'I intend to go to the Dower House at once. Fetch the gig immediately.'
*
'I don't think we need a governess, Aunt Lydia,' Emma said as they were eating breakfast.
'I know the other candidates were not right, my love, but Miss Carstairs sounds ideal. Remember not to go far as you will have to come in and get ready mid-morning.'
The twins ate in the nursery as they were not old enough to sit at the table with adults. The older children ate breakfast and midday refreshments with her in the dining room, but she dined alone in the evening and the children had nursery tea upstairs.
Yesterday's interview had barely lasted half an hour as the applicant had turned out to be myopic and very deaf – hardly a suitable person to take care of her nephew.
She read through the letter Miss Carstairs had sent. The young lady had worked for three years with a well-to-do family who resided in Bath. She had only left because her employers had decided to move to their northern estates and Miss Carstairs had no desire to follow them.
Her references were glowing, and Lydia had a strong feeling this final candidate would be a perfect match for her charges. The governess stated her academic qualifications, which were exemplary, and also mentioned having a love for animals, the outdoors, and would welcome the opportunity to accompany the children if they rode out.
Benji had taken up residence in the entrance hall. He now had a rug positioned in the far corner where he stretched out every night to sleep. The dog made no attempt to come upstairs and neither did he venture into the other reception rooms on the ground floor.
Although his accommodation should be outside in the yard, Lydia rather liked the fact that such a large beast was prowling around downstairs making sure there were no unwanted visitors during the night. Her staff had been talking about the spate of burglaries taking place at other houses in the neighbourhood – this was being blamed on disaffected ex-soldiers who had returned from the Peninsular wars and were now without gainful employment.
The first of her new gowns had arrived early that morning by carrier and she decided to change into it. She had never owned anything as elegant and it would do no harm to appear dressed fashionably for a change.
She heard the children go past as she was getting into her new ensemble. 'I don't want my hair in a coronet, it is an uncomfortable style. Just do it in my normal manner please, Beth.'
'There, miss, you look a picture. Forget-me-not blue is perfect with your colouring although green would be better as it matches your eyes.' Her maid adjusted the neckline, fiddled with the sash which was in a darker shade of blue, and Lydia was ready.
The gown had puffed sleeves edged with the same blue satin of the sash, but that was the only extra decoration. 'How different I feel wearing a fashionable gown. Having the waist under one's bosom is rather odd, but extremely comfortable.'
'Are you going to wear the gloves and bonnet, miss, as you intend to walk about outside?'
Lydia was about to refuse but then reconsidered. 'I believe I shall, after all I have matching slippers and it would be a shame not to wear the entire ensemble.'
By the time she was ready the children were clattering downstairs again and she heard the crunch of carriage wheels in the turning circle outside.
'I must hurry, I shall be tardy and that would not be an auspicious start to the interview. I cannot expect my employee to be punctual if I do not do the same myself.'
As she arrived in the hall she received a message to go around to the stable yard immediately. She was inappropriately dressed for such a visit, but had no option.
It was quicker to exit the house by the side door and take the flagged path which led directly to the stables. The sound of children shrieking in the distance made her increase her steps. She emerged through the brick arch and almost fell over her feet at what she saw.
'Good morning, Miss Sinclair, forgive me for arriving unannounced but I wished to present the children with their ponies myself.'
She remained rooted to the spot, unable to make a sensible response. He was very tall, not something she had been aware of until now. To see him standing, albeit with the help of crutches, was a shock indeed.
'Good morning, your grace. I am indeed surprised to see you. Benji is not here to greet you, I expect he fears you intend to take him away.' She was gabbling, not making conversation, but if she was not to seem a complete ninny she must gather her wits immediately. 'Where are the ponies?'
'They are in the meadow with the children. Before you go and see them, Miss Sinclair, I would like you to inspect another arrival in your yard.' He pointed towards a loose box which had been unoccupied until that morning. Now the sounds of a horse being inside were quite evident.
Forgetting she was dressed in a gown that did not belong in a stable yard, she ran across and leaned over the half-door. Inside was the prettiest little grey mare, an ideal mount for a timid rider – but not at all suitable for her.
Then he was beside her, his shoulder too close to hers. 'Her name is Peggy. I thought her ideal for you.'
'Thank you, your grace, it was kind of you to think of us like this. Indeed, we are honoured by the fact you have come in person to present your gifts.' She was unaccountably flustered by his proximity and stepped away. 'Forgive me, sir, but I am expecting the arrival of someone who has applied for the position of governess. I believe I heard the phaeton arriving.'
Not waiting for his response, she picked up her skirts and fled. As she had thought, a young lady was at that very moment descending from the carriage. Miss Carstairs was of medium build, average height, but no one would forget her. The young lady's hair was quite visible under her bonnet. It was the most extraordinary colour, a startling shade of red.
*
Everett deftly turned so he could lean his elbows on the half-open stable door and watch the girl run away. There was something different about her today, but he couldn't think what it might be. He had a choice to make – should he join the children or follow their aunt?
