions questioned,' he said warningly, looking suddenly larger and darker than ever before.

Then perhaps it's a habit you should get into,' she flashed back..

But as soon as she had spoken she knew she had made a terrible mistake. It was one thing for her to tell Lord Randall that the children needed to be free to play; it was quite another for her to tell him that he should accustom himself to having all his decisions questioned; and questioned by a governess! She hadn't meant to say it, but something about him challenged her and she had challenged him in return.

'I honoured your appointment because you are a gifted teacher,' he said arrogantly, *but if you wish to keep your position I suggest you rethink your attitude. My aunt might have hired you, but believe me I will have no hesitation in being the one to send you on your way. The children's free time will be spent educationally in the future. That is my final word on the subject. If you do not feel you can cope with this requirement then I will be happy to accept your resignation. And now, Miss Davenport, I will bid you good day.'

He strode away.

Insufferable man! thought Sarah, as she watched his receding figure disappear amongst the trees.

And insufferable idiot, came her next thought miserably as she was forced to admit that she had made a fool of herself. She, the governess, thinking she could tell Lord Randall what to do!

She sat down with a bump. She was finding it very difficult to remember that she was no longer Miss Davenport, gentleman's daughter, but Miss Davenport, governess, and she was also finding it difficult to deal with the unwanted feelings that swept over her whenever she was close to Lord Randall.