The Governess of Highland Hall (31 page)

She must speak to Mr. Lawrence. Surely he would know if there was any credence to the story, and he should be the one to confront Peter.

“I’m sorry, Peter, but I have to go.” There was no mistaking the lovesick tone of Ann’s voice.

Mrs. Emmitt’s lips puckered as though she’d bitten into a rotten piece of fruit.

“Just promise you’ll think about what I said.” Peter’s voice sounded as smooth as honey.

Mrs. Emmitt pressed closer to the wall and strained to hear the girl’s answer.

“All right. I promise.”

Mrs. Emmitt pulled back into the shadows as Ann passed. Why was she headed toward the greenhouse rather than the back door? She listened for Peter’s departure, and a few seconds later she heard the boy whistle a tune as his steps faded into the distance.

Mrs. Emmitt peeked around the corner and scanned the empty courtyard. Clutching her shawl around her shoulders, she strode back to the house.

She found Mr. Lawrence in the servant’s hall, having a cup of tea. Lydia and Marie sat across from him at the table. “I need to speak to you … in private.”

He lifted his dark eyebrows. “Very well.”

She followed him down the hall and into the butler’s pantry and shut the door.

“What seems to be the matter?”

“I’ve just overheard Peter Gates trying to convince Ann Norton to run away with him.”

Mr. Lawrence eyes widened. “No!”

“Yes! And that’s not all. He tried to sway her by saying Sir William might be forced to sell Highland to pay the inheritance tax.”

Mr. Lawrence frowned. “Inheritance tax? Do you think he means the death duties?”

“I don’t care what you call them. If it’s true, you and I and everyone else who works here is in serious trouble.”

Mr. Lawrence’s scowl deepened. “I don’t believe it. What would a stable boy know about Sir William’s financial affairs?”

“He said he overheard Mr. McTavish speaking to Mr. Hardy.”

Mr. Lawrence glowered at Mrs. Emmitt. “Where are loyalty and propriety these days? They should not be discussing the family’s private matters among themselves, especially where others might overhear.”

“Of course they shouldn’t, but now that they have, we must use the information to our advantage.”

“And how would you suggest we do that?”

“I’m not sure. We’ll have to keep our eyes and ears open and see what we can learn.” She fingered the keys hanging from her waist and tried to still her trembling hands. “Where would Sir William go if he sells Highland?”

“Back to London, I suppose. He has to provide a home for the children, Miss Ramsey, and his cousins.”

Mrs. Emmitt nodded. “Do you think he’d take us with him?”

“He mentioned the possibility of me going with him to London for the season. But it was just a passing comment. I don’t believe he’d truly given it much thought.”

“What about me? Do you think he’d take me as well?”

“He has hardly had time to develop feelings of loyalty toward any of us.”

“But Katherine and Penelope depend on me. I’ve overseen their care since their mother died.”

“I’m sure the young ladies would want to keep you on, but Katherine is eighteen. She could marry within the year if things go well for her in London. Penelope’s debut is only two years away. And they have Miss Foster to look after them now.”

“Miss Foster indeed!” The burning sensation in Mrs. Emmitt’s stomach flamed into her throat again. “So that’s it? I’m to be thrown out like a bit of old rubbish after all my years of service to this family?”

“There’s no need to be upset. This is all speculation. We don’t know the truth yet.”

“No. We do not. But I don’t intend to stand by and let this all come down on our heads.”

“I’m not sure we have any choice in the matter.”

“Oh, I have a choice all right. And I’m choosing to keep my position and make my future secure.”

Julia placed the jeweled comb in Sarah’s hair and glanced in the dressing table mirror to check the placement. “How does that look?”

Sarah turned to the left and right and smiled. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Julia. You always know just how to fix my hair.” She adjusted her necklace and sighed. “With this hand of mine, it’s nearly impossible for me to make it look the way I’d like.”

Julie smiled at her friend, happy she could help. “Perhaps you should have a lady’s maid now that you are mistress of Highland.”

“I’ve thought about it, but I never had one in London, and since we’re economizing, it doesn’t seem wise to spend William’s money that way.”