Curiosity got the better of him. Bates, who had acted as his driver, was hovering about as if expecting his master to sprawl on his face at any moment. 'Don't bother to unharness the team, I won't be above a quarter of an hour.'
He could move swiftly on his crutches and arrived at the turning circle in front of the house only moments after the girl. Devil take it! His noisy arrival had alerted them and they had turned to watch him. He had no alternative but to approach when all he had intended to do was observe from the shadows.
When he arrived at their side he waited to be introduced and there was an awkward moment when they all stood in silence.
'Your grace, how kind of you to join us so unexpectedly. Allow me to introduce you to Miss Carstairs who will be coming here as the children's governess.'
Whether he was the more surprised by this announcement, or the young lady herself, it would be hard to tell. What was Miss Sinclair thinking? She could hardly have made an informed decision after an acquaintance of barely a minute?
'Come along, Miss Carstairs, I must take you to the children you will be teaching. His grace has kindly purchased them Exmoor ponies which have only just arrived.'
Both young ladies curtsied politely and then strolled off as if he was of no importance. His impulse was to throw one of his crutches after them but he restrained himself. As they vanished into the house he finally understood what had been bothering him about Miss Sinclair's appearance.
Today she looked like a young lady of quality, which she was, and no longer like a poor relation. His determination to find her an accommodating husband was strengthened by this change. He would discuss the matter with Digby as his man would most probably know of a suitable candidate in the neighbourhood.
The man must be reasonably attractive, not more than ten years her senior, and preferably a man with little expectations of his own. He needed to be certain that whoever the girl married would not suddenly take the bit between his teeth and foist
the brats on him. He would have to make it very clear that although they were his legal responsibility, he had no intention of allowing them to live with him.
He was about to make his way to the yard where his carriage was waiting when the little ones emerged from the front door, his erstwhile dog at their side. Benji ignored him and the children and their nursemaid appeared unaware he was watching them.
The children had a ball made from rags and they took it in turns to throw it. He hadn't been aware that the hound would retrieve, but the dog trotted the necessary few yards, picked up the object in his mouth and carried it back to carefully place it at the feet of whichever child had thrown it.
He was entranced and remained leaning against the wall in the shadows for far longer than he had intended. Reluctantly he made his way to his carriage and clambered in.
'Home, Bates, I am redundant here.'
On his return he had no need to send for Digby as the man was waiting for him in the study. 'Everybody we sent an invitation to, your grace, has replied in the affirmative. This means there will be fifty guests attending. I thought, as there are so many to entertain, perhaps you would like me to engage some musicians.'
'Whatever you think best, Digby, the matter is entirely in your hands. As long as there are cards, a decent supper and good conversation, then I shall be content. Before you go, there's another matter I wish to discuss with you.'
He explained his plans for the children's aunt and Digby nodded. 'An excellent notion, your grace, and one I applaud. No young lady should remain a spinster with no children of her own; I have several gentlemen in mind – do I have your permission to add them to the invitation list? Which reminds me, an invitation was not sent to Miss Sinclair; I shall rectify that omission immediately.'
'Excellent. You will no doubt have noticed I am now upright and able to get about the place without that wretched chair. By the time my neighbours come I will be whole again and ready to face the world once more.'
'This great house is beginning to look as it used to, your grace, and I can assure you that the dozens of new staff that have been appointed are all delighted to be here.'
'So I should hope. These past five years have been difficult for me personally, but I pride myself on having remained a good landlord and employer. If this party is successful, then I wish to invite old friends and family for a house party. I believe I should enjoy having people staying here for a few weeks.'
'Exactly when did you have in mind, your grace? People require at least a month's notice if they are to be away from home for an extended period. Your supper party will be the most talked about event held in the neighbourhood this year – I'm sure you are aware that any event held here is guaranteed to be successful. Therefore, your grace, I think you should begin to think about those you wish to invite to your house party. August would be ideal – July would be too early and September too late.'
Everett raised an eyebrow. This was the longest speech he'd ever heard his man of business utter. What had made the man so garrulous?
'I will have the names for you by the end of the week. Miss Sinclair has appointed a governess and I wish you to visit to see that she has made a sensible choice. I must own that I'm beginning to warm to my wards. They are a trifle unruly, but intelligent and well behaved despite that.'
'They are a delightful family, your grace, and the more you see of them the better you will like them.'
His man of business hurried off to add people to the invitation list. Miss Sinclair was no simpleton, Everett knew he must be subtle with his plans for her future or she would find him out and put a stop to it.
*
Lydia hoped she didn't regret her impulsive decision to appoint Miss Carstairs before the children had made her acquaintance. The young lady in question was equally puzzled by this impulsive behaviour.
'Miss Sinclair, I understood my appointment depended on the approval of the children I am to take charge off and yet you have told his grace I have the position.'
