The Governess of Highland Hall (28 page)

Julia looked down and pressed her lips together. She did not wish their conversation to become an argument.

He cleared his throat. “I know you don’t agree with me on the matter of my sister and Mr. Dalton.”

Julia opened her mouth, then thought better of it.

“I’ll resolve matters with my sister in time. Right now we must find a way to raise the funds we need.” He rested his hands on the back of the chair across from her. “And I hope discussing it with you will help me find a solution.”

A pleasing warmth spread through her. Did he truly value her input even though they often clashed and came to opposing conclusions? Perhaps her mother was right, and the Lord had sent her to Highland to offer Sir William her encouragement and support through these difficult times. “I am happy to help you any way I can.”

He studied her for a moment, his expression easing. “You are quite the mystery, Miss Foster.”

“A mystery, sir? I don’t understand.”

“You have no experience running a large estate, but I find great comfort talking to you about these matters.”

Her heartbeat quickened, and she looked into his eyes, trying to read the message behind his words, but he shifted his gaze away before she could decipher it. “I’m … I’m glad to hear it.”

He sat in the chair opposite her, apparently unaware of her reaction. “An idea, Miss Foster. We must come up with a new idea.”

She nodded, pushed down her emotions, and turned her thoughts into a prayer. A few moments later an idea formed in her mind. “Is there something else you might sell more quickly than the paintings? Rare books or jewels perhaps?”

“Sarah has a little jewelry, but it was given to her by our mother and grandmother. I wouldn’t want to take it from her.”

“No, of course not.”

He glanced toward his bookshelves. “My late cousin was not a great reader. I’m afraid most of these are common books, and the same is true of our library in London, no first editions or books of special significance.”

Julia nodded. “Do you have any other savings or investments that could be liquidated?”

“I sold my interest in our family business to my brother David before we left London. Most of those funds have already been used to make repairs here. The only other investment I have is our family home in London.”

Julia straightened. “Why not sell the house and use the proceeds to pay the death duties?”

“I would have to convince my brother. He and I are co-owners.”

“Does he live there?”

“No, he has his own residence across town.”

“Do you think he would be open to selling?”

William frowned. “I doubt it. The house has been in our family since the 1840s. We’re all quite attached to it, especially Sarah. David holds parties there a few times a year, and Sarah and I planned to stay there with the family when we go to town.”

“Perhaps your brother would like to buy your half and have full ownership. Then the house would stay in the family, and you might still be able to use it on your visits to London.”

William’s expression eased. “That’s a possibility. If the business is still going well, David might have the funds to buy me out.”

Julia smiled, her heart lifting. “Sarah told me he is coming for a visit soon.”

“He arrives on the twenty-first and plans to stay through New Year’s Day.” William rubbed his chin. “Yes, full ownership of our family home would appeal to David. He likes to feel he is in control.”

“A financial agreement within the family could certainly be handled more quickly than the sale of the paintings.”

“Yes, I believe you’re right.” He looked at her and smiled. “You see. I knew if we talked this through we’d come up with a solution. And I think this one just might work.”

“I hope so, sir.” Gratitude flooded her heart, and she thanked the Lord. If William’s brother would agree to the plan, Highland would be saved, and everything would continue as it had.

But was that what she wanted: to continue on as governess? Or did she long for something more? And what about her dream of returning to India and serving the Lord there? For some reason, that dream didn’t seem to shine as brightly as it had when she’d first come to Highland.

Was that because a new dream was forming in her heart, a dream that included the man who sat across from her?

EIGHTEEN

Reverend Langford’s wise and caring gaze rested on the congregation as he lifted his hand for the benediction. “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The L
ORD
make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The L
ORD
lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.”

Sarah rose from the pew, her queasy stomach fluttering as she turned and scanned the last two rows on the opposite side of St. John’s Church. Several members of the Highland staff stood and prepared to leave, but she didn’t see Clark Dalton among them.

She clasped Julia’s arm as they stepped into the center aisle and walked toward the back of the sanctuary. William, Katherine, and Penelope followed. Sarah leaned closer to Julia and whispered, “Do you see Mr. Dalton anywhere?”

Julia glanced to the left. “He was sitting with the other members of the staff when we came in at the beginning of the service.”

“Yes, but he’s gone now.” She searched across the sea of parishioners filing out the rear door, and her hopes fell. “I thought I might at least be able to see him and say hello.”

“I’m not sure that’s wise unless you’ve worked things out with Sir William.” Julia sent her a questioning glance.

“Not yet.” Sarah bit her lip and looked down, guilt squeezing her heart.

What must Clark think of her? It had been nine days since William had discovered them together. She had written Clark two notes and asked Ann to deliver them secretly, but he had not written back. Was he being
honorable and obeying William’s orders, or had he decided he didn’t love her enough to risk losing his position? Sarah’s heart throbbed, and she slipped her trembling hands in her coat pockets.

Sarah and Julia greeted Reverend Langford at the door, and then descended the steps to the churchyard.

Julia turned to Sarah with a gentle smile. “Why not talk to Sir William today?”

Sarah glanced around, her anxiety rising. “I’m not sure this is a good time. He has been so concerned about the death duties, the art dealer’s appraisals, and David’s visit …”

Julia smiled but sent her a doubtful look.

Sarah sighed. “All right. I admit it. I’ve put it off because I’m afraid of what he’ll say.” She looked back toward the church door as her brother stepped out into the sunshine and shook the reverend’s hand. The two men exchanged a few words before William started down the steps. “What if he dismisses Clark?” Sarah whispered, her voice catching in her throat.

