Introduction
KatherineGalloway,grievingherfather'sdeath,facesfurtherdistresswhenherbrotherinsistsonherweddingwithanaffluent, elderlybaronettopreservethefamilywealth.Desperatetoescapethishorriblefate,sheassumesanewidentityandbecomes thegovernesstotwoorphanedgirlsatanancientmanoronthewildnorthmoors.Tohersurprise,shefindsherselfincreasingly drawntotheirreservedandaustereguardian,theMarquessofMidland
CanKatherinediscoverloveasahumblegovernesslivingunderaconcealedidentity?
William, the Marquess of Midland, finds himself guardianto his two youngnieces followinga familytragedy. Distant and withdrawnfromsociety,Williamfightsagainsthismother’sdesiretohavehimmarryalocalbeauty Littledidheknowthatthe arrivalofthenewgovernesswouldsparkanimmediateinterestandattractionwithinhim.Yet,heunderstandsthatpursuingher, givenherlowlystatus,woulddefysocietalnormsorcausescandal.
Willherejectconventionandallowthisforbiddenromancetoturnhislifeupsidedown?
In the moments they share, William and Katherine sense an undeniable, blossoming connection that slowly warms their troubledsouls.Therulesofsociety,though,lookcertaintoextinguishthisfragilebond. Assnow cloudsgather,rumorsofa mysteriousstrangerarrivinginthevillagespread CouldtheshadowofKatherine’spastreachasfarasthisremotelandscape? WillKatherineandWilliamdefyopposition,conquertheevilgatheringaroundthem,andfindaneverlastinglove?
“YouwillmarrySirJasonProtheroe Thearrangementsaremade,andifyourefuse,then,mydearsister,youwillbedestitute”
Katherinestaredindisbeliefatthearrogantmanstandinginfrontofher.Ifhedidn’thavepoweroverherfortune,shewould laughinhisface JamesGalloway,herbrother,lookedridiculousinhisredcoat Hewasnolongerinthearmybutinsistedon wearinghisuniformatalltimes.
It was getting a little tight for him, too,shethought What a pompous oaf
Whatshould she do? Agree to the marriage and reduce James’controllingsurveillance, or stand her ground and continue to refusetomarry?
Sheglancedataminiaturepaintingofherdearpapaonthewalnutwritingtable.
This is my home Papa and I came here when he left Cambridge; we spent so many happy evenings reading together by the fire.
In her reticule was the letter that had arrived two days ago, which provided an escape route. Her breathing eased as she consideredtheofferofagovernesspositioninthenorthcountry.
“James,Iobjecttoyouarrangingamarriageformewithouthavingthecourtesytoevenmentionittome”sheprotested “You tellmeIambetrothedtoSirJasonProtheroe,abaronetthirtyyearsolderthanme.Heis,Ibelieve,evenolderthanourfather,” sheaddedthroughgrittedteeth
Katherinemayhavebeenpetite,butherfeistypersonalitymadeupforthis.Sheraisedherchinandstoodherground,looking directlyintoherbrother’seyes Helookedaway,unabletolookherintheface
“Iamyourlegaltrustee,andifyoudonotfollowmyinstructions,thenIwillensurethatyouwillbepenniless.”
“Itisdreadfulthatamancantreatawoman,whoisofage,inthiscontrollingandcondescendingmanner,”Katherinesnapped back,herblueeyesburningwithanger.
“Come, come, my dear. All you need to do is marry Protheroe and keep himhappy for a few years,” he implored. “His settlementforyouisgenerousandwillpayfortherepairsonourpropertyandprovidemewithacommissioninthemilitia.” He banged his glass downonthe table “Katherine, youhave to see reason This marriage is the answer to all our family difficulties.”
Shereachedbehindherforthecornerofthebookcase. I am to marry a man I cannot bear because you want a country estate and a commission in the army Have you no consideration for my future? shethoughtinfrustration.
