The Governess of Highland Hall (39 page)

“Are you all right, Ann?”

The maid slowly shook her head. “I can’t stop thinking about Peter and wondering what he’s doing, especially tonight.”

Julia reached out and touched her arm. “I’m sorry.”

Her eyes grew misty. “I haven’t heard from him since he left. Not even one letter.”

Sympathy filled Julia’s heart. “I know that must be hard.” Ann’s painful news confirmed Julia’s impression that Peter had little true concern for Ann or what was best for her. Still, Ann cared for him, and she needed consoling.

“I don’t know how I’ll ever get past it.”

“Losing touch with someone you love is never easy. But the pain will ease if you give it time.”

“I don’t see how it could. I love Peter, and I always will.”

Julia slipped her arm around Ann’s shoulder, wishing there was more she could do. “Are you going down to the servants’ party?”

Ann shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d just spoil the fun for everyone else.”

“But it might take your mind off your troubles.”

Ann bit her lip, looking torn.

“What if I went with you?”

Ann’s eyes widened. “Would you?”

“Of course.” Julia sometimes felt out of place in the servants’ hall, but if going down to the party would help ease Ann’s broken heart, then she would make the effort.

“All right.” Ann’s face brightened. “I’ll just go up and change.”

“Knock on my door when you’re ready.” Julia glanced down at her plain skirt and blouse, wishing she had something special to wear to the party.

“I’ll be right back.” Ann hurried off toward the stairs.

Julia hoped she would not regret her decision. Staying up until midnight and ushering in the new year with a toast and some revelry wasn’t the usual way she spent New Year’s Eve. The footmen had been joking about the party, making it sound rather wild. But surely Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Emmitt would be there and see that things did not get out of hand.

She chuckled and shook her head. She had no doubt about that.

William glanced at the clock in the drawing room and took a seat next to Sarah on the couch. He sat back, thankful he could soon bid everyone good night. He was tired of parlor games and trite conversation, but it would be rude to leave before the clock struck midnight and he wished everyone a happy new year.

Alice, Katherine, and Penelope sat opposite him, while Lord and Lady
Gatewood were seated on his right. David stood by the fireplace, a drink in his hand. William frowned—that was at least David’s fourth drink since they’d left the dining room.

William had lifted the ban on alcohol for the evening because Lord and Lady Gatewood had sent over a special selection for New Year’s as their gift. Unfortunately, David’s drinking had loosened his tongue and caused a few uncomfortable moments during their game of charades.

Between Katherine’s flirting, David’s bragging, and Alice’s playful banter, he longed to call it an evening. It wouldn’t have bothered him so much if Lady Gatewood hadn’t been watching him and Alice so closely. He could practically see the matrimonial wheels turning in her mind, and it grated on his nerves.

“Let’s play one more round.” Alice smiled across at him, her green eyes dancing. “I love charades.”

“I’m not sure we have time.” William checked the clock again.

“Then why don’t we play Alphabet Minute? That doesn’t take long.”

David took another glass from the silver tray. “Sounds like a grand idea. I can converse at length on any topic.” He smiled and downed the amber liquid in his glass.

William narrowed his eyes at David. “Yes, but can you think clearly enough to start each sentence with the next letter of the alphabet?”

“Of course I can. My mind is as sharp as a sword and as strong as … as strong as it needs to be to play Alphabet Minute.”

William shook his head. “I think you’ve played enough games tonight.”

“Whas wrong with you, William?” David’s words slurred. “Why are you always so serious?”

Heat flooded William’s face, and he clenched his jaw. He’d had enough of David’s surly comments.

Sarah stood. “Why don’t we just enjoy conversation for the next few minutes?” She turned to Mr. Lawrence. “Will you please prepare the champagne for our midnight toast?”

“Yes, miss.” The butler moved to the far end of the room where the champagne waited on ice.

Sarah joined Penelope and Katherine and engaged them in conversation.

William stared into the fire, his mood sinking lower. What would the new year hold for him? If David wouldn’t buy his half interest in the London house, would he agree to sell it? Could they even find a buyer in time? If the house did sell, where would they stay when he took his family to London? He’d assured Katherine she would have her debut this April. Lady Gatewood would have a fit if he canceled those plans after all the effort and expense she had borne in the preparations.

What if he sold the London house, and then ended up losing Highland as well, where would he go? He had to provide a home for his children, sister, and cousins. He sighed and closed his eyes, his concerns feeling like a four-stone weight bearing down on his shoulders.

“Why the long face, William?” Alice sat beside him.

“It’s nothing, at least nothing for you to be concerned about.”

“All right.” She smiled and patted his arm. “But if you ever need a friend to listen to your troubles, you can count on me.”

He nodded but didn’t reply. Somehow the prospect of talking to Alice about his concerns didn’t seem nearly as comforting as sharing them with Miss Foster.

He glanced toward the open door leading to the great hall. Had Miss Foster enjoyed being included in the family’s New Year’s Eve tea this afternoon? Where was she now, up in her room? Perhaps he should go check on her. He shook his head. That wouldn’t be appropriate, especially not this late in the evening.

“William?”

He turned back to Alice. “Yes?”

She searched his face, her brows drawn together. “I don’t think you heard a word I said. It’s almost midnight.” She nodded toward the clock, a look of impatience in her eyes. “Shouldn’t you gather everyone for the toast now?”

