The Governess of Highland Hall (21 page)

“Yes, Rose Hartford told me about it herself this very morning. They’ll have to move into town and live in their London house year-round.”

Lady Gatewood cringed. “Oh dear, how dreadful. Why do they have to sell?”

“After Reginald’s father died, the upkeep and expenses became too much for them.”

Lady Gatewood sighed. “What a shame. How terrible for Rose and Reginald.”

“Yes, this puts their oldest son Charles in a very awkward position this
season. I’m afraid he’ll have a difficult time finding a bride, considering his reduced circumstances.”

“Yes, how true.” Lady Gatewood sent a pointed look William’s way. “An aristocrat with no land drops to the very bottom of society. It reflects poorly on the entire family.”

William’s face reddened, and he stared at his plate.

Julia’s heart went out to William. Did Lady Gatewood or any of the other guests know about his financial struggles? What would they say if they did?

Mr. Lawrence walked into the dining room carrying a small silver tray. He leaned down and spoke to William in a hushed tone. William nodded, and both he and the butler looked her way.

Julia stilled.

Mr. Lawrence approached. “A message for you, Miss Foster.”

“For me?”

Mr. Lawrence nodded and extended the tray toward her.

“Thank you.” She picked up the envelope and immediately recognized her mother’s handwriting. A cold wave of dread flooded her, and she turned to Sarah. “Please excuse me.”

Concern flashed in Sarah’s eyes. “Of course.”

Clutching the envelope, Julia rose from her chair and walked into the great hall. Her fingers trembled as she tore open the envelope and took out the folded note.

Dearest Julia
,

Your father has taken a turn, and his condition has become much more serious. I’ve sent a message to London and asked Jonathan to come home. I believe you should also come as soon as possible. Please do not delay
.

All my love, Mother

Julia pressed her lips together and lowered her head.
Dear God, please have mercy
.

William strode into the great hall. “Is everything all right?”

She lifted her head. “My mother has asked me to come home.” Her throat swelled, and she could not continue. She passed him the note.

His dark eyebrows knit as he read the message. “You must go at once.”

“May I take the governess cart?”

“No. I will drive you.”

“But what about your dinner guests?”

“I’m sure Lady Gatewood will be more than happy to take charge.” He looked toward the dining room. “I’ll make our excuses, then get the car. Collect your coat and whatever else you might need, and meet me out front.”

Julia nodded, gratefulness rising to fill her heart. “Thank you.”

His serious expression eased, and he nodded to her. “No thanks are needed. I’m glad to help.”

THIRTEEN

Light from the open stable door flooded the back courtyard. Clark Dalton squinted at the squirming maid who wrestled against him.

Peter Gates ran toward them from the stable. “I said, let her go!”

Clark dropped his hold and pulled in a ragged breath as he recognized the young woman. “Ann! What are you doing sneaking around out here?”

Her wide-eyed gaze darted from Peter to Clark. “I’m just—”

“There’s no need to answer him.” Peter moved to Ann’s side “Why did you grab hold of her like that?”

Clark met Peter’s hard gaze. “I couldn’t tell who it was in the dark. I thought she was a thief.”

Peter scoffed. “Oh yes, she looks like a thief, doesn’t she?” His accusing frown deepened. “And why are you lurking about the courtyard?”

“Some of my tools have gone missing from the greenhouse, and I’ve been hoping to catch whoever stole them.”

“It’s not me!” Ann’s voice rose to a panicked pitch. “I’ve no reason to take gardening tools.”

Clark huffed and straightened his jacket. “I suppose not. But you’ve still not explained why you’re out here at this time of night.”

Ann shot another anxious glance at Peter, and her chin began to tremble.

Peter slipped his arm around her shoulder. “We’ve no need to explain anything to you.”

So he hadn’t found his thief, but he had stumbled on two sweethearts meeting in secret. “What would Mrs. Emmitt say if she knew about this?”

Ann gasped. “Oh please, don’t say anything to her. She’ll sack me for sure.”

“You ought to have thought about that before you came down.”

“Nothing’s happened!” Peter dropped his arm from Ann’s shoulder. “We’ve done nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve no call to report us to anyone.”

Clark folded his arms and looked from Ann to Peter. This put him in a difficult spot. He knew what it was like to keep his feelings hidden. It was past time to bring his secret courtship with Sarah into the light, but she had asked him to wait a few more days. Why hadn’t she spoken up? Was she ashamed of him or afraid her brother would dismiss him and cast her out?

He could find a new position if he had to. But if it came to that, would Sarah be willing to give up her home and family and go with him?

He looked Peter in the eye. “You should not go on meeting in secret. If you’re sincere, go to Mr. Lawrence and ask for permission to court Ann openly.”

“I can’t do that! I’d lose my job.”

Ann gasped, and tears flooded her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Ann. I do care for you, but I can’t go to Mr. Lawrence.”

“But I thought you loved me.”

“I do … but I can’t risk losing my position and being sent off without a reference. I’ve only been here a short time. My dad would never let me come home. He’d disown me if I lost this job.”

“Oh, Peter!” Ann burst into tears and ran back toward the house.

Clark’s spirit sank as he watched her jerk open the back door and duck inside.

Peter glared at Clark. “Now look what you’ve done! Why couldn’t you leave us alone?”

“Because it’s not right. If you’re not planning to marry the girl, then you ought not to be leading her on.”