“Protheroehasconnectionsand£20,000ayear.Thishousewasneversuitablelodgingsforourfamily.Itwasnecessarytorent outourcountryestateatFairburyHouse,butyourmarriagetoProtheroemeanswecanreclaimourancestralhomeandlivethe lifeofthetonagain”
HeturnedawayfromKatherineandpouredhimselfanotherglassofcognacfromthecrystaldecanterbeforecontinuing.
“In my opinion father should never have been persuaded to let Fairbury House. If I had been home, it would never have happened,”Jamesconcludedwitharrogance.
“Youknow verywell thatFather hadno choice Our financial situationwas precarious, and the onlyoptionwas to move to town,”Katherinereplied,holdingbacktears.“Wecouldliveherecomfortably,withanincomefromrentingFairburyHouse. Thedecisionwasnottakenlightly.”
“Hewasbadlyadvised,”snarledJames.“However,yourmarriagemeansthefamilywillbesecure,andwecanholdourheads highinsocietyoncemore.”
“Youare quite despicable,” retorted Katherine. “It is clear that youare arrangingthis matchto support your ownfinancial future Youmeanthatyourfuturewillbesecure Youcarenotwhathappenstome,”sheshuddered,unabletolookatJames
Shestaredatthestill-lifeoilpaintingonthewallimmediatelybehindhim.Therewasmorelifeinthefruitandflowers,caught inamomentintime,thaninherbrother.Hewassofullofhisownschemesthathelackedallcompassion.
HowcouldJameslooksolikeherbelovedfatherandbesodifferentincharacter?JamesGallowayenjoyedusinghisheightto intimidateothers Hekepthisdarkbrownhairinanarmycutanddidn’tholdwithfashion Hisangularfeatures,paleblueeyes, andimpeccablemannersdisguisedamanipulative,controllingpersonality.Hewasnotyetthirty,buthisattitudetolifegavethe impressionofbeinginhismid-forties.
Katherinetookadeepbreath,coldairclearingherhead,andmadeasplit-seconddecisiontopretendtocapitulateandagreeto theplan.ThemonotonousdroneofJames’voice,imploringhertomarryProtheroe,hadpersistedmostoftheday;evenwhen hestoppedtalking,shecouldstillhearhimresonatinginherhead
Katherinehadanuncannyabilityforsolvingproblemswithapracticalandresourcefulapproach
She needed some quiet time to thinkabout how to put her escape planinto action. She would leave Londonand disappear withoutatrace.
She lowered her eyes and tooka seatonthe wornvelvet-covered settee, makingher tightfingers relaxinto the velvet. She neededtoconvinceJamesshehadexperiencedachangeofheart,whichwouldbetricky
“YousaythatifImarrySirJason,ourcountryestatewillreturntothefamily?” questionedKatherine.
“That,sister,iswhatIhavebeentryingtotellyouallweek,”saidJames,lookingatKatherinewithloathing
“Andallfather’sdebtswillbesettled?”shecontinued.
“Easily, the marriage settlement is verygenerous,” he added, withirritationthat his sister seemed unable to understand the necessitytomarry.Heblamedtheirfather,whohadencouragedhertohaveanindependentandinquisitivemind.
“Verywell.”KatherinepausedandlookedJamesdirectlyintheeye.Sheneededtokeephernerve,swallowingthelumpinher
throat,knowingshehadtoconvinceJamesshewassincereinthischangeofheart.
“IwillmarrySirJasonProtheroeaweekonSaturday,”shesaidquietly.
“However,” she continued,“Iinsistthatsome ofthe settlementis placedina trustinmyname,accessible onlybyme.” She tookanother breathtosteadyher racingpulse “IfIamtomarrya portly,elderlygentleman,whomIhave never met,thenI demandthatIhaveafinancialsettlementwhichbenefitsme.”
James looked confused He was unsure how to respond Onthe face ofit this was a victory, as Katherine was agreeingto marryProtheroe.However,hewasreluctanttolosecontrolofanyofthefinancialsettlement.
