‘Og…ogre! N…no, sir! Of…of course not!’ she stammered. ‘Excuse me, I must call the girls in. They must change before they get cold. Lisette! Pip!’ She gave him a curiously embarrassed little nod and walked away to where Lisette and Pip were playing. He was impressed to see how they ran to her, took her by the arms, one on each side, and towed her in towards him. They greeted him with their usual affection, but when Miss Petrie ordered them into the house they obeyed her.
‘You’ve done well, Miss Petrie,’ he said as they followed the girls at a more sedate pace. ‘I think I made the right choice of governess after all.’
‘Choice, sir?’ she said with a sceptical look. ‘It was my impression that you thought me a last resort!’
‘I thought you far too pretty. Tell me, why do you screw your hair into that hideous knot? Your honey-gold curls are far more becoming.’
Mr Barraclough had spoken without thought. The minute the words had left his mouth he regretted them. The girl was bound to be embarrassed by such a personal remark from her employer. But Miss Petrie did not flush in embarrassment or lose her composure. Her eyes were suddenly no longer forget-me-not, but ice-blue, and she froze him with the sort of look he would have expected to receive from a duchess in a London drawing room. ‘Not, however, to a governess,’ she said coldly. ‘Excuse me.’ She increased her pace towards the house.
He caught her up at the door. ‘Forgive me,’ he said. ‘That was an unpardonable piece of impertinence. Please accept my apology.’
She hesitated, still with that film of ice around her, ‘Very well, sir. But if you will excuse me I must see to your nieces.’ She gave him a slight curtsy and started for the stairs.
Edward went to his library and flung himself into a chair. What a fool he was! Why the devil had he made such a stupid remark? Though…it wasn’t as stupid as all that, said a small voice inside. Miss Petrie did look prettier with her hair loose. He dismissed the thought as irrelevant. Miss Petrie was a governess. A governess. One did not make such remarks to a governess. One reserved that sort of compliment for a flirtation with one of Society’s beauties, or for one’s mistress perhaps.
Confound it, why was he in such a state about it? He had apologised, hadn’t he? The girl was not even the type he admired! Things had come to a pretty pass when a dab of a governess could make him feel presumptuous for passing a perfectly harmless comment about her hair. Who the devil did she think she was?
Edward got up and strode out of the room, shouting for his groom. He was in a thoroughly bad mood. Perhaps a good gallop through the fields would improve his temper.
From her window Octavia watched Mr Barraclough ride off. He looked displeased. She sighed. It was not surprising he was angry. Her response to his remark about her hair had been the conditioned reaction of Lady Octavia, daughter of the fourth Earl, not one to be expected of Miss Petrie, the governess. Miss Petrie might be embarrassed, but she would take more care not to offend, especially as her master acknowledged his fault almost immediately, and apologised. The truth was that she had been confused, surprised by her pleasure at what he had said. She had received many a compliment in her time and very few had affected her in the slightest. Why had Edward Barraclough’s remark pleased her so? He was not at all the type she admired. His remark had not been particularly polished. Why had she been pleased? She had no idea. No idea at all! She turned away from the window and walked about the room impatiently.
She must take care. This situation was exactly what Edward Barraclough had feared when he had been reluctant to engage her. Too young and too pretty—that had been his objection to her. A featherhead! Well, she had proved she was no featherhead, but he probably now regretted having relaxed his guard, having complimented her on her work with his nieces. Octavia gave an impatient sigh. It had taken a lot to overcome this prejudice of his, and now it looked as if her efforts had been wasted. They would be back on their old footing when they next met.
She came back and sat down by the window. The past weeks had been so enjoyable. The Barraclough girls were everything she had thought, responsive, affectionate, and each in her own way imaginative. She loved teaching them. And recently she had seen a different side to Edward Barraclough. He no longer quite seemed the ogre she had thought him. Since he had taken to joining them on their afternoon walk he had seemed to be more human, with an unexpectedly strong sense of humour, often with a fine sense of irony behind it. Somewhat to her surprise she had enjoyed his company. Yes, Edward Barraclough was definitely more interesting than she had first thought him.
