The Governess of Highland Hall (18 page)

“Does Miss Foster insist you eat all your food?”

“Not all. But we must try a bite of each thing on our plate.”

“And Millicent wouldn’t do that?”

Andrew shook his head. “No, and she cried buckets when Miss Foster sent her to the blue chair. But a few minutes later she came back and hugged Miss Foster and said she was sorry.”

William frowned slightly. “That was all the discipline she received?”

Andrew looked up and grinned. “When it was teatime, I had cake and sandwiches, but she had to eat her leftover food from luncheon.”

William chuckled. “I suppose she ate it then.”

“Yes, all the potatoes and some of the peas and lamb.”

“And what about your schooling? What happens if you don’t understand your lesson or you give the wrong answer?”

Andrew shrugged. “If I get an arithmetic problem wrong, I have to do it again until I get it right. Miss Foster says we must master our studies, and our mistakes help us learn the right way to do our work.”

“But what if you don’t know how to do it?”

“She will always show us if we ask, but we still must do the work ourselves.”

“What if you become distracted or you’re slow to finish an assignment?”

“She won’t read aloud or take us on a walk until we’re done with our lessons.”

William nodded. It all sounded reasonable. No doubt Miss Foster found it easier to work with the children than his two cousins. Could she be kind and sensible with Andrew and Millicent but harsh and mocking toward Katherine and Penelope? That seemed unlikely, but he supposed it was possible.

Katherine could raise his ire in two seconds with her sharp tongue and stubborn ways. Did Miss Foster respond in a similar fashion when Katherine challenged her authority? Was she able to control her temper and accomplish her tasks with the girls? Those were the questions he still needed to answer.

At least Miss Foster seemed to handle his children well. He smiled, thinking of the clever ways she motivated them to obey and do their studies.

Andrew skipped ahead, swinging his stick as though it were a sword. His happy, carefree expression lifted William’s spirit. His son needed an intelligent and caring governess, someone strong enough to help shape his will but not damage his spirit. Miss Foster seemed to fit the bill, but he would need to spend more time with the children to be sure.

When he lived in London he used to see the children every day after tea for an hour. But since Amelia’s passing it had been too painful, and he had let the children’s hour fade from his routine. Perhaps it was time to begin again. Then he could watch Miss Foster interact with them, observe their behavior, and hear more about their schooling.

He chuckled to himself. Wasn’t that exactly what Miss Foster had asked him to do?

ELEVEN

Julia removed her hat and coat and hung them on the hook in her room. She took a quick glance in the mirror and shook her head. Taking some hairpins from her dresser, she tucked a few strands back in place, then checked her reflection once more. Her cheeks were flushed from her ride to the village, and her eyes glowed with the knowledge she’d gained in her conversation with Reverend Langford.

Sarah would be pleased to hear that the reverend considered Mr. Dalton a good man, wise and spiritually mature. He also reported he was loyal and caring toward his mother and young niece. But sharing that news with Sarah would have to wait until this evening, when the children were safely tucked in bed. It was almost four, and Ann and the children were waiting for her.

A knock sounded at her door, and she hurried to answer.

Nelson stood in the hall wearing a slight smile. “Sir William wants to see you in the drawing room.”

Her stomach fluttered. “Sir William?” Why would he call her downstairs?

“Yes. The young ladies and Mrs. Emmitt are already there.” Nelson’s expression turned smug. “You’d best be prepared for battle. They don’t look too happy.”

Julia swallowed as her mind raced ahead. Was she being summoned to help resolve the issues between Sarah and Katherine? If so, why would Mrs. Emmitt be there? What did she have to do with it?

A tremor raced up her back as she followed Nelson downstairs and into the drawing room. William stood by the fireplace, his expression sober.
Penelope and Katherine sat on the settee facing him, while Mrs. Emmitt stood behind the settee where the girls were seated.

William turned to Julia. “Come in, please.”

Julia nodded to the girls and Mrs. Emmitt and then William. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes. Your one-month trial has come to an end, and there are some matters to discuss before I decide if you are to continue in your position.”

Julia’s heartbeat sped up. “Oh … well, I’ve become very fond of the children, and I believe the young ladies are making good progress.” She tried to infuse her voice with confidence, but it wavered slightly.

“Unfortunately, Katherine and Penelope are not happy with your interaction with them.”

Julia shot a quick glance at the girls. Katherine lifted her chin and looked away, her expression stony. Penelope lowered her head and stared at her clasped hands. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know the transition has not been easy for them. Is there a specific problem you’d like to discuss?”

“I believe it’s more your general manner of dealing with them that is in question.”

Julia lifted her hand to her heart. “My general manner? I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”

William motioned to Katherine. “Please explain your concerns to Miss Foster.”

Katherine focused her cool gaze on Julia. “Penelope and I are not accustomed to being berated and cruelly treated, and we won’t stand for it any longer.”

A tremor shot through Julia. “As your governess, I must correct you at times, but I don’t believe I’ve been cruel, and I certainly would never berate you.”

“But that’s exactly what you’ve done.” She elbowed her sister. “Isn’t that right, Penny?”

The younger girl looked up. “Well, she does correct us during our lessons.”

“Of course she does. That is her job.” William’s frown deepened. “What we are trying to ascertain is how she treats you when correction is needed.”

Penelope bit her lip. “I know we try her patience some days.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Sometimes she excuses herself and says she must go pray for a few minutes before she can continue.”

Katherine’s eyes flashed, and she glared at her sister.

“Go on. What else does she do when you or Katherine have been difficult.”

Katherine sprang from the settee. “I’ll tell you what she does. Yesterday she grabbed my arm and shoved me into a chair!”