“Itisuptoyou,James,”continuedKatherinewithfirmresolve “ThosearemyconditionsformarryingProtheroe,andifyou agree,IshallinstructMrClayton,Papa’ssolicitor,tosetupatrustaccessibleonlybyme.”
“Very well,” agreed James with obvious reluctance “I am seriously unhappy with your attitude and demands, but, in the circumstances,Iwillagreetothoseterms.”
Soonafter, James wentto his ownroom, and she heard himsnoring He had beendrinkingheavilyall day, and she doubted anythingwouldwakehim.
TimetopackmoreofherbelongingsandpreparetoleaveLondon Shehadstartedtopackthatmorningbutaccomplishedlittle Her maid, Alice, brought her hot tea, bread, cheese, and some cold cuts of ham. She had hardlyeatenfor two days, while JameshadcontinuallybulliedherintoagreeingtomarrytheodiousSirJasonProtheroe
Katherinebegantosortthroughaboxofkeepsakes,tryingtodecideonthefewpossessionstotakewithher.Shefoundalength ofexquisiteFlemishlacebelongingtohergrandmother ShecaughtherbreathwhenMama’smoonstonenecklaceandearrings fell out ofthe lace onto the table. Evenonthis dull, cloudyday, theywere luminous inthe light. She would treasure these memoriesofhappiertimesasshecreatedanewfuture
“Oh,Miss,thisisasadday,”whisperedAlice.“I’vedonewhatyousaidandpackedmyownbag,readytoleave.Thankyou forarrangingworkformeinyourfriend’shousehold.”Alicebegantocry.“Iwishthingsweredifferent,”shesobbed.
Katherinegentlypattedherarm.“Wehavetodothebestwecan,Alice.IneedtoknowyouaresafefromJames’angerwhenhe discoversIhavegone,andyouwillfindyournewemployerisakindperson,”Katherinereassuredher
Alicesniffedandattemptedasmile.“Now,Miss,youneedtoletmepackyourthings.Iknowwhatyouwillneed,anditwill bequickerifyouletmedoit.”
Withinthe hour,Katherine’s twoportmanteaus were packedwiththe essentials she wouldneedinher new life.Theywould leaveinthemorning
Later,inthedark,shelayawake,unabletosleep.TherewasnonoiseexceptthereassuringsnoresfromJames’room.
Oh, Father, I miss you so much
James’returntoEngland,sosoonafterherfather’sdeath,hadmeantthatshehadlittleopportunitytomourn.Howshewished for one more happyeveningsittingbythe fire withher papa readingMr HenryFielding’s novel together. The adventures of TomJoneshadmadethemlaugh Ironically,theheroine,Sophia,runsawayfromhometoescapeanarrangedmarriage
Herfather,ascholar,hadpassedonhisloveoflearning,andKatherinewasaccomplishedinliterature,languages,andhistory. Herdearmamahadpassedonherknowledgeofmusicandart Thegiftoflearningfromherparentswouldgiveherameansof escape.
Shesatinfrontofthesmallhearthinherbedroom,feelingthewarmthofthefireonhertoes,tooktheletterfromherreticule, andreaditagain.
Was she making the right decision?
Shehadbeengrapplingwiththissincetheletterofferingherthepositionarrivedtwodaysago Itwashardtoleavetheplace shehadspentsomanycomfortabledayswithherfather.
Shehadsecuredapositionasagovernessinthedistantnorth,farenoughawaytobesafefromJames’schemingcontrol.Now shehadthemeanstobuildanew lifeunderanew identity.Shehadbeengivenanescaperouteandcouldseizeitandtravel intotheunknown.
ShewouldneversubmittoamarriagewithSirJasonProtheroe.
Midland Manor, Easingfield, Yorkshire
“Well,William,haveyougivenanyfurtherthoughttothisneedforamotherforthegirls?”askedhismother,Constance,Lady Midland,herblondehairpinnedintoanelaboratestylethatshowedherchiselledfeaturestobestadvantage Shewasoneof themostclassicallybeautifulwomenintheton,anddespitethetraumaoflosingherdaughter,shehadnotlostherlooks.