Irritation coiled in his stomach. Alice was sounding a great deal like Lady Gatewood, and he didn’t appreciate her tone. He rose to his feet and nodded to Lawrence.

The butler carried the tray of champagne flutes around the room, serving each guest. They all stood and formed a loose semicircle in front of the fireplace.

The clock struck midnight, and William lifted his glass. “Happy New Year, everyone.”

“Happy New Year,” they all responded, then exchanged smiles and took sips of champagne.

As the clock continued to strike, Sarah turned to David and kissed his cheek. “Happy New Year, David. I’m very glad you’re here with us.”

Penelope and Katherine exchanged a kiss on the cheek, and Lord Gatewood kissed his wife.

Alice looked up at William with a smile.

Heat flushed his neck and face. A kiss at midnight was traditional. It wouldn’t mean anything special. “Happy New Year, Alice.” He leaned toward her intending to kiss her cheek, but at the last moment she turned, and her lips met his. Her mouth was soft and warm, and she responded with unguarded enthusiasm.

Surprise shot though him, and he pulled back.

She smiled, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s all right, William. It’s New Year’s.”

His brother slapped him on the shoulder. “Bold move, William. You’re making me jealous.”

Alice laughed softly and kissed David on the cheek. “Happy New Year.”

David slipped his arm around Alice’s shoulder and grinned. “I’ve decided I love American women, truly I do.” His hand shook slightly as he lifted his champagne flute and nodded to William. “I told my brother you were a beautiful woman the first day we met. Any man who marries you will be very lucky. Isn’t that what I said, William?”

William took hold of David’s arm. “That’s quite enough. You don’t want to embarrass yourself.”

“No, that’s what I said. I remember it all very clearly.”

William pulled him closer and lowered his voice. “Keep silent. You’re making a fool of yourself.”

David pulled his arm away and glared at William, then crossed to the piano, turning his back on everyone.

Sarah moved the group to the great hall and William followed. They bid Alice and Lord and Lady Gatewood good night. Alice sent William one last smile as she stepped out the door.

Sarah sighed and turned to William. “I’m off to bed. Good night.” Katherine and Penelope climbed the stairs with her.

William paced into the library. Though the hour was late, he would not be able to sleep until he calmed the troubling thoughts swirling through his mind.

The servants’ hall buzzed with conversation and laughter as the staff gathered to enjoy their New Year’s Eve celebration. Chef Lagarde, the kitchen maids, and Mrs. Emmitt had baked all afternoon, and now the table was loaded with sweet and savory treats for the staff to enjoy.

Julia took a cup of cider and a piece of shortbread from the tray and found a seat next to Marie, one of the maids. They had just finished a rousing game of Forfeits, and she was glad for a break. Thankfully, she had not been asked to perform a song or tell an amusing story to regain the handkerchief she had placed on the table at the beginning of the game.

When Nelson suggested they play, Julia thought about excusing herself and going upstairs, but Ann seemed eager to take part, so Julia stayed. She looked across the room and spotted Ann sitting with Lydia by the piano, a smile on her face. Julia’s spirits lifted. It was good to see Ann enjoying herself again.

Nelson slung his arm around Betsy’s shoulder. “I think Betsy should
sing another song for us.” Several of the servants clapped for the kitchen maid who had already entertained them with one song during the game.

“I’ll play the piano, if you like,” Lydia added with a smile.

Betsy grinned, her rosy cheeks glowing. “All right. I’ll sing, but only if you’ll all sing along.”

Hearty agreement rose from the group, and soon Betsy was leading them in “Sweet Rosie O’Grady.” Then she taught them “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” and finally they sang “Meet Me Tonight in Dream Land.”

Heat flooded Julia’s cheeks as they sang the chorus. She was used to singing hymns and sacred songs, and it didn’t seem proper to sing about spooning and cuddling in the moonlight. She glanced around the group during the next verse, but they all joined in without hesitation, even Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Emmitt.

“Come on, let’s sing the chorus again,” Betsy called.

“Meet me tonight in dreamland,

under the silv’ry moon;

Meet me tonight in dreamland,

where love’s sweet roses bloom.

Come with the love-light gleaming,

in your dear eyes of blue.

Meet me in dreamland,

sweet dreamy dreamland,

there let my dreams come true.”

As Julia sang, a vision of William’s handsome face and deep blue eyes filled her mind. A warning echoed through her heart, and she tried to banish the image. It was foolish to let the words of the song sway her emotions. But when she sang the chorus a third time, her thoughts returned to William, and the longing in her heart grew stronger.

If only he would think of her in such a tender and loving way, take her into his heart, and cherish her, how happy and grateful she would be. Her
throat tightened, choking off her voice, and her eyes stung from unshed tears.

She swallowed and glanced toward the door. Perhaps she should leave before someone asked her what was wrong. She could never admit she grieved for William and the love and life they could never share.

But she didn’t want to spoil the party for Ann. She glanced across the room again. Ann leaned against the side of the piano as Lydia played. One of Clark’s young assistant gardeners stood beside her. Ann glanced at him with shining eyes, and they exchanged a smile and continued singing.

Ann didn’t need her. No one needed her—especially not William. Not since Miss Drexel had arrived at Highland.