The Governess of Highland Hall (13 page)

Julia descended the main stairway, pausing on the landing to examine the large painting that hung on the wall. The size alone made it remarkable, but the subject was even more impressive. A regal-looking knight in a heavy suit of armor rode a handsome white horse. The details, especially those of the horse, captured her attention. Such power and beauty.

“That’s King Charles I. Painted by Van Dyck in 1633.” William did not look the least bit pleased as he mounted the steps and joined her on the landing.

“You don’t care for the painting?”

“Oh, it’s fine. Very nice actually.” He frowned slightly as he surveyed the king’s portrait. “I was just contemplating its value.”

Julia smiled. “I’m not sure why that would displease you. Van Dyck is a well-known artist. It must be worth a great deal.”

“I’m sure it is.” The defeat in his voice surprised her.

She shifted her gaze from the painting to William. The painful look in
his eyes stirred her heart. It wasn’t her place to do so, but she couldn’t help asking a question. “Is something troubling you, sir?”

“It’s nothing.” He looked away.

But she couldn’t ignore his weary, troubled expression. “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t believe that’s true.” She waited a moment more, then gently added, “If you choose to tell me, you can be certain I’ll keep it in confidence.”

“I don’t want to burden you with my family’s problems.”

“It’s never a burden to listen to a friend.”

He studied her. “So we’re to be friends now?”

Her cheeks warmed. “I hope we will be.” She checked his expression, hoping she had not offended him.

His gaze was steady and unreadable, but he didn’t reproach her.

“When burdens are shared, they grow lighter,” she said with a slight smile.

“Is that from Proverbs?”

“No, it’s something my father often says.”

William gave a slight nod, his expression easing. “He sounds like a wise man.”

“He is, sir, very wise indeed.”

William glanced around, looking as though he wanted to say more. “Come with me.”

Her heartbeat quickened as she followed him down the stairs, across the great hall, and into the library.

“Please.” He motioned to a chair, and she took a seat. He walked to the fireplace and turned toward her. “I’m facing some very difficult choices concerning the future of Highland.” The muscles in his jaw tensed and rippled.

“Go on, sir.”

“I never expected to inherit this estate. We all thought when my cousin Randolph passed away that it would go to my elder brother, Nathaniel, but he died unexpectedly in a carriage accident two years ago.”

Julia’s heart clenched. “How terrible. I’m so sorry.” William had lost his wife and his brother within a year of each other.

“Thank you.” William looked away and cleared his throat. “When Randolph died and I learned I would inherit Highland, I was told the estate was burdened by financial difficulties. But I didn’t realize how serious they were.”

Julia nodded, encouraging him to go on.

“That is only part of the problem. The house and grounds are in dire need of repairs.” His pensive expression deepened into his familiar frown. “Then there is the matter of the death duties.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m not familiar with that term.”

“They’re taxes assessed on inherited property.”

Julia nodded and clasped her hands in her lap. “Are you considering selling the painting to pay off the debts and expenses?”

“I wish it were that easy. I’m afraid the sale of the painting would only bring in a portion of what’s needed.”

“I see.”

“The truth is, I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for it all.” He huffed and turned away. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure why I’m telling you this.”

His honesty and vulnerability warmed her heart. “I’m honored that you would.”

He turned back, his gaze intense again. “I’ve sought the advice of my solicitor as well as McTavish, and neither of them have an answer to the problem.”

“It does sound like a challenging situation.”

He sighed and lowered himself into the chair opposite her. “Yes,
challenging
is putting it mildly.”

“Have you prayed about it and asked for guidance and provision?”

Surprise registered in William’s eyes. “Do you think God cares about such matters?”

“Of course. He cares about every concern we carry on our hearts.”

“Yes, I suppose prayer wouldn’t hurt, especially since so many people’s jobs are at stake if we must sell Highland.”

“Do you believe it would really come to that?”

“I’m afraid it’s a very real possibility if I can’t find another answer.”

The desire to help Sir William burned in her heart as a prayer formed in her mind.
Surely, Lord, You have a solution for this problem, or at least some wisdom or encouragement I could share to ease his troubles and give him a bit of hope
.

“Miss Foster?”

She glanced back at him. “Yes?”

“I must find another way to raise the funds we need.”

She nodded. “I have an idea. Perhaps it’s from the Lord, or perhaps it’s from my own upbringing.”

“What is it?”

She hesitated. Would Sir William welcome her input when it would take her across the boundaries of power and position that separated them? Her desire to help him pushed her fears aside, and she lifted her gaze to meet his. “When our family lived in India, I learned a great deal about managing our household and the clinic with efficiency and economy.”

He nodded. “Please, go on.”

“Perhaps I could assist Miss Ramsey in her duties as mistress of the house, and together we could find ways to reduce your expenses.”

He sat back and sighed. “I’m afraid my sister is mistress in name only. Mrs. Emmitt and Lawrence run the house as they did for my late cousin, since he was a widower.”

Julia’s thoughts traveled back to the day in the garden when she’d first seen Sarah’s crippled hand. But that didn’t seem like reason enough to prevent her from stepping into the role as mistress of Highland. “Miss Ramsey is an intelligent and capable person. Surely she could take on those duties.”