“No, ma’am, Ihave beensomewhatpreoccupied withestate administration” Desiringa suitable stepmother for his nieces, WilliamAshton,MarquessofMidlandhadentertainedthenotionofremarrying.However,noneoftheladiesparadedbefore himbyhismotherseemedtocapturehisinterest
Williamoftengavetheimpressionofbeingsomewhataloof,alittleguardedwithothersuntilheknewthemwell.Ofaverage height,hegavethosemeetinghimforthefirsttimetheimpressionofbeingtaller.Itwassomethingabouthowheheldhimself, physicallystrong,withtheinnateconfidenceofahandsomemarquess
ButhehadclosedoffemotionallyfollowingthedeathofhiswifeandthenthedevastatingdeathofhissisterElizabeth
“Thereisanynumberofsuitableyoungladiesintheneighbourhood.Itistimeyoumarriedandgaveyourniecesamother,”his motherwasfondofremindinghim.
Williamturnedawayabruptly.“Youmeanwell,Mother,soIforgiveyou.ButevenifImarry,Ifearnothingwillreplacetheir mother’sloveandcare”
“Thereisalsothematterofanheirtothisestate,”persistedhismother,herpiercingblueeyes,whichWilliamhadinherited, holdinghisattention
“Mama,youhave,over thelastthreeyears,paradedahostofladiesbeforeme.Ihave,ofcourse,noticedthefair charmsof numerousguestsatthehousepartiesyouhaveorganised Ihavedined,danced,andtalkedwithallofthem,andIamasfarfrom remarryingasIwaswhenyoustartedthiscampaigntomarrymeoff.”
“Ihavetriedtointroduceyoutosuitableladies,andyouhavethwartedmeateveryturn,”shereplied,frustrated “Anoldwidowerlikemecouldnotfailtonoticetheirbeauty,butIhavenodesireformarriage.”Hedraggedhishandsthrough hisfairhair
Williamstudiouslyavoidedhismother’spenetratinggaze.Shewasundeterred.
“Soyouhaven’tgivenanyfurtherthoughttomysuggestionofagovernesseither?”sheasked,wrappingherfansharplyonthe Chippendalesidetable.
“No,Mother,asIsaidearlier,Ihavebeenpreoccupiedwithurgentmattersontheestate.”
matter longenough. Theylosttheir father to a suddenfever;infact, Idoubttheyevenremember him. Elizabethnever really recoveredafterhisdeath.That’swhenshetooktogallopingacrossthecountrysiderecklessly.”
Hetookadeepbreath,awarethatheusuallymanagedtoavoidthisparticularconversation.Hismother’swordscutintoadeep wound,andthepainatthememoryofhissister’sdeathonlyintensifiedovertime.
“Mother, please, stop there.” Even now, the emotion made the words stick in his throat. Intense guilt struck him, as it did wheneverhissister’snamewasmentioned.
Whilehis mother requestedteaandaskedfor thefiretobebankedup,William’s thoughts driftedtothetragiceventthathad broughthisniecestoliveatMidlandManor.Theirmother,hisvivacioussister,sofulloflife,deadafterherhorserefusedto jumpahedge,reared,andthrewher,breakingherneck
Hislovely,brightsister,mothertotwotinylittlegirlsorphanedinamoment
Memories flooded in. Ifonlyhe could change the events ofthatbrightspringmorning. He had beenengrossed inthe estate accounts, annoyed at the knock on the door breaking his concentration. His mother stood there, drained of colour, tears streamingdownherface.
“Elizabeth,”shestammered “Therehasbeenanaccident ShetookafallfromMistyatthathedgewherethemeadowmeetsthe river.Wemustgonow.”
Astheyracedtothemeadow,theysaw agroupstandingsilently,staringatabodylyingontheground Hetookhismother’s armandguidedhertowardsthesceneoftheaccident.ThewayhismotherkneeledbesideElizabeth,tryingtoreviveherwith smellingsalts.Shelayunresponsiveandmotionless,andheknewhisoncevibrantsisterwasgravelyinjured.