“He hasn’t yet. Surely that’s a good sign.” Julia stepped closer and laid her hand on Sarah’s arm. “Just talk to him. Tell him what’s in your heart. He may not agree, but I’m sure he’ll listen.”

Sarah glanced over her shoulder as William approached. “Please stay with me while I speak to him.”

Julia hesitated, but she nodded just before William joined them.

“Are you ladies ready?” He sent Julia a smile and then shifted his gaze to Sarah.

Sarah swallowed and slipped her handbag to the other arm. “I wondered if we might walk home so I could speak to you about … an important matter.”

He lifted one eyebrow, glanced at Julia, and then Sarah. “If that’s what you’d like.”

“It is. And I’ve asked Miss Foster to stay with me, if you’re agreeable.”

“All right.”

The tension in Sarah’s shoulders eased a bit. “Thank you, William.”

He spoke to Katherine and Penelope and sent them home in the carriage. Then he motioned toward the path. “Shall we walk?”

Sarah and Julia nodded, and they set off.

Sarah prayed for strength, then straightened her shoulders. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my feelings for Mr. Dalton. I know you were unhappy to find us together in his office, but I want to assure you that nothing improper happened between us.”

“I should hope not.”

“I should’ve spoken to you about it when you came to my door that day. But I was upset and afraid I would speak out in anger.” William nodded, looking thoughtful.

“I’ve had time to pray and think things through, and I want to say that I love Clark Dalton very much. And I’m convinced he is a good and kind man who would make a fine husband. But I’m prepared to listen to your concerns.”

William cleared his throat. “Well, I appreciate that.”

Sarah held her breath.
Please, God, soften his heart. Help him put aside his prejudices and see what’s truly important
.

“If you had come to me yesterday, or even this morning before church, I would’ve given you a list of reasons why you should not become involved with Mr. Dalton, but, in the light of Reverend Langford’s sermon this morning and the warning from James against judging a man by his social standing and outward appearance, I am rethinking my position on the matter.”

Sarah blinked and almost missed a step. “What?”

“I’m not saying I have totally changed my mind,” William continued. “But perhaps I was too hasty with my decision.” He glanced at Miss Foster. “I’ve also given it a good deal of thought, and I would not want anyone to think I was not being fair-minded and considerate of your feelings and wishes.”

Joy bubbled in Sarah’s heart. “Oh, William.” She threw her arms around him in a fierce hug. “Thank you!”

His stiff posture slowly eased, and he patted her shoulder before he stepped back. “I am not giving you permission to become engaged to Mr. Dalton. I don’t believe either of us knows him well enough to make that decision yet.”

“Oh, I’m sure once you spend time with Clark you’ll see what a wonderful man he is.”

“Yes, but we need to be cautious and certain of his character before there can be any agreement about the future.”

Sarah pressed her lips together, barely able to keep her smile at bay. “Very well. I do so want your approval and blessing. I’m willing to wait.”

“Miss Foster, you have been very quiet. I’m sure you have an opinion about Mr. Dalton that you’d like to share.” There was a hint of challenge in his voice.

She glanced at him, looking as though she was carefully weighing her words. “I have only spoken to Mr. Dalton a few times, but Reverend Langford says he is a wise and kind man who has a strong faith.”

A look of surprise filled William’s eyes. “You spoke to Reverend Langford about this?”

Sarah hurried to answer. “After Clark made his feelings known to me, I asked Miss Foster to make a few discreet inquiries about him.”

“I see.” He shifted his gaze back to Julia. “What else did you learn about Mr. Dalton?”

“People speak well of him in the village. Many admire the way he cares for his widowed mother and his young niece who came into his home after her parents died. He seems well liked by all the staff. Mr. Lawrence says he’s diligent, and he treats those under him with fairness and consideration.”

William clasped his hands behind his back. “My, you do seem to know quite a bit about him.”

Sarah smiled. “You can imagine how pleased I was to hear these good reports. Knowing he is so well respected gave me confidence to move ahead.”

“If you were so confident, why didn’t you come to me?”

Her smile fell away. “I’m sorry, William. I was afraid you wouldn’t approve, and it would cause a terrible rift between us.”

“And it did for a time.”

“But we are past that now. Thank you for reconsidering. It means the world to me.”

He walked on a few more steps before he spoke. “We must proceed very carefully. I don’t want to stir up a cloud of gossip and put a damper on Katherine’s first season.”

“No, of course not,” Sarah said.

“Your actions must be above reproach. There can be no more secret meetings.”

Sarah nodded.

“You may write to him,” William continued, “and he may write to you. But you may only see each other a few times each week, with a chaperone. And there will be no final decision until this summer, after we return from London.”

Conflicting thoughts swirled through Sarah’s mind. Seven months was a long time to wait. What would Clark say? Did he love her enough to submit to William’s plan? What if William had to sell Highland and return to London? What would happen to them then? But an even more important question rose in her mind: Was she ready to give up everything to become Clark’s wife?

Assurance quickly flooded her heart, and she looked up at her brother. “I understand why you feel it’s important for us to wait, and I hope Clark will agree.”

“If he truly loves you, then waiting a few months should not be too difficult. It will give him an opportunity to prove he is sincere and eager to do things properly.”

Sarah smiled at Julia, then turned to her brother. “Thank you, William. I’m grateful. I’ll go and speak to Clark now.”

“Sarah, would you please wait to see him until after luncheon? Perhaps then Miss Foster can act as your chaperone.” He glanced at Julia.

“Of course. I’d be happy to.”