The Governess of Highland Hall (14 page)

“Chef Lagarde is not going to like these changes. And I’m the one who has to deal with him.”

“I understand it may be difficult for a time, but Sir William and I would like to live more simply. Times are changing, and we must change with them. We see no need for six-course dinners with four types of wine.” Sarah shifted in her seat. “In fact, we see no need for wine at all.”

Mrs. Emmitt’s eyes grew as round as two boiled eggs. “You’re doing away with the wine?”

Sarah nodded. “We’d like to be served Highland’s own cider and water
with our dinner. Sir William won’t be taking brandy after dinner either, or any other alcohol. There’s no need for it.”

“Are you quite sure?”

Sarah nodded. “Yes, so please tell Lawrence he’s not to make any more purchases for the wine cellar until he checks with Sir William.”

Mrs. Emmitt stared at Sarah in stunned silence.

“Do you understand?”

The housekeeper closed her eyes and looked as though she were swallowing a bitter pill. “Very well. I’ll speak to Mr. Lawrence and express your wishes to Chef Lagarde.”

“We … I mean, I can speak to him if you like.”

“No, miss. That won’t be necessary. I’ll tell him.”

“Very good. After you’ve spoken to Chef Lagarde, we can meet again to discuss next week’s menu.”

“Yes, miss.”

Victory flashed in Sarah’s eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Emmitt.”

The housekeeper stood and shifted her stern gaze to Julia. Her silent message was as clear as the spiteful look on her face.
You are responsible for this, and I won’t let it pass
.

Julia pressed her lips together and looked away.

Sarah smiled at the housekeeper. “Thank you for taking time to meet with us.”

Mrs. Emmitt gave a stiff nod. “Of course.” She stood and left the room.

Sarah watched her go, then turned to Julia with a bright smile. “We’ve won our first battle.”

Julia laughed softly and rose from her chair. She gave Sarah’s hand a squeeze. “You did an excellent job.” She opened the drawing room door, and they walked out together.

“I thought she would eat me alive when I said there’d be no wine at dinner.”

“She was quite shocked.”

Sarah mimicked Mrs. Emmitt’s startled expression, and both of them broke out in laughter again.

Lydia came around the corner, carrying a neatly folded pile of linens, and almost ran into Sarah. Her eyes widened, and she bobbed a brief curtsy. “I’m so sorry, miss. I didn’t expect to—”

“It’s all right, Lydia.” Sarah’s eyes twinkled. “We’re the ones who should apologize. We were just celebrating a victory and not paying attention.”

Lydia grinned. “Here’s to your victory then.”

A few minutes later Julia and Sarah walked under the arched entrance to the garden. A chilly wind blew past, swirling around Julia’s ankles and sending a shiver up her back.

She glanced at Sarah. “You did wonderfully with Mrs. Emmitt, but we don’t have to see the head gardener today if you’d rather not.”

“No, I’m fine.” Sarah smiled. “In fact I’m rather looking forward to it. Mr. Dalton is a kind, sensible man. I’m sure he’ll be much more agreeable to our ideas than Mrs. Emmitt.” She wrinkled her nose at the mention of the surly housekeeper.

Julia nodded. “I’m sure you’re right about that.”

“So you’ve dealt with Mr. Dalton?”

“I’ve greeted him when we’ve seen him working in the gardens. He’s always been polite to me and friendly to the children.” She thought for a moment. “Once Master Andrew’s kite was stuck in a tree, and Mr. Dalton climbed up and set it free.”

“Yes, that sounds very much like him.” Sarah smiled again.

Julia studied Sarah and pondered her response. She seemed very familiar with Mr. Dalton. But she did spend a lot of time in the garden, or at least she had during those first few weeks of October, until the weather cooled and the autumn rains began.

Sarah lifted her hand over her eyes and scanned the garden path. “I don’t see Mr. Dalton. Perhaps he’s in the greenhouse.” She set off in that
direction, and Julia followed. They rounded the corner and spotted him trimming the hedge.

He looked up when he saw Sarah, and his smile spread wider. He set his hedge clippers aside, removed his hat, and nodded. “Good afternoon, Miss Ramsey. Miss Foster.” He focused on Sarah again. “How are you today?”

Sarah’s cheeks turned rosy pink as she returned his greeting. “Miss Foster and I have something important we’d like to discuss with you. Could you take a few moments with us?”

“Of course. My office is just this way.” He motioned down the path past the fountain and greenhouse. He and Sarah set off together, discussing how the temperature had dropped in the last few days and the changes that had brought to the garden.

Julia followed, watching their interaction. They seemed quite comfortable together, as though this was not their first conversation. Was there a friendship—or perhaps even a romance—developing between them? Julia smiled. Wouldn’t that be lovely for Sarah?

But she quickly reined in her thoughts. She knew very little about Mr. Dalton, and she had no idea if he was a worthy suitor, especially since Sarah had such a tender heart and little experience with men.

It would be highly unusual for a woman from an aristocratic family to become romantically involved with a member of her staff. A head gardener like Mr. Dalton was a step above a footman, but he certainly didn’t have the same position in society as Sarah and William.

Memories of the Indian caste system, which created such a huge gulf between the classes, came to mind. Her father had often spoken out against it, explaining that God created all people equal. The Christian faith seemed to be breaking down some of the longstanding cultural barriers in India, but it was still difficult for those of different castes to marry.

Though the English liked to think of themselves as more civilized than the Indians, she wasn’t sure it was true. Marrying someone from a different class was still difficult here. Her parents’ situation came to mind and, with it, all the heartache their decision to marry had caused in her mother’s family.