“Theysaidnottomoveher,ma’am,”saidGiles,thegroom.“We’vesentforthephysician.”
Despite knowinghis sister had gone, Williamhoped againsthope thatshe would revive The physicianexamined Elizabeth, and,afteranagonizingpause,helookedatWilliamandshookhishead. “I’msorry,MyLord,YourLadyship,butsheisgone.I believeherdeathwasinstantaneousasherneckisbroken.”HeclosedElizabeth’seyesandbowedhishead.
Time stopped for Williamthen, and he had lived witha weightofguiltsince thatday. The physician’s words hithimlike a sledgehammer,propellinghimintoanew reality HehadgivenElizabeththehorseas agiftfor her birthdayonlysixmonths ago.Hewasindirectlyresponsibleforthistragedy.Hefeltdespairandguiltashesawthefacesofhispoormotherlessnieces.
Henoddedhisthankstothephysicianandturnedtosupporthismother.AkeeningwailroseintotheairasLadyMidlandsank toherkneesonthewetgrass,beginningthelongprocessofmourningforherdaughter.
“Runtothehouse,Giles,fetchmymother’smaid,andtellMrCrabtreetoprepareawarmfireandhottea”
Engulfedinthedepthsofdespair,heknewthatteawouldnothelphismother’sgrief,buthewasunsurewhatelsetodointhis newrealitytheywerelivingin
“Mother,comeaway.Wecandonomore.”
“No,William,Iwillnotleavemybaby.Iwillstaywithmydeargirluntiltheycarryherhome.”
I will shield myself and my family from experiencing such profound pain in the future We will live through this as a family, hethought.
Helookedathissister’sface,alreadyresemblinganeffigyonastonetombmorethanalivelymother,daughter,andsister I vow to protect Elizabeth’s children from having to live through such pain again.
Williamhadgivenhisniecesahomeandtakenhisguardianshipseriously Theyhadtheresilienceofchildrenandinthemonths after,“Is Mama an angel now?”hehadheardthemaskinghismother.
“Shealwayswasanangel,mydears,andstillis,eventhoughsheisnolongerherewithus,”shewouldreplywithtearsinher eyes.
William,lostinmemories,wasabruptlybroughtbacktothepresentbyhismotherproclaimingshehadtakenmattersintoher ownhands.Herstridentvoicebrokeintohisthoughts.
“I have engaged a governess; she comes highly recommended and will join the household later this week,” his mother declared.
“Mother,youdidwrong Thisisunacceptableinterference”
“Thegirlsneedconsistencyandaneducation.You,myboy,shownosignsofremarryingandbringingthemanewmother.This situationcannotcontinue, so Ihave takenmatters into myownhands and found a governess Ifand whenyoumarry, we can reviewthesituation.Youtakelittlenoticeofyouradopteddaughters.YouareneverhereatMidland,andyouscarcelyhavea conversationwiththemwhenyouarehere Thiscannotcontinue”
Hefeltapangofguilt.Tryashemighthefeltareservationwithhisnieces,areluctancetobecomeclosetothem.
“Iamglad to be here for them, butIcannotprovide the educationtheyneed. Agoverness. Theyneed a governess, and my granddaughterswillhaveone.Iwillbrooknointerference.”Hismotherwasadamant.
“Dashitall,Mother Youhavegonetoofarwiththisplan”
“Iamdetermined,William Ifyourefusetoconsidermarrying,thenthereneedstobeadifferentsolution MissWalterswill arrivelaterthisweek.”
Astheembersinthehearthfaded,Katherinestood,lookingaroundherbedchamber,readytoembarkonthejourneytoanew lifeinthenorth.Tomorrow shewouldevademarriagetotheelderlySir JasonProtheroeandfindrefugebyusingher talents andbecomingagoverness.