“My sister has many fine qualities, but our parents … did not encourage her. Mother didn’t expect her to marry or run a household, so she never taught her those skills. Now she lacks confidence and feels she’s unqualified.”

“Is she aware of your financial troubles?”

“Yes. I spoke with her earlier today, though I hate to trouble her.”

Julia thought for a moment, then looked up. “What if I helped her learn the skills she needs to move into her position as mistress? Overseeing purchasing
and planning menus with simplicity and thrift could save you a significant amount of money over time, especially with a house and staff this large.”

He thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “It’s a place to begin.”

“Yes sir. It is.” She met his gaze with a slight smile, then sat quietly, considering another idea. “Perhaps contacting an art dealer to appraise your paintings would also be wise. Then you will be able to judge whether selling some of them is the best course of action.”

William nodded. “Yes, we must consider all our assets as well as doing what we can to run Highland efficiently.”

“Very good, sir. I believe you are on the right path.”

He stood and extended his hand to her, his gaze warming. “Thank you, Miss Foster.”

Her heartbeat fluttered. She took his hand and rose from her chair. “I’m happy to be of service.”

His gaze settled on her while her pulse raced. She broke eye contact and slipped her hand from his.
Foolish girl! You must not let yourself think you read anything except gratitude in his eyes
.

EIGHT

Sarah took Julia’s arm as they descended the main staircase, then leaned close enough to whisper in her ear. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to face Mrs. Emmitt. She’s so stern.”

Julia smiled and patted her hand. “You’ll do fine. I’m sure of it. Just remember the points we discussed.”

Julia’s encouragement helped, but even so, Sarah couldn’t still the tremor traveling through her. She disliked confrontation and tried to avoid it wherever possible. It reminded her too much of growing up in a home where her father displayed a fiery temper whenever he was challenged, and her mother showed her disapproval with critical words.

Sarah bit her lip. “I’m afraid Mrs. Emmitt won’t be pleased to hear what I have to say.”

“Of course not. She’s been in charge since Katherine and Penelope’s mother died, and she hasn’t had to answer to anyone.”

“I imagine she’ll turn several shades of purple when I ask to look over the household accounts and adjust the menus.”

“Perhaps, but you are her employer. She must listen to what you say and learn to work under your supervision.”

They reached the bottom step, and Sarah looked across the great hall to the painting of Lady Eden Ramsey, the last mistress of Highland. Lady Eden’s deep brown eyes and the confident tilt of her chin made her look so elegant and self-assured. Sarah released a soft sigh. How could she ever step into her predecessor’s shoes? Even challenging the housekeeper about her duties made her tremble to her toes.

Sarah tucked her withered arm into the folds of her skirt and turned to Julia. “Mrs. Emmitt knows much more about running Highland than I do.”

“That may be true now, but you can learn what’s needed, and I promise I will be at your side each step of the way.”

Sarah’s throat tightened. “Thank you, Julia. I appreciate it so much. I feel more confident with you here to guide me.”

“I’m glad to help.”

“I’ve never had a sister, but if I did, I hope she would be very much like you.”

Julia smiled, her blue eyes glowing. “That’s a sweet sentiment. I’ve also wished for a sister.”

“You have a brother, don’t you?”

“Yes, Jonathan and I have always been close, but I believe the relationship between sisters is quite different from that of a brother and sister.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I adore my brothers. I don’t see my younger brother, David, as often as I would like. He’s very busy with his business in London. I’m closer to William. He has always been so thoughtful and kind. He never makes me feel like a burden.”

“You could never be a burden, not to Sir William or anyone else.”

Sarah’s heart warmed, and comfort flowed through her. “You’re just as kind as he is.”

The butler and footman stood near the front door. Lawrence addressed the younger man in hushed tones, then crossed the hall toward Sarah and Julia. “May I help you, Miss Ramsey?”

She glanced at Julia, then straightened. “Yes, Lawrence. Will you please ask Mrs. Emmitt to meet us in the drawing room?”

His dark eyebrows rose slightly. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“No, thank you. I’d like to speak to Mrs. Emmitt.”

He nodded and strode off.

Sarah clutched Julia’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re with me. That took all my courage.”

“You did very well.” Julia sent her a confident smile. “You’ll be a fine mistress for Highland.”

Julia took a sip of tea and glanced around the drawing room while Sarah and Mrs. Emmitt continued discussing changes to the menu. So far the housekeeper hadn’t expressed resistance to the changes, but her heightened color and grim expression made her true feelings clear.

Sarah set her teacup aside. “I’d like to work with you to plan the menu for the servants and the family each week. I also want to review the items you’d like to purchase before the orders are made.”

“But I’ve always seen to the purchasing and menus.” Mrs. Emmitt pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her nose. “I know the dishes the young ladies like, and I also know what Chef Lagarde needs for his recipes.”

“I understand, but we want to use more produce, fish, and game from our own land, and that will require changing the menus.”

Mrs. Emmitt puckered her lips as though she’d been sucking on a tart lemon. “So we’re to eat like poor tenant farmers, then?”

“No.” Sarah glanced at Julia.

Julia smiled and gave a slight nod, urging her on.

“We simply want to be more economical with our food purchases and meal planning.”