Julia gasped. “I never did such a thing! Why would you say that?”

Katherine turned to her sister. “You were there. You saw it. Tell them.”

Penelope stared at her sister, her mouth hardening.

“Penelope, did you see Miss Foster push your sister?”

She lowered her gaze and shook her head. “No sir. I did not.”

Katherine huffed and scowled at her sister. “You know it’s true. You’re just afraid to say it.”

“I am not! I did not see her push you, and I won’t say it just to please you.” Penelope shifted and looked up at William. “When we need correction, Miss Foster usually quotes a Bible verse and explains what we ought to do.”

William narrowed his gaze at the girls. “I don’t see anything wrong with that, do you?”

Katherine jutted her chin forward. “It’s her manner that is upsetting. She instructs us to be humble and teachable, yet she is harsh and says the most unkind things.”

William lifted one eyebrow. “Such as?”

Katherine’s face flushed, and she sat down again. “I don’t know. I can’t remember. But I am very tired of her demanding we rise so early and follow the schedule she has set for the day. She is a member of the staff, and we should not have to adjust our lives to fit in with her wishes.”

William sighed. “Katherine, we’ve already discussed this. Miss Foster’s schedule was created so she could teach my children as well as you and your sister. Rising early to be present for Scripture reading and prayer is a good way for you to start the day. That is my request as well as Miss Foster’s.”

“I don’t agree, but that is not the point. She is strict and spiteful, and I suspect she treats your children the same way when no one is looking.”

Fire flashed through Julia. “That is not true! I’ve never been unkind to them. Ask Ann or the children if you must.”

William held up his hand, obviously intending to calm the situation. “I already have, and I’m quite satisfied with the answers I’ve received.”

He shifted his steely gaze from Katherine to the housekeeper. “I believe I understand the situation now. Mrs. Emmitt, before you go, I’d like you to assure me that from now on you will only report what you’ve seen yourself and not rely on secondhand stories.”

Mrs. Emmitt’s cheeks flushed and she pursed her lips. “Very well, sir.”

“You may go.”

She gave a curt nod and strode toward the door, looking as though she would boil over at any second.

William turned to his younger cousin. “Penelope, I appreciate your honesty. Thank you. That takes courage. You may go as well.”

She gave him a slight smile, then rose from the settee and left the room.

William crossed and stood in front of Katherine. “I’m very disappointed by what’s happened here today. I believe you owe Miss Foster an apology.”

Katherine’s nostril’s flared. “I don’t owe her anything.”

The muscles in William’s jaw jumped. “You will apologize to Miss Foster, or I will cancel the dinner party next week.”

Katherine gasped and jumped up. “You can’t do that! It’s my eighteenth birthday. That dinner has been planned for months.”

“I most certainly can, and I will if you don’t settle the matter now and promise me there will be no more false accusations.”

Katherine turned her glare on Julia, the message clear:
This is your fault. I wish you had never come to Highland
. Tears flooded her eyes. “How could you be so cruel?”

Julia gasped and stared at Katherine.

“Don’t try to blame Miss Foster. You brought this problem on yourself. But if you will admit your accusations are false and apologize, then your dinner party may go on as planned. If not, you will be spending a very quiet birthday alone in your room.”

Katherine’s expression crumbled, and she sat down again as she lifted her hand to shield her eyes from them.

Julia’s heart softened as she watched her—caught in her own lie, humiliated, and obviously still grieving. “Perhaps Katherine needs some time.”

William’s gaze shifted to Julia. She sent him a slight smile, hoping he would understand she was ready to forgive and would carry no hard feelings toward Katherine.

His tense expression eased. “I suppose that’s true.”

“Perhaps she could write a letter of apology. That’s an important skill to learn, and it would allow her time to compose her thoughts.”

William thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, a letter of apology is an excellent idea.” He shifted his gaze to Katherine. “Are you willing to do that?”

She shrugged one shoulder, her expression still sullen. “I suppose.”

“The letter must be sincere and well written, and there is one more thing I would like you to include.”

Katherine frowned. “What?”

“An invitation for Miss Foster to be a guest at your birthday dinner.”

Julia froze, and her gaze flashed to Sir William.

Katherine’s eyes widened. “But that’s not possible. The guest list is—”

William held up his hand to silence her. “I’m sure there is room to include Miss Foster, and after what went on here today, I believe it’s important for you to offer a gesture of good will as well as an apology.”

Katherine rose from the settee, her hands clenched at her side and her face flushed. “May I go?”

“Yes, but Miss Foster must receive your letter tomorrow morning before nine o’clock when we gather in the great hall.”

Katherine’s defiant gaze darted from William to Julia, then she turned and left the room.

Julia released the breath she had been holding, but her stomach remained in a tense knot. “I’m so sorry. I wish there was some way—”

“Please, there’s no need to say any more about it.”

“Do you think she’ll write the letter?”

“I doubt she would give up her dinner party just to make a point … especially one based on a lie.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true.” She studied him, her stomach easing. “I’m grateful for the way you handled the situation. You showed a great deal of wisdom.”

He gave a slight nod, and his face flushed slightly, as though he was surprised by her praise. “Katherine is headstrong. I’m afraid she’s destined for trouble unless she learns to be honest and more caring toward others. Prompting her to include you in the dinner should help her move in that direction.”

Julia nodded, though she wasn’t sure the dinner invitation would draw her and Katherine any closer.

William’s gaze lingered on her, his expression warming. “My children seem to be doing very well in your care. Andrew’s behavior has improved, and Millicent hasn’t had any issues with her health since you arrived. I’m pleased.”