Papawasgone,andsherefusedtoconsenttoherbrother’sschemetoforceherintomarriageforhisownfinancialgain.
Justoveramonthago,whenJamesreturned,shehadrealizedthatlifeinahouseholdruledbyhimwouldbeintolerable
Whiletalkingwithherfriend,Lydia,LadyTranmere,aplanhadbeguntoformtohelpherescapefromthenightmareofliving underherbrother'scontrol Shehadtheskillstobecomeagovernessorcompanion Whenitbecameclearshewasexpectedto marryProtheroe,herfriend,Lydia,widenedthesearchtofindKatherineapositionurgently.
“I’vefoundyouaposition,”disclosedLydiaoneday “Theletterarrivedthismorning Here,readit,”andshepushedtheletter intoKatherine’shands.
“Truly?Thatistremendousnews Jamesisarrangingforaspeciallicencesomymarriagecantakeplacewithinweeks”
“Lookhere,aletterfromafriendofmymother’swhoislookingforagovernessfortwolittlegirls.Mymothercanvouchfor herfriend,soyouwillbesafeandwell-treated”
“Idon’tknowwhattosay?”Katherine’svoicefaltered.“Icouldnotbearthethoughtofmarriagetothatman.”
Tears filled Lydia’s eyes. “The sadness for me is thatIwill miss youso verymuch, myfriend. The positionis inthe North RidingofYorkshire,onaremotemoorlandestate.”Lydiagraspedherfriend'shand.“Iknowyouwillbesafethere,Katherine, andthat’swhat’simportant”
Since then, Lydia had writtento confirmher acceptance of the positionand booked her a place onthe stagecoachto York. TherewouldbenotracksforJamestofollowonceshehadescaped
Themorningofherdeparture,Katherinemanagedtoavoidherbrother,James,untilhecametoinformherhewasvisitingthe solicitor’sofficetomakearrangementsforthetrustshewasspecifyingasaconditionofthemarriage.
Katherinesensedthebarelysuppressedangerinthewayhespoketoher.Itdidseem,however,thathewascomplyingwithher request
“Istillthinkthisisaridiculousproposition,Katherine Iamseriouslydispleasedwithyourattitude,butifthisiswhatittakes togetyoutothealtar,thenIwillmakethearrangements.”Jamesalmostspatthewordsout.
Of all the conceited, arrogant … shethought He is displeased with me Shewantedtotellhimexactlywhatshethought,but herplanneededhertoplaytheconvincingpartofareluctantlycompliantsister.
“Thankyou,James
marryingthiselderlyman,”sherespondedwithcalmdetermination.
“Iwillreturnlaterthisafternoon.YouwillnotleaveorgoanywherewhileIamout.DoImakemyselfclear?”heinstructed, enjoyingtheroleofjailer.
“Ofcourse,James Ihadnoplanstogoouttodayanyway,”Katherinerespondedpolitely
Controlling, despicable man. Oh, Father, why did you have to die? James is a monster I no longer recognise.
KatherineheardthedoorslamshutbehindJames Heclearlyneededhertoknow hewasunhappywithherbehaviour,which madehersmile.Hewouldbeevenmoredissatisfiedwhenhediscoveredshewasgone.
Lydiawasprovidingacarriageand,toKatherine’sintenserelief,hadfoundAliceapositioninherownhousehold
Alicecameoutofthebedroomdraggingtwoportmanteaus.“Allisready,Miss.Wecantakethesedownstairsreadyforwhen LadyTranmere’scarriagearrives.Ifyourbrotherreturnsforanyreason,thenI’lltellhimthesearemybags,butitlookslikehe hasgonetothesolicitor.Ithinkyourplanmightwork,Miss.”
Afewminuteslater,aslightfigureslippedoutofthebuilding,awarmwoollencloakwrappedaroundherbody,coveringher darkbrownhair.Acarriagepulledup,andAlicehelpedthecloakedfigureloadherbelongingsinamatterofseconds.
