ROMANCE: His Reluctant Heart (Historical Western Victorian Romance) (Historical Mail Order Bride Romance Fantasy Short Stories) (88 page)

Chapter 2

The day has arrived for me to leave home and set off for my new life as a governess of five young children. My parents have raised me to be independent and strong willed, to know my own mind. Some would say that this is not fitting behavior for a young lady, but I, for one, am glad that is how they raised me. Without the strength they instilled in me, I would never have got through the loss of Peter. Not that I have forgotten him. I have vowed never to marry as I believe he was the only man for me. However, I am able to move on and widen my horizons, because of the self-confidence I have gained from my parents.

And so, it is with a little trepidation that I board the stagecoach and wave farewell to my family. Fortunately, it is not too overcrowded, as these things are often want to be. The Duke offered to send his own carriage, but I would not hear of it. I am a woman of independence and I will overcome my unease of traveling. Having lived in a small town, there has never been any cause for me to go anywhere, but the beach. This is a new experience, one, I hope that I will like.

Though the stage coach appears comfortable, with cushioned seating and curtained windows, I have to admit that it is indeed a very bumpy ride. I feel every hole and every stone that the wooden wheels roll over. Opposite me are a rather large lady and her small husband, which quite amuses me. He keeps bumping into her, yet she remains solid on the seat. Next to me are their two children, making our side of the carriage rather lighter. We seem prone to bounce up and down more than they do, or so it seems. Although I giggle with the children at the experience, I think we will have sore posteriors when we arrive at the travel inn this evening.

The inn is a dark dingy place, though the food is good and the bed is comfortable, so I cannot really complain. Luckily it is almost in the middle of nowhere, so there are not many patrons other than local farming people. I eat my dinner with the family, which pleases me. Although I consider myself independent, I do not really wish to be completely alone. Besides, when they found out where my new employment is, it made quite an impression upon them. Well, the woman was all a dither anyway; I do not think her husband cared one way or the other. Apparently he is a well-known tailor, but the name means nothing to me, though I do not say this to them.

We rise at dawn’s first light and eat a hearty breakfast, though we are soon on our bumpy way again. Some more passengers join us, but they sit on the roof. I don’t imagine it’s the most comfortable or safest way to travel, but probably the cheapest. I feel quite sorry for them as it is a cold and windy day. Still the sky looks clear of clouds, so hopefully they will be spared the rain.

The journey is uneventful, and we seem to make good time, when suddenly a loud crunching noise reverberates through the carriage. The vehicle veers to one side, sliding us down the seat. When we eventually come to a halt, the carriage is noticeably lopsided. We peer out of the windows and watch as the driver and couple of the male passengers from above, begin inspecting the side of the carriage. It seems we have hit a rather large rock and one of the wheels had been smashed. Fortunately, a spare is at hand, and with the assistance of the male passengers, the driver soon completes the repair and we are on our way once again, within a couple of hours.

Finally, we arrive late in the night at Rochester, which is as far as I am going. Here, I am to meet a private carriage, sent by the Duke. I say my goodbyes to my travel companions, and as they set off to the inn, I am met by my driver.

Although the coach is smaller, with fewer horses, it is much more luxurious. I am much warmer and the ride is smoother. Perhaps the roads are better here, though I doubt it.

We arrive at the manor gates and my carriage takes me on a long driveway, which leads to the rather grand looking manor house. Surprisingly, there are people there to greet me upon my arrival. I thought the hour late, but no matter, they have stayed up to ensure my arrival is a safe one. Already I am warming to the household staff.

I’m shown to the kitchen, which smells of freshly baked bread. Thankfully, they had thought to save me a small meal, and I gladly accept it as I have not eaten since breakfast.

After a cup of warm milk, fresh bread and a platter of meats and cheeses, I have my fill and am taken up to my room.

I stand in the doorway, in wonder at the sight before me. I thought my parent’s house to be a large one, as we live over four floors, but this room is enormous. It is filled with luxuriant furniture and the walls are adorned with large paintings. There is a huge and rather high bed. It could fit the entire family from the stage coach, within it, easily.

Trying not to show I am in awe, I thank the maid who has brought me up here. I see also that my baggage has arrived before me. As she leaves, I open up one of cases to find my night dress. Exhausted, I cannot even read by the oil burner, I simply fall straight asleep. I am soon snuggled into the many large feather pillows provided with my bed, and thankful that my journey is at an end.

Chapter 3

I was awoken the next morning, by a maid filling my water bowl with a large jug, she informed me rather coolly, that I would find my breakfast in the kitchen. I had no problem with this and didn’t expect to be waited on hand and foot, but from her tone of voice it seemed there were some issues. It seemed my first day here had hardly started and yet there is animosity towards me, from some of the staff. I was surprised at this, as my welcome last night was most warm.