'I'm sure they will both like you, and I apologise for speaking so intemperately. The duke is the children's guardian and I live in fear of him deciding to take them away from me. So far, he has shown little interest in their well-being apart from supplying us with a very generous income.'
'I appreciate that, but it doesn't explain why you felt the need to offer me the job in such a precipitate fashion.'
'I have no other candidates coming – you were the last of the applicants that I invited for interview…' Lydia stopped, appalled at what she had been about to say. 'The first two candidates were completely unsuitable but I knew as soon as I saw you stepping down from the carriage that you would be perfect. I deliberately left your interview until the last for that reason.'
The governess shook her head. 'So you didn't offer the post to me as you had no other choice?'
'No, of course I didn't. You see, my dear, I wished to be sure you were the right candidate by seeing the other two as well. If I had seen you first, then I would have appointed you immediately and cancelled the other visits.'
Miss Carstairs laughed. 'Now it is clear to me, Miss Sinclair. You have done exactly as I would have in similar circumstances. All that remains is for me to meet the children and get their approval.'
'They are with their ponies at the moment, so I will show you around first and allow them to enjoy this special morning. I know what will make it certain they wish you to stay – if you offer to teach them to ride as part of their curriculum. I was intending to do so myself, but I see no reason why you shouldn't do it in my stead.'
'There's nothing I should like better. Do you have a mount that I can use so I can take them out once they are proficient?'
'His grace sent a beautiful grey mare for that very purpose. My own horse is arriving later today so we shall be able to ride together.'
Miss Carstairs announced herself delighted with everything she saw including her own accommodation. Lydia had not put her on the nursery floor but given her a pretty apartment on the family floor.
Emma and Richard were as enthusiastic about the new arrival as she was. The new governess departed to collect her belongings and promised to be with them the next day.
'I shall excuse you your schoolwork today, children, as you will have a more regular routine once Miss Carstairs is established here. You will do your studies in the mornings in the schoolroom and, if the weather is clement, you will have outside activities in the afternoons. You will work on Saturday morning but have Saturday afternoon and Sunday free – apart from attending church, of course.'
They rushed upstairs to change out of their best and into something they could get dirty without fear of being chastised. She did the same as she wished to put on her riding habit and take her own horse out for a hack as soon as he arrived.
She had been hoping her new outfit would have arrived before the horse, but unfortunately this was not the case. Therefore, she would have to make do with the habit she had used many years ago when she was still a girl. She was shocked to see the hem was a good three inches from her ankles and the jacket would barely close at the front. There was nothing she could do about this – she would be wearing riding boots and they would ensure there was no indecent exposure of stockings, despite the shortness of the skirts. There was little she could do about the tightness of the bodice and she would just have to pray the buttons did not give way whilst she was riding.
The children had wandered off with Benji and were no longer with the ponies. The head groom, Sam, greeted her with a smile.
'I turned out the little mare, Miss Sinclair, I found that horses which are kept outside do better than the animals confined to stables.'
'I agree, but in the winter my horse and the mare will need to be inside even if the ponies and the cob remain out.'
A large, brown head hung over the loose box door and she hurried over to greet the new arrival. 'What is his name?'
'Sydney, miss, don't answer to anything else so I'm told.'
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She pulled the animal's ears affectionately and the gelding snuffled and rubbed his velvety lips on her shoulder. 'Well, Sydney, you are a fine fellow indeed. I see that you're ready to go out, so shall we proceed?'
She unlatched the door and grasped his bit. He emerged from the box without fuss. Sam hoisted her into the saddle and waited whilst she adjusted her position and put her foot into the single stirrup iron.
'He's a big horse, miss, but as far as I can tell has no vices and a soft mouth. Do you want me to come out with you?'
'As we don't have another riding horse available, you couldn't come even if I wished you to. However, I don't intend to do more than ride around the adjacent lanes and perhaps have a collected canter through the woods. I wish to get to know him before I venture further. As the duke owns all the land within a five-mile radius of here I don't think I will be offending anyone if I ride alone.'
For the first mile Lydia kept the gelding to a sedate walk as she had no wish to go any faster until she had the measure of her mount. 'I am going to like you, Sydney, despite your unfortunate name. Shall we trot?'
She applied a little pressure to his flank and he instantly responded. Within a few strides, she had settled into the rhythm and revelled in the experience of riding a spirited horse. Once she was confident she was in full control she settled back into the saddle, shortened her reins and pressed harder with her heel.
Again he did as he was asked, breaking into a collected canter. As she was unfamiliar with the route she thought it better not to urge him to go faster. She realised after a mile or two that she was perilously close to the big house – she was catching glimpses of this edifice through the trees. She had no wish to appear unexpectedly in the duke's park so decided it might be better to retrace her path.
'That's enough, Sydney, trot now, there's a good fellow.' She leaned back a little and applied gentle pressure to the reins, delighted her mount accepted her instructions so readily. Once they were walking she began the tricky manoeuvre of turning him on the narrow path.
The Reclusive Duke Page 7