KatherineheldAliceclose,tears streamingdownboththeir faces,anditwas AlicewhopushedKatherineintothecarriage. “Youneedtogo,Miss;itisn’tsafetolinger.”
Thecarriagesetoff,leavingAlice,afadingfigureinthedistance.Katherinefelttearsstreamingdownhercheek,andherheart beatfranticallyagainstherchest.SheknewshewouldfeelfearuntilthestagecoachleftLondonforYork.
The carriage arrived at the White Hart CoachingInn, where the driver helped her climb downand transfer her bags to the Northernstagecoach.
Squashedontothebenchbetweenotherpassengers,Katherinewasgladoftheanonymityofthestagecoach.Sheclosedhereyes toshutouttheworld,readytoenduretwentyhoursonthejourneytoYork.
Evensharingaroomwithstrangersovernightatacoachinginnwaspreferabletoremainingaminutelongerwithherbrother James When did he become so cold and manipulative? She no longer recognised this man overcome with greed for money and prestige.
UntilthestagecoachlurchedoffontotheGreatNorthRoadtowardsStevenage,Katherinekeptherbonnetpulledoverherface, hereyesclosedandfocusedonslow,steadybreathing Herheadwasspinning,andsheknewitwouldbeimpossibletostand up,evenifshewantedto.
Soonafter the journeywas underway,she felta gentle pressure onher arm. Leave me alone, she thought, butthe voice was persistent, and she knew she would have to open her eyes, or they might think she was ill. Her plan needed her to be anonymousandnotdrawanyattentiontoherself
Katherineforcedhereyesopenandlookedaround.Anolderwomaninabrightyellowbonnetwaspressedintothecornerseat ofthebenchbesideher.
“Ithoughtyouwereawake.”Thewomansmiledenthusiastically.“I’mAnnieWilkinson,andyourcoachmanaskedmetolook outforyou.”Confusedmomentarily,Katherinerealisedthismusthavebeenherfriend,Lydia’s,coachman,andshewishedhe hadn’tbothered
AnniepattedKatherine’shand.“Ijustwantedyoutoknowyouhadafriend,mydear.”
Katherinestifledasob,overcomebythekindnessofthisintrusivestrangerinayellowbonnetandmatchingpelisse.Shetried to speak, but the words caught inher throat. Ever since her papa died, she had beenstoical and kept focused onwhat she neededtodoeachday Aftertheimmediategrief,shehadnavigatedthroughtheshockofJames’plantomarryhertotheelderly baronet.Now,inacoach,leavingLondon,thetearsflowed.
“Itwillbefine.”Annieloweredhervoicetoawhisper.“WearealmostoutofLondon,andsoon,whoeverhascausedyousuch distresswillbealongwaybehindyou.”
Katherine lookedaroundthe carriage,seeingeveryone else was talkingor sleeping.Her conversationwithAnnie Wilkinson wasconfidential.
“Iknow,”wasallshemanagedtocroak.
“Here”Annieofferedheraflasktotakeadrink
Katherinetooktheflaskandraisedittoherlips.Shethoughtitwaswaterandsplutteredwhensherealizeditwasfinecognac. Annie winked at her “Take another mouthful, my dear; it will help settle you down We have a long way to travel till Stevenage.”
The cognac warmed her throat, and she smiled backather companion, who patted her hand Unable to stop herself, words tumbledout.
“Myfatherdiedlastmonth Wewereclose,andImisshimsomuch Mybrotherreturnedfromabroadandistryingtoforceme tomarryamanIhavenevermet,whoisfortyyearsolderthanme.WeweretobemarriednextSaturdaybyspeciallicence.My brotherwillbeangrywhenhefindsIamgoneasIbelieveheisdependingonthefinancialsettlementfrommymarriage”
“Despicable!”mutteredAnnie.
“Inolonger know mybrother We were close as children,butthis is a differentperson Perhaps he hada headinjuryinthe army.Heismanipulative,cold,andevil.”Shesighed,staringoutthewindowatthepassinghouses.