After bathing and dressing I take myself down to the kitchen in search of breakfast, although I did need to stop staff to ask the way. When I finally arrived, I sought out the cook, Agatha, and as soon as we met I could see this is where my problems have originated. To say she is a formidable woman is an understatement, yet I refuse to be cowed by her presence.

“Good day to you, madam,” I want to appear as professionally as I can. It would be better to get along with the staff, but I will not be bullied by them.

“I am Rosalind Blackwood, from Worthing, and I am to be the new governess to the children of the Duke of Norwood. I do not know yet what is expected of me within the household, so I would appreciate some guidance from you on this matter.” 

“Guidance?” the woman spat at me. “I don’t have the time of day to be holding your hand, this is a busy kitchen, Rosalind Blackwood or Worthing, and you will have to manage by yourself.”

I was taken aback by her attitude, but I was not to be put off. I follow the woman around as she marches across the kitchen, shouting out orders to just about everyone present.

“If I am to manage by myself, then I must go through your cupboards to find some food to eat. I’m sure this will be acceptable under the circumstances,” I say, with confidence in my voice.

“No one goes in my cupboards without my permission,” she replies, her eyes boring into me, her face a mask of shock that I would dare to suggest such a thing.

It seemed that she wanted to make this as difficult as possible for me.

“Very, well, I will speak with the Duke and request that my food be brought up on a tray. I trust this will suit you?” I ask, knowing full well that nothing I suggest is going to suit her. It is clear these people did not care to have new staff arrive.

For that morning, I did without my breakfast, but as I was feeling quite nervous about my new role, I didn’t have much of an appetite anyway. I would give the cook a short while to get used to the idea of my presence. A governess’s role in a house is always a difficult one, and she walks a fine line. She is not of the same status as the other staff, but neither is she the same rank as the family. I had heard that this could cause some resentment when a new governess arrives in the household, but I was confident that I could brave it out until I was accepted. Often a governess comes from a noble family, but circumstances have accrued that leave them in a difficult position, financially, and they need to find employment. This was not the case for me. I have chosen to work instead of marry, for my own reasons.

This is where I have been lucky to have such understanding parents. They know that I cannot conform to the expectations of my class, and simply sit at home awaiting an offer of marriage. I want to marry for love, and not convenience. I nearly did, but alas, it was not meant to be. Instead, I chose to work with children and use my education for the good of society. Pass on my knowledge and teach.

I therefore find myself in a no man’s land; I fit neither upstairs, nor downstairs. Personally, I do not care one way or the other, I am simply me. I can live with my own company quite well, and will do so, until sooner or later I make some friends within this household.

I am to meet the Duke for lunch; so hopefully, I will have a better understanding of how I will fit into the household. By his letters, he is a kindly man who is probably totally unaware of my predicament. However, I will sort out the situation without any help. I understand that people are wary of changes, and I am the cause of changes to their routine. I will seek their friendship, but I have to consider that it may never be forthcoming. These are the difficulties I face, and expected, when I applied for the post. I am far too selfish a person to allow such silliness to bother me. I will be who I am and hopefully, the Duke and the children will be happy with me.

A maid knocks on my door to take me to lunch, which she explains is out on the patio. It is a beautiful day and it will be good to sit out in the sun. This lightens my mood, for I love the freshness of the outdoors air, before the winter sets in and we are stuck indoors shivering for far too many months.

I am taken and presented to the Duke, and he is as much a gentleman as I had judged him to be.

“Your Grace, the pleasure is mine. It is good to finally meet you in person,” I dare to say, not exactly sure how one addresses a Duke, as I have never met one before.

“I wanted to speak with you before you meet my grandchildren,” he said, as I took my seat. “I know much of your father’s work, he is an excellent solicitor. His reputation does him credit. This made you the perfect candidate for what I had in mind. I did not want the children pampered by airs and graces. I wish for them to understand the realities of life, to some extent. Times have been hard for them, since losing their parents, so I wanted a governess not to be too set in her ways. From correspondence I have had with your father, you are a flighty female with far too much independence,” he smiles at me.

“I was not aware that you and my father had corresponded, but I know my father will shed good light on my character, Sir, for it was he who raised me,” I reply with confidence.

“Indeed, indeed,” the Duke agreed. “I want the children to have plenty of air to breathe, and not to be afraid of anything. Can you do that, Miss Blackwood?”

“I will make that my priority, Sir, you can be assured, trips will be aplenty,” I knew we would get on, and we did.

We chatted for much longer while the Duke talked about his grandchildren, I could see his fondness for them. I too had the same ideologies as he, so my job here was going to be perfect.

I probably ate more than I should as I had not breakfasted, but he did not mention it, until I drank my third cup of tea. Then the matter came up, and he laughed heartily at my rendition of my first meeting with cook. Promising that all would be sorted, before we said our goodbyes, it was agreed that I would eat with the family that evening, as his guest. I felt a certain satisfaction at that, knowing that it would probably vex the cook somewhat.