Had she shown him this too freely? Had he begun to think he might find a little extra amusement here to lighten the time he was forced to spend at Wychford until his sister-in-law could relieve him? A gentle flirtation with the governess? Octavia stopped short and stood in the middle of the room. The thought was highly unwelcome. If that was the case, the sooner Mr Edward Barraclough was shown how wrong he was the better! A break was called for. She would speak to him the next day, and claim the free time he had promised her. And when she got back she would make sure she had her behaviour under better control.
Her suspicions increased when Mr Barraclough sent a request that she and Lisette would join him at dinner that night. Till now, if he was at home in the evening at Wychford, he had always dined by himself. Why had he decided on a change tonight? She was inclined to make some excuse, but Lisette begged her to give her her support.
‘You must come, Miss Petrie! I wouldn’t know what to say or do without you there to help me!’
‘That is nonsense, Lisette, and you know it. We dine every night, you and Pip and I, and your manners are always perfect.’
‘I’m sure to forget them if you’re not there. I love Edward, but he’s sometimes so intimidating, especially when he talks about politics and things. And this is the first time I’ve dined downstairs. I shall be so nervous I shan’t be able to say a thing. No, you must come. Please don’t send your excuses!’
So Octavia gave in, helped Lisette choose a dress, then went to her own room to see what she could find for herself. There wasn’t a great deal of choice. Acceptably plain day dresses for Wychford had been comparatively easy to find, and the addition of a pretty shawl or scarf was enough to make them suitable for the evening meal with the girls. But most of her more formal dresses were either too frivolous, or too obviously rich. Not one was really the sort of thing a governess would wear. In the end she had brought a gown in dark grey mousseline, which she had worn during the period of mourning for her mother. It was cut comparatively high in the bodice with sleeves down to the elbow, and its train was small enough to escape notice. This she put on, together with a wide lace collar that had belonged to her mother. She had dressed her hair in its usual knot, and added a small cap of the same lace. Octavia would not admit even to herself what a temptation it had been to allow some of those famous curls to escape.
When the time was right she collected Lisette, and they went down the stairs together. Edward Barraclough was standing at the foot. For a moment he watched them without smiling. Octavia’s first thought was how distinguished he looked in evening clothes. Her second was that however well the trappings of civilised society suited him, they could not disguise what he was. There could not be a greater contrast between the memory of her light-hearted, fair-haired, blue-eyed first love and this dark, powerful, successful man with his scarred eyebrow, and more than a touch of ruthlessness about him.
The top of the stairs was dimly lit, and Edward at first did not see Miss Petrie. She was standing half-hidden behind Lisette, wearing a dark dress that made her practically invisible. Then she moved and he saw the touch of white at her throat. Her hands came up to straighten the girl’s shoulders, and give them an encouraging pat, then they started down the stairs together. Lisette was dressed in white, her dark blue eyes glowing like stars, her cheeks faintly flushed with excitement. Edward was filled with pride and pleasure. Apart from her amazing beauty Lisette looked like
any normal, slightly nervous, sixteen-year-old girl. The air of sadness that had surrounded her ever since her parents’ accident had almost gone.
His attention turned to Miss Petrie. She was wearing a grey dress with a white lace collar. Her hair was drawn back severely under a small cap. The effect was one of quaker-like modesty, but in spite of that she had such an indefinable air of distinction that anything less like a little dab of a governess could hardly be imagined. What was it about her?
Edward pulled himself together. The invitation to this dinner was for Lisette’s benefit. He wanted to see how his niece’s social education was faring under Miss Petrie before his exacting sister-in-law appeared. Julia would complain bitterly if Lisette’s manners had fallen off. Besides, after this afternoon’s contretemps, he was curious to see how Miss Petrie herself behaved in more formal situations.