They reached the gardener’s office, and Julia put those thoughts aside. Mr. Dalton showed them in and offered them each a plain wooden chair.

He remained standing by the door. “Now, how can I help you?”

Sarah settled in her chair, then looked up at him. “My brother and I would like Highland to be more self-sustaining. We’re hoping you can help us find ways to grow more of our own produce.”

He nodded and rubbed his chin. “We could expand the kitchen garden, but that won’t give you anything more until next spring and summer.”

“What about the greenhouse? Could we grow more food there?”

“I do grow a few vegetables during the cool months. Perhaps I could increase those.” He frowned slightly. “Though I’m not sure they’re crops you and your family would want to eat. They’re simple fare: turnips, radishes, cabbage, and the like. Not the usual dishes served on your table.”

“I’m sure they’re nourishing, and that’s what’s most important.”

“Very good, miss.” He smiled, appreciation glowing in his dark brown eyes. “I save seed each year, and I have plenty on hand. I can start some more plants today.”

“Wonderful.” Sarah sent Julia a bright smile, then turned back to Mr. Dalton. “I’m so pleased. And I’m sure Sir William will be as well.”

“I’m glad to be of service to you … and Sir William too, of course.”

NINE

Mrs. Emmitt took the key to the store closet from the chain at her waist and inserted it in the lock. She listened for the click, then tugged on the handle to be sure the door was secure. No need to create temptation by leaving it open so anyone could stop by and help themselves. Unfortunately, not everyone was as trustworthy and loyal as she.

Twenty-seven years she had been working in this house, first as a housemaid, then as lady’s maid for Eden Ramsey, the late mistress of Highland. These last six years, since Lady Ramsey’s death, she had been housekeeper, in charge of all the female staff and equal in authority with Mr. Lawrence to oversee the running of Highland and carry out her duties as she saw fit …

Until today.

Her stomach twisted as she recalled her meeting with Miss Ramsey and Miss Foster. Even after all these years, after all she had sacrificed, she was still no more than a hired servant—she had no real control over the running of the house.

Creating menus was
her
responsibility, as was purchasing food and household supplies. Miss Ramsey ought to be asking her opinion and looking to her for guidance, not the other way around.

It wasn’t right!

Mr. Lawrence strode down the hall toward her. “Mrs. Emmitt, might I have a word?”

She noted his frown, and a burning sensation rose and singed her throat. “I am not in the mood to hear any more bad news today.”

“Then we had best discuss this behind closed doors.”

She set her jaw and followed him down the hall and into her parlor. After she closed the door, she turned to face him. “Well, what is it?”

“I’m afraid Lydia is spreading rumors and upsetting the entire staff.”

“Why did I hire that girl? She’s been nothing but trouble since the day she arrived. What did she say this time?”

“Only that Sir William is considering selling Highland.”

Mrs. Emmitt gasped. “Foolish girl! I’ve a mind to find her right now and shake her until her teeth rattle.”

Mr. Lawrence held up his hand. “There’ll be no need for that. I’ve taken care of it.”

“Start from the beginning, and tell me what happened.”

“We were in the servants’ hall, having tea, when she announced she’d heard Sir William was thinking of selling the estate. I was so startled I nearly choked on a biscuit.”

“I can imagine. I’m sure the others were upset as well.”

He nodded. “I told them not to discuss it, then I called Lydia out of the room and reprimanded her for making up a story.”

“I hope that put an end to it.”

He clasped his hands behind his back. “I am sorry to say it did not. She insisted she was only passing on what she’d heard from Agnes, the dairy maid.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake! What would a dairy maid know about such matters?”

“I have no idea. But Lydia seemed quite convinced it was true.”

Mrs. Emmitt heart lurched. “You don’t think she’s right, do you?”

Mr. Lawrence straightened, looking offended. “Of course not. Highland has been in the Ramsey family for four generations. Why would Sir William want to sell the estate?”

“I don’t know, but stranger things have happened.”

“Sir William left his business dealings behind in London and moved his family here. Why would he do that if he intended to sell Highland?” Mr. Lawrence shook his head. “There can be no truth to it—none at all.”

Mrs. Emmitt lowered herself into her chair, her thoughts tumbling over
one another like water rushing down a rocky stream. It had better not be true, or they would all be out of a job. Where would she go then?

“No need to worry, Mrs. Emmitt. That rumor will go no further. I’ve settled the matter with Lydia.”

She sighed. “I’m afraid that’s not our only problem.”

“Has something else happened?”

“Miss Ramsey met with me this afternoon, and she brought Miss Foster with her.” She pursed her lips and sent Mr. Lawrence a meaningful look.

“What did she say?”

“Miss Ramsey wants to control the household purchases, and she intends to make changes to the menus for the staff and family.”

“Really? She seems as timid as a mouse. I can’t imagine her taking all that on.”

“Well, she’s not afraid to speak up now.” Mrs. Emmitt sniffed and took her handkerchief from her sleeve. “It’s that Miss Foster. She’s the one stirring up all this trouble.”

Mr. Lawrence sent her a skeptical glance.

“It’s true,” Mrs. Emmitt wiped her forehead. “Miss Ramsey has barely spoken a word to me since the day she arrived. And now, all of a sudden, she waltzes in with that governess at her side and wants to turn everything upside down.”

“And you believe it’s because of Miss Foster’s influence?”

“Of course. You should’ve seen the way she nodded and urged Miss Ramsey on during our meeting.” She paused and lifted her finger. “And wait until you hear this.”