“It’s good of you to make that kind of sacrifice for your brother’s sake.”

“I don’t mind. I want to live a simpler life.” Her smile deepened, revealing a pretty pair of matching dimples in her cheeks. “Besides, it will make the transition easier when Clark and I are married.”

Julia looked into the mirror and returned Sarah’s smile. “I suppose Mr. Dalton was glad to hear Sir William has softened his stance.”

“Yes. He’s quite pleased, though we both wish he hadn’t asked us to wait so long to announce our engagement.”

“But it will keep the family close, and you’ll have your brother’s blessing.”

Sarah nodded. “I have to keep reminding myself of that so I don’t grow impatient.” She reached for an earring and held it out to Julia. “Would you help me with this?”

“Of course.” Julia gently screwed the left earring into place, and then the right.

“I wouldn’t fuss about my hair and jewelry, but since this is David’s first
dinner here, and Lord and Lady Gatewood are joining us, I thought I should make an effort.”

“You look very nice. I’m sure it will be a lovely dinner.”

A knock sounded at the bedroom door, and Sarah called, “Come in.”

Katherine and Penelope entered. Both girls’ cheeks were flushed, and they were still wearing their coats and hats.

“Aunt Louisa said to tell you she’s bringing another guest for dinner tonight,” Katherine announced.

It was certainly presumptuous of Lady Gatewood to add another dinner guest at this late hour, but then she often acted as though she was the mistress of Highland rather than Sarah.

“Another guest?” A slight line creased Sarah’s brow. “And who would that be?”

Penelope’s eyes lit up, and a playful smile lifted her lips. “Miss Alice Drexel of Philadelphia.”

“I don’t believe I’ve met her.” Sarah rose from the dressing table bench and turned toward the girls. “How is she connected with your aunt?”

“Her father, Anthony Joseph Drexel II, is in banking, and he and Uncle Albert have business dealings together,” Penelope said.

“I see. And have you met Miss Drexel?”

“She came with us today when Aunt Louisa took us for our dress fitting in Fulton.” Katherine unbuttoned her coat. “She’s twenty-four and quite attractive for an American.”

Penelope slipped the scarf from around her neck and sighed. “I’d say she’s positively regal. She’s tall and blond and has the most unique green eyes, just like the color of moss growing on rocks by a stream. And beside all her outward beauty, she’s the heiress to her family’s fortune.”

“Yes, in America, daughters are entitled to inherit rather than some distant cousin.” Katherine’s voice dripped disdain.

Pain flashed in Sarah’s eyes, but she didn’t respond to Katherine’s jibe. “So what brings Miss Drexel to England?”

A look of delight filled Penelope’s face. “Apparently Alice Drexel’s younger sister, Olivia, was involved in some sort of scandal. Of course that
reflects poorly on the family, and it has dimmed Alice’s prospects for marriage in Philadelphia, so they sent her here to find an English husband.”

Katherine tipped her head, and a mischievous light filled her eyes. “One who would appreciate her fortune and doesn’t mind a bit of distant American scandal.”

Julia’s stomach tensed. What was Katherine implying?

“Alice’s mother died several years ago,” Penelope continued. “So Aunt Louisa has taken Alice under her wing. She’s intent on helping her find a suitable match.”

“How long will she be staying?” Julia asked.

“She’ll be at Bedford Hall with Aunt Louisa and Uncle Albert for at least a month, then she’ll spend time in Bristol before she goes to London for the season.”

“A month … with your aunt?” Julia swallowed. “That’s quite a long stay.”

“Well, it was quite a big scandal.” Katherine glanced past Julia to the clock on the bedside table. “Oh, look how late it is. Come on, Penny, we have to go change for dinner.” She sent her sister a teasing smile. “We wouldn’t want to keep
anyone
waiting.”

Penelope grinned. “No, we would not.”

Katherine took a step and then turned back. “Oh, yes, Aunt Louisa said to seat Alice Drexel next to Cousin William.”

Julia’s breath caught in her throat.

“And David,” Penelope added.