‘Lisette, that dress becomes you very well.’
‘Miss Petrie chose it for me, Edward. And she helped me to choose what to put with it. I’m glad you like it.’
Edward turned to Miss Petrie. ‘Shall we go in to dinner?’ he said coolly.
It was not long before Edward realised that Lisette’s manners could not be faulted. Moreover, he suspected that Miss Petrie’s standards were every bit as high as those of his rigorous sister-in-law, if not higher. He could hardly believe that the two elegant creatures gracing his dinner table were the same two females who had been racing about the lawn that afternoon! At first Lisette was nervous in this new and formal situation and said little. But Edward noticed how Miss Petrie gradually drew her into the conversation, speaking of things the girl knew about, asking her about life on Antigua. After a while Lisette had regained her confidence and was talking quite naturally.
Edward turned his attention to the governess. She puzzled him more with every meeting. He was not surprised at her efforts to show Lisette in a good light, but the manner in which she had done it, the confident ease, her poise, were impressive. And though she was dressed modestly, a closer look had told him that the lace she was wearing had cost someone a pretty penny. What was her background? Lady Dorney’s letter had been enthusiastic, but apart from the mention of care for an elderly relative it had not gone into any detail about Miss Petrie’s family. It was time he tried to find out. Lisette was talking of the afternoon’s game.
‘You looked as if you were all enjoying it immensely. Who taught you, Lisette?’
‘Miss Petrie. She knows a lot of games. She used to play them with her brothers and sisters.’
‘Do you come from a large family, then, Miss Petrie?’
‘Quite large, sir. But I was the youngest.’
‘The eighth, perhaps? Since your given name is Octavia.’
‘There were originally eight of us, yes. One of my brothers was killed at Waterloo.’
‘Along with a great many others. That was a hard-won victory, indeed. What regiment was he in?’
‘The Fifty-Second.’
‘A crack regiment! You must be proud of him. Is yours an Army family, then?’
‘I wouldn’t say so. Stephen was the first of my brothers to join the Army,’ she said briefly. But before he could ask any more she went on, ‘From what you have told us, you were in India during the Waterloo campaign?’
‘Yes, I spent some time in Madras.’
‘That must have been an interesting experience. Is life there as hard as they tell us?’
With the unwitting aid of Lisette, who asked quite a lot of questions, Miss Petrie led the discussion away from herself and towards his account of life in India. He suspected this was not by chance, but if it had been deliberate the change of subject had been deftly done. However, he did not allow her to put him off for long. As soon as there was a break in the conversation he said, ‘Tell me, Miss Petrie, how did you come to know Lady Dorney?’
There was a slight pause, then she replied, ‘She is acquainted with someone for whom I have worked.’
‘As a governess.’
‘No, I believe I told you—I was looking after an elderly gentleman.
‘And why did you decide to leave him?’
‘I haven’t left him altogether, Mr Barraclough. We both needed a change for a short while—that’s why this position suits me so well. At the moment he has someone else to see to him.’
‘I see. And Lady Dorney is a friend of his, perhaps?’
He saw how she shifted restlessly under his questions. ‘She is a…a distant relative,’ she replied after a pause.
‘Is she a friend of yours, too?’
‘I would like to think so. She…she is somewhat older than I am, and has lived a different sort of life.’
‘How different?’
Miss Petrie gave him a straight look. ‘Lady Dorney is a wealthy widow,’ she said abruptly. ‘And very well respected. She was the first person I thought of when you asked for a reference. Is it not satisfactory, Mr Barraclough? I could find others.’
‘That will not be necessary. The letter is very complimentary. And I’ve heard of the Dorneys.’
‘Good!’
There it was again, the touch of tartness, the hint of challenge! Most servants would be stammering with relief. But not Miss Petrie!
She went on, ‘In fact, Mr Barraclough, I’d like you to release me for a day or two in the near future, in order to visit Ashcombe. I think we agreed that I could visit my family occasionally, and I haven’t yet been back at all.’