Chapter 4

I am somewhat nervous about eating with the family this evening, especially in such a formal setting. Meal times are always so informal in my own home, in comparison to what will be expected of me here. I am well versed in what dining etiquette, and have no fear of doing anything incorrectly; it is more that the dining table is huge.

When I arrive, the Duke is already seated. He indicates that I should sit next to him, although he is at the head of the table. Once I am seated and comfortable, he asks one of the serving staff to call for the children. They arrive in an orderly fashion and come to the head of the table to greet their grandfather. At this point he introduces each of them, individually.

“I consider myself blessed to have my grandchildren, they give me so much joy, it is a pleasure to have them around.” he informs me as he hugs each in turn. “First we have Harriet; she is the oldest at eighteen. Harriet is to be married shortly, but we will discuss that another time.”

“Lady Harriet, I look forward to playing the piano together,” I say to her, and indeed I did.

She says nothing and simply curtsies and goes to sit opposite me.

“Next, we have Mary. She is fifteen and flighty with it. Mary reads far too many books, especially by that Edgeworth woman, filling her head with nonsense and giving her all the wrong ideas.”

The Duke had a mischievous smile on his face and it was obvious he was teasing poor Mary.

“Grandpapa, that’s not fair,” she defended herself. “Do not tell the new governess such a thing.”

She also did a small curtesy and went to sit next to Harriet. I looked across and could see she was blushing furiously.

“Don’t worry Mary, I like to read Maria Edgeworth too,” I told her; aware I was causing mischief myself. “I’m sure we will have much to discuss, you and I.”

A little girl stepped up close to her Grandfather, and the Duke introduced her.

“Here is Margaret, who, at ten years old, has decided she never wants to ride a horse again. The horse she was learning to ride on decided to deposit her onto the floor, without any serious injury I hasten to add.”

“I still agree to ride in a carriage, grandpapa, just not in a saddle,” she said with a serious look to her features.

Margaret went to sit next to Mary.

“Ah, little Phoebe, who is a whole nine years old and loves to ride horses,” he said.

Phoebe came to sit at my side of the table, but left a space between us.

“Finally, we have Laurence, who is five and spoilt terribly by his sisters.”

Laurence came to sit at my side.

“Do you ride, Miss Blackwood?” Margaret asked me.

“Indeed I do, Lady Margaret,” I replied. “Perhaps I can help in your dilemma?”

“I doubt it Miss Blackwood,” Mary says, “Margaret refuses to go near the horses. But, I do wish you luck. She really should get back in the saddle, don’t you think?”

“I’m sure Miss Blackwood has a whole agenda of ideas for you all, but now is not the time to discuss this, just yet,” the Duke stops the conversation. “For now, we show our manners and simply welcome the new governess into our home.”

As he finishes, he indicates for the staff to begin serving dinner, of which we start with a most delicious soup.

“My compliments to the cook, Your Grace,” I say, once I’ve finished the first course. “The use of herbs in the soup was inspiring.” I did mean my compliment, but I had said it mainly so word would get back to cook, and she might look upon me a little more favorably.

“Yes, we are very fortunate in the kitchen. Agatha has been with us years and she is good with herb remedies as well, should you ever have a cold or fever, Agatha will have a remedy,” the Duke informs me. “Girls, while we await the next course, why don’t you explain the rooms to Miss Blackwood?”

Mary was the first to speak, “We have rooms set aside for our use, Miss Blackwood. The nursery is where we keep the toys, but only Laurence tends to go in there. Next door is the classroom where we do our book work, and then there is the piano room, and finally there is a room where we do our sewing. I think you will find them all most agreeable,” she finishes.

“Thank you, Mary, for your informed description. It seems then that the reading room is where we will start our day, shall we say 10 ‘o’ Clock?”

“So long as we do not have to learn Latin,” Margaret speaks up. “Grandpapa says that only Laurence will have to learn such a boring subject, and we can continue with our French.”

“Miss Blackwood and I shall discuss your subjects, so fear not, nothing shall be missed,” the Duke says. “I have a tutor coming in to teaching the girls the string instruments, but we will discuss this further after dinner. For now, everyone, let us eat.”

The rest of the meal is just as delicious as the soup, and I eat heartily, each course seemingly better than the previous. By the end of the evening I have eaten my fill, and note to myself that I must be more restrained at meal times, or adjustments to my dresses will become necessary.

After dinner we all move into the drawing room, where the children play and I sit and discuss their education with their grandfather. I am pleased that we soon have a solid timetable established, by the end of the evening. It makes my task easier, to be organized from the onset. At which time I am introduced to the two nursemaids. Laurence has his own nanny, as he is still quite young, but the girls share one, as they become more independent. I liked the nursemaids; they both seem kindly and suited to caring for children. I think the Duke has good taste when choosing his staff. Now, all I need to do is work on the cook, and everything should be fine.