Katherine shot a glare at her sister.

“What’s wrong?” Penny lifted her hands. “Aunt Louisa said to seat Alice between William and David.”

Katherine huffed. “I don’t remember her saying that at all. It was William she mentioned.”

Penelope’s brow creased. “No, I distinctly remember her saying—”

“Never mind, girls.” Sarah motioned them toward the door. “I’ll take care of the seating. Run along and change.”

Katherine whispered something to Penny and tugged her sister toward the door. The younger girl giggled and nodded as they stepped into the hall.

Julia’s concern grew as she watched them. There was obviously more going on than they were saying.

Sarah sighed as she turned back toward Julia. “I was going to sit between William and David tonight, but I suppose I should honor Louisa’s request and rearrange the seating.”

“You are the hostess of tonight’s dinner. You can seat your guests wherever you’d like.”

“But I would hate to upset Louisa and start the evening off on a sour note.”

“I suppose so.” Julia followed Sarah into the hall, but Sarah’s words faded as troubling thoughts rose to replace them.

Would Alice Drexel be a good match for David or William? It seemed that was Lady Gatewood’s intention by bringing her to Highland. David was an eligible bachelor, close to her age, and the more obvious choice. William was eight years older than Alice Drexel, and a widower with two young children. Surely the young heiress would not be attracted to William when she could have David. But William had a title and a grand estate—for the time being. And a wealthy bride might be just the answer to his financial problems.

Why did that prospect seem so troubling? If William remarried, the children would have a new mother, and he would have a companion to comfort him and meet his needs as only a wife could.

Her face warmed, and she quickly shifted her thoughts in another direction. Sir William’s affections and private life were none of her business, although she couldn’t deny the sadness she felt as that thought settled in her heart.

Before she could even scold herself for letting her mind drift in that direction, Lydia came running down the hall. “Oh, Miss Foster, you must come quick!” The maid’s eyes darted to Sarah and she bobbed a quick curtsy. “Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Ramsey.”

Sarah nodded to her. “It’s all right, Lydia. What’s the matter?”

“Mr. Lawrence has sacked Peter Gates, and Ann is crying and carrying on down in the servants’ hall. Mrs. Emmitt looks like she’s ready to pop her
cork, and I’m afraid she’ll sack Ann too if she doesn’t stop. Won’t you come down, Miss Foster? I know Ann will listen to you.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll come with you,” Sarah said.

Julia lifted her skirt and hurried down the backstairs, with Sarah and Lydia close behind. When they reached the bottom floor, the sound of voices raised in a heated argument reached her ears. She dashed around the corner and came to a halt.

Peter stood at the end of the hall, across from the grim-faced Mr. Lawrence. Mrs. Emmitt stood next to the butler, her face set in a stern scowl. Ann clung to Peter’s arm.

The housekeeper drew herself up and narrowed her eyes. “Peter Gates, you have been deceptive and led this young woman into all kinds of trouble.”

Peter lifted his chin, defiance in his eyes. “We’ve done nothing wrong! You’ve no call to dismiss me.”

“I have a very good reason, and I’ve no intention of arguing the point.” Mr. Lawrence held his gaze steady and stood his ground like a commanding general. “You will pack your bags and leave first thing in the morning.”

Ann bit her lip. “Please, Mr. Lawrence, don’t send him away.”

“I’ve spoken to Sir William, and the decision has been made.”

Peter glared at the butler. “All right. If that’s the way it stands. I’ll be more than glad to be done with the whole lot of you.”

“Oh no, Peter, don’t go!” Ann cried. “Please, talk to Sir William. I’m sure you can work things out.” She dropped her hold on Peter and turned to Mrs. Emmitt. “We only met a few times. Nothing bad happened. I promise.”

“Stop! That’s enough! I won’t hear any more of this.” Mrs. Emmitt shifted her glare to Peter. “And don’t even think of appealing to Sir William. No false words or hypocritical apology will make any difference.”

Peter gripped Ann’s hand. “These people care nothing for you. You’re just a slave to them. Get your things, Ann, and come with me.”