Peter took a step toward Clark, his eyes blazing. “I’ve had enough of
your pious talk.” He jabbed his finger into Clark’s chest. “You’ve no right to say anything to me. I know what you’ve been up to with Sarah Ramsey. She might be a cripple, but she’s—”

Clark grabbed his shirt and yanked him up. “Don’t you dare say another word about Miss Ramsey!” He gave the boy a fierce shake. “Do you hear me?”

“Put me down!”

Clark released him and sent him scrambling back. “If you say anything to anyone about me and Miss Ramsey, you’ll regret it.”

“You’re in no position to be making threats.” Peter turned and stormed off toward the stables.

Clark closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. If Peter Gates knew their secret, how long before Sir William found out?

William peered through the windshield and guided his car down the narrow lane. It was barely wide enough for them to get by, but he had come this far and he would deliver Miss Foster safely to her door.

She leaned forward. “My parent’s cottage is just up ahead on the left.”

He rolled to a stop in front of the thatched-roof home with whitewashed walls and neat black shutters. Soft light glowed in the two front windows, issuing a warm welcome.

Miss Foster reached for her satchel at her feet.

“Let me get the door for you.” He left the motor running while he circled the car and opened her door. “I’ll drive on and find somewhere to park. I don’t want to block the lane.” He offered her his hand.

She took it and climbed out. But rather than turning toward the house, she looked up at him. She tightened her gloved fingers around his. “Thank you, sir. Thank you for bringing me home.”

He stood very still, gazing down at her. Silvery moonlight highlighted the soft curve or her cheek and the slight dip above her full, upper lip. He swallowed and forced himself to focus on her eyes again. “It’s no trouble at all. My only regret is that it could not be for a happier occasion.”

She shivered and slipped her hand from his. Her blue wool scarf had come unwrapped. He reached out and gently tucked an end around her neck and over her shoulder. “Now, hurry inside before you freeze.”

“Yes sir.” She sent him a brave smile, then walked toward the house. When she reached the door, she stopped and looked over her shoulder.

The sweetness of her expression moved him in ways he didn’t understand. He nodded to her and walked back to the car.

Had that been affection he had seen reflected in her eyes, or simply gratitude? He shook off the question. Surely it was just the emotion of the evening stirring them both in unusual ways.

He must not think there was anything more to it. The inclination to trust his feelings had cost him dearly in the past, and he did not wish to travel that painful path again. But this time it was not Miss Foster whom he feared could not be trusted—it was more his own failures as a husband and father that made him hesitate. His skills in family relationships were definitely lacking. Miss Foster herself had said as much.

No, he must not consider the possibility of anything more than friendship with Miss Foster.

A few minutes later, with the car safely parked at the end of the lane, he knocked on the cottage front door and waited with his hat in his hands.

Julia answered and ushered him inside. He glanced around the cozy kitchen and parlor, where flames crackled and glowed in a stone fireplace. A middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile approached from the parlor. She wore a simple dark blue dress and looked very much like an older version of Julia.

“Mother, I’d like you to meet Sir William Ramsey, baronet of Highland Hall. Sir William, this is my mother, Mary Foster.”

Mrs. Foster sent him a bittersweet smile and offered him her hand. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Sir William.”

“The pleasure is mine. Your daughter has spoken very highly of both you and your husband.”

“Thank you for bringing Julia home. It will be a great comfort to have her here, even for a short time.”

“She may stay as long as you need her.”

Mrs. Foster’s serene expression faltered. “That’s very kind of you, but I don’t want to keep her from her duties at Highland.”

“We have come to rely on her, but there’s no need to make a decision about that tonight. How is Dr. Foster?”

Tears glittered in Mrs. Foster’s eyes. “He has a fever and troubled breathing as well as a terrible cough. I’m afraid he seems to be fading. I wasn’t sure about contacting my son and Julia, but as I prayed about it, I felt the Lord impress that need on my heart.”

He nodded. “Would you like me to send for our physician, Dr. Matthew Hadley? He happens to be having dinner at Highland this evening. I’d be happy to drive back and take the message myself.”

Mrs. Foster glanced at Julia and then turned back to him. “Thank you, Sir William. We would appreciate that very much.”

“I’m glad to do it, and I insist on paying the fee for his visit.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Excuse me.” Mrs. Foster stepped away.

“Thank you,” Julia said softly. “We’re indebted to you for your kindness.”

Mrs. Foster pulled open the door and gasped. “Bea? Oh my goodness, is it really you?”

William and Julia turned toward the door.

“Yes, my dearest Mary, it is!”

The two women embraced, and Mrs. Foster welcomed her visitor into the house. She turned to William and Julia. “Bea, this is Sir William Ramsey, baronet of Highland Hall, and this is my daughter, Julia.” Mrs. Foster clasped Bea’s hand. “Julia, this is my sister Beatrice, Lady Danforth.”

Julia lifted her hand to her mouth. “Aunt Beatrice? Oh, how wonderful to finally meet you.”

William nodded. “Lady Danforth.” She looked slightly familiar, but he couldn’t remember where or when they’d met. Mrs. Foster and her sister were obviously very fond of each other. Why hadn’t Julia met her aunt before? But his questions would have to wait until another time. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off to fetch the doctor.”

Mary Foster extended her hand to William. “Thank you again, Sir William. We’re very grateful for your kind assistance.”