Edward wished, he was not quite sure why, that he could think of a good reason to refuse, but there was none. ‘Of course!’ he said. ‘I shall be in London tomorrow, but I think I can arrange to be here for a few days after that. Will the weekend suit you?’
‘Miss Petrie! Why do you have to go? Pip and I will miss you!’ cried Lisette.
‘It won’t be for long,’ her governess said with a smile. ‘Forty-eight hours at the most. The weekend will do very well, Mr Barraclough.’
‘But—’
‘Don’t try to put Miss Petrie off, Lisette. She may have more than an elderly relative to see. A beau, perhaps?’
‘Have you, Miss Petrie?’
‘Governesses don’t have beaux, Lisette. Those are for beautiful young ladies who are to make their début next spring.’ This was said with an affectionate smile at Lisette. The smile faded as she turned to Edward. ‘I hope Mrs Barraclough’s injury will not prevent her from travelling to England for much longer. Is there any further news?’
Edward decided to concede victory for the moment. He would postpone further delving into Miss Petrie’s background to another occasion. He said calmly, ‘From what I’ve heard, matters are proceeding normally. My sister-in-law is reasonably strong, and very determined. She will come as soon as she can, I’m sure. Are you so anxious to be free of us, Miss Petrie?’
‘Not at all, sir,’ she replied politely. ‘I have agreed to stay for two months, and I shall. After that—’
‘We shall have to see.’
‘As you say, we shall have to see. And now I think it is time for us to leave you to your cigars and port, sir. Lisette?’
‘Are you not going to gossip in the drawing room till I join you?’ he asked with a mocking smile.
‘I think not.’
He found her quietly decisive air a challenge and asked, ‘What if I insist?’
‘Then we would have to agree, of course. But you wouldn’t be so unreasonable! I’m sure you are pleased with Lisette’s conduct tonight, but she isn’t used to such late hours.’
Edward looked at Lisette and saw that she was having difficulty in keeping her eyes open. He laughed. ‘You’re right! And you’re right about something else. I am pleased with Lisette. I congratulate you on your management of her, Miss Petrie. Miss Froom herself couldn’t have done better. Goodnight.’
Lisette went to her uncle and put her arms round him. ‘Goodnight, Edward,’ she said sleepily. ‘And thank you for a lovely evening.’ She went towards the door. Her governess made to follo
w her.
‘Miss Petrie!’
‘Sir?’
‘You must tell me more about your brother some time. Or shall I volunteer to take you to Ashcombe?’
Her eyes widened briefly, then she said composedly, ‘That won’t be necessary, Mr Barraclough. You’ve already promised me the use of your gig, and I can easily drive myself. I wouldn’t dream of taking up your time. Goodnight. Thank you for a pleasant evening.’
He walked to the door with her to see her out. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. But there was no shortage of spirit and pride in her carriage as she went gracefully up the stairs, the train of her dress trailing behind. A very unusual governess, Miss Petrie!
Chapter Six
Octavia had a hard time with her younger charge the next day. Pip was furious that she had not been included in Edward’s invitation to dinner, and none of Octavia’s attempts at consolation had any effect on her. When Lisette added to her sister’s grievances by telling her that they were about to lose Octavia’s company for two whole days, she took the news very badly indeed. She was rude during morning lessons, refused to eat her meal at midday, and later wandered out into the grounds in the afternoon before the others were ready.
Octavia decided not to pursue her immediately. Pip was basically sensible. She wouldn’t come to much harm in the short time before they joined her, and a brief period in her own company might help to cure her of her megrims. So it was a few minutes before Octavia and Lisette set off round the lake to the woods at the other side. The leaves were turning fast, and their colours were more brilliant than ever. Lisette was enchanted and she and Octavia spent longer than they had intended gathering specimens to press in her notebook.
A Very Unusual Governess Page 7