The Governess of Highland Hall (32 page)

Mrs. Emmitt gasped, and Mr. Lawrence’s eyes grew as round as saucers.

Tears filled Ann’s eyes, and her chin trembled. She looked at Peter and then Julia, clearly torn.

Julia pressed her lips together.
Please, Lord, help her make the right decision
.

TWENTY

William walked downstairs, his footfalls soft on the plush red carpet, and his mind on the conversation he needed to have with David. He had thought through his approach, but he wasn’t certain about the timing. Would it be better to allow his brother to settle in for a few days, or should he speak to him tonight after dinner?

The question was not simply whether David had the funds to buy William’s half interest in their London home. The real issue was, would he be willing to part with the money to help William?

The sound of a woman crying and raised voices stopped him at the bottom of the grand staircase. He turned to the left, following the sounds. Two maids stood clustered at the open green baize door leading down to the kitchen and servants’ hall.

William cleared his throat. The maids gasped and stepped back.

“Beggin’ your pardon, sir,” the little blonde said, clutching her dusting cloth to her chest. “We didn’t mean to be listenin’ in, but we weren’t sure if we should go down now with all that goin’ on.”

He frowned as he crossed to the open door and cocked his head.

“These people care nothing for you.”

That was Peter Gates’s voice if he was not mistaken. But to whom was he speaking? “You’re just a slave to them. Get your things, Ann, and come with me.”

William drew himself up. Impudent man! How dare he try to convince that young girl to run away with him. William strode past the maids and marched down the stairs. “What is going on here?”

Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Emmitt, Ann, Sarah, Miss Foster, and Peter all turned his way. Peter fisted his hands at his side and glared at William.

Mr. Lawrence met him at the bottom of the stairs. “I am sorry, sir. We didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“It’s all right.”

Mrs. Emmitt scowled at the groom. “Peter is just leaving, and I’ve a mind to send Ann with him.”

William glanced at Ann, who was weeping in Miss Foster’s arms. His sister stood beside them, patting the young maid’s back. Miss Foster lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes filled with sympathy and a plea for mercy.

A ripple of surprise traveled through him. He knew exactly what she wanted him to do, and it was the complete opposite of his housekeeper’s wishes. He considered it a moment more, then faced the groom. “Peter Gates, you have disappointed us with your deceptions and reckless actions. Mr. Lawrence will not be writing a reference for you.”

Peter’s eyes registered shock, but the rest of his expression remained unchanged. “You might be master of this house, but you don’t own me. I’ll be glad to leave this place. No more bowing and scraping to the likes of you!”

William clenched his jaw. “We have nothing more to say to you. You will leave the house immediately.”

Spiteful fire burned in Peter’s eyes. He spun away and stormed off, banging out the back door and striding away into the night.

Mrs. Emmitt lifted her chin, her expression like granite. “I believe the girl should go as well. It will only cause problems if she stays.”

Ann looked at him, a pleading expression on her tear-stained face. “Please, sir, don’t send me away.”

The silent appeal in Miss Foster’s eyes remained unchanged, and he could not ignore it. He pulled in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “I’ll consider the situation.” He nodded to Ann. “You may go upstairs.”

Mrs. Emmitt’s eyes blazed, and she shot a heated look at Mr. Lawrence.

The butler stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Sir, perhaps it would be best if Mrs. Emmitt and I—”

William straightened. “I will let you know my decision.”

Mrs. Emmitt’s silent fuming was unmistakable as she spun away and marched off toward her parlor. Sarah and Miss Foster gathered around Ann and guided her toward the backstairs.

“Miss Foster,” William called. “May I speak to you for a moment?”

She sent Sarah and Ann on and rejoined him. “Yes sir?”

A kitchen maid carrying a basket of potatoes walked past, and one of the footmen strode toward them with a tray of glasses.

“Come with me, please.”

William led her upstairs. When they reached the great hall, he crossed to the fireplace and she joined him there. “I hope you understand why I had to let that young man go.”

“Yes sir, and I think it was a wise decision. He was not willing to admit his mistakes or commit to changing his ways.”

Her agreement warmed his heart, and he nodded.

“But I hope you will consider keeping Ann on. I’m afraid if you send her away now, she’ll run straight into Peter’s arms.”

He didn’t like the sound of that.

“She has made some poor choices, but she is a hard worker, and she doesn’t want to lose her position.”

“So you feel she should have another chance?”

“Yes sir. And if she is given guidance and time to mature, I think she’ll become a fine young woman. I’d like the opportunity to help her.”

“You would keep an eye on her and encourage her to make better choices?”

She nodded. “I would, sir.”

He glanced away. Mrs. Emmitt would not be pleased, and Lawrence would not agree, but he could not deny Miss Foster’s request. He focused on her again. “Very well. Ann may stay.”

Miss Foster’s eyes widened. “She may stay?”

“Yes.”

A smile burst across her face, and she laid her hand on his forearm. “Oh, thank you, sir. This means so much to me.”

He returned her smile, and his chest expanded as warm feelings coursed
through him. To see her so happy and pleased with his decision filled him with deep satisfaction.

“Well, you both certainly look happy.” David crossed the great hall toward them.

Miss Foster dropped her hand. She stepped back and lowered her gaze.

“Miss Foster, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Are you joining us for dinner?”

Did her hand tremble slightly as she smoothed out her skirt? Was she embarrassed by his question or by the fact she was obviously not dressed for dinner, since she had not been invited?

She looked up, her expression serene and giving no hint to her true feelings. “No sir, I will be dining with the children.”

“What a pity. I was hoping we might have a chance to get better acquainted.” David smiled and lifted one eyebrow.

William clenched his jaw.

“If you will excuse me.” Miss Foster nodded to William, then to David.

David watched her cross the great hall and start up the stairs, then he chuckled under his breath. “My, she is lovely. Too bad she is the governess.”

William shot a quick glance at Miss Foster. Had she overheard David’s remark? He certainly hoped not. He stepped toward his brother and lowered his voice. “That’s quite enough.”

David pulled back, a glimmer in his eyes. “What’s the matter, William? Has the pretty, young governess caught your eye as well?”

Julia stifled a gasp and almost missed the next step. She straightened her shoulders and continued climbing, pretending she hadn’t heard David’s comments.

She listened for William’s reply, but she heard nothing. Her throat tightened, and she blinked against her stinging eyes. What did she expect? David’s assessment was correct. She was a paid member of the staff, and her lack of wealth and position created a huge gulf between her and William.

She could never cross that gulf, and he would never choose to do so.

The sorrow of that thought sent a painful tremor through her. When had she allowed her heart to begin to hope for something more?

Had it started at her parents’ cottage when her mother suggested the possibility? Or was it before that, when he took her into his confidence and asked for her input concerning his financial struggles? No, if she was honest, it went even farther back, to the day she had challenged him to spend more time with his children, when he had listened and looked at her with that hint of acceptance and admiration in his eyes. Her heart had been drawn to him then, and those feelings had only grown stronger over time.

How could she have let it happen?

When they first met, she thought he was a brooding, selfish man with little true concern for his children or anyone else.

But now she knew he was a strong, confident man who thought deeply. He loved his children and his sister and took his responsibilities very seriously. And though she didn’t always agree with his decisions, they were based on his desire to do what he thought was right and best for his family and staff. He was an honorable man, a noble man.

Her understanding, admiration, and affection had grown so subtly she hadn’t even been aware of it. Or if she had, she had pushed it aside.

But now that the truth was clear, there was only one choice before her.

She must cast off those thoughts and double the guard around her heart. That was the only wise and prudent choice. But knowing the right thing to do and doing it were two different matters.

When she reached the gallery, the footman announced the arrival of Lord and Lady Gatewood and Miss Alice Drexel.

The desire to see Miss Drexel from a discreet distance tugged her toward the banister, and against her better judgment, she peeked over.

William and David walked forward to greet their three guests, and Lord Gatewood introduced Miss Drexel to William.

Miss Drexel was a lovely, tall blonde, and she wore a stunning silvery-blue evening dress. The beads decorating the lace overdress shimmered as she smiled and offered William her hand. “Thank you for inviting me to Highland. You have a very beautiful home.”

He took her hand and nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Drexel.” He turned to David. “This is my brother, Mr. David Ramsey.”

David bowed to Alice, swept up her hand, and kissed her fingers. “Miss Drexel, it’s a delight to meet you. I detect from your accent that you are an American.”

She nodded, looking pleased. “Yes, I’m from Philadelphia, but I’ve been longing to visit your wonderful country for many years.”

“We’re glad your wish has finally come true.” He tucked her hand into his arm and walked with her toward the drawing room.

Lady Gatewood removed her cape and handed it to the footman, then she turned to William. “What must we do to impress on the girls how important it is to be present when their guests arrive for dinner?” She glanced up the stairs.

William followed her gaze. “I’m sure they will be down soon.”

Julia gasped and stepped behind a pillar. Had she been seen? She certainly hoped not.

What was the matter with her? If she’d caught Katherine or Penelope sneaking around like this, she would’ve given them a lecture about proper manners and respecting others’ privacy. Rather than eavesdropping on her employer and his friends and family, she ought to be more concerned about setting a good example and living out her faith.

With that warning in mind, she slipped down the hall to find Katherine and Penelope and let them know they were late for dinner again.