“Ihave obtaineda positionas governess andwill earnmyliving” She tooka breath,her voice feelingstronger “That’s my story,MrsWilkinson.Itisaboringstoryaboutcontrolandmanipulation.Ihavebrokenfree.IbelieveIamnowsafe.”
“Ofcourse,youaresafe,mydear”Annieheldherarmandlookedherdirectlyintheeyes “Youarestrongandclearlyhavea greatdealofintelligence.Yourbrotherisasmall-mindedpersonwhosoundsquitemadtome,andperhaps,asyousay,hehas beeninjuredinthewar However,youwerenotsafenearhim,andyouhaveanewlifeaheadofyou”
“Thankyou,”mouthedKatherine,feelingawaveofrelaxation.
“Havearest,mydear.IwillwakeyouwhenwereachStevenage,andweshallsharearoom.Iknowtheinnkeeperandhewill befair withus.MightIsuggestyousaythatyouaremyniece;thatway,ifyour brother ever asksanyquestions,noonewill recallayoungladytravellingalone.”
Four days later, the stagecoach arrived at the Black Swan in York Katherine bid a tearful goodbye to Annie Wilkinson, promisingtowritetoherandletherknowaboutherlifeasagoverness.
Theolder womanhadbeentruetoher wordandlookedafter Katherinethroughoutthejourney,securingaroomateveryinn androundingonanyonewhotriedtooverchargethem.HerfinalkindnesswastoinsistthatKatherineowedhernothingforthe overnightstays,asithadbeenapleasuretohavehercompany
NowhereshewasinConeyStreet,York,needingtofindtransporttotakeherfurtherintotheNorthRidingofYorkshire.
“There you are, Miss,” said the coachman “You’ll find one of the carriers’carts waiting over there will take you out to MidlandManor.It’s remote butaneasyjourneyatthis time ofyear.Ifyoushow themyour letter fromLadyMidland,you’ll findsomeonetotakeyou”
Katherine Walters climbedontoa carrier’s wagonfor the laststage ofthe journeytoEasingfield,andMidlandManor.Miss Gallowayhaddisappeared,andMissWalterswouldlivequietlyinthewild,moorlandlandscapeofYorkshire
Twohourslater,MissWalters,governesstothedaughtersoftheMarquessofMidland,stoodatthegatesofMidlandManor.A lightbreezeflutteredherhair,andsheshiveredandpulledherwoollencloakaroundher,lookingatthestrangetreelesshills surroundingthemanor.ThisnewlandscapewasalongwayfromthestreetsofHampstead.
Katherinehadawayofusingher educationtomakealivingandfeltpositiveabouther future Sheknew her knowledgeand skillsmadeheraperfectcandidatetoteachthetwolittlegirlswhowouldbeherpupils.
Williamgazedoutacrossthevalleytowardsthewildmoorlandinthedistance Atdawnthemoorshadbeencoveredbyafine blanketofmist,takingonanetherealghostlyquality.Theheavy,relentlessrainofrecentweekshadcreatedstunningminiature waterfalls,plungingdownthehillsidetojointheswollenbeckflowingthroughthevalley.
Today,thesunglintedonthewater,andthehillsidesparkledlikediamonds.Hecouldsmellthescentofcool,dampearth,and forWilliam,itwasthescentofhome.
HereflectedthatarainydayontheYorkshiremoorsalwaysmadehimfeelintunewithnature.Helovedtowalkbytheriver withtherefreshingrain,whichthelocaldialectcalledmizzle,drenchinghisfacewiththesoftenedearthunderhisfeet
HisgoodfriendandcousinRoss,EarlofGrayton,hadjoinedhim.Theyhadbeenupsincedawn,watchingthemistrollaway fromthevalleyfloor.Atonepoint,theyhadbeenhighenoughtolookdownonthemistpoolingbelow.Onaspringmorning likethis,hewouldratherbehomeatEasingfieldthananywhereinEurope
In the years since his wife Jane had died, Williamhad travelled extensively across the continent They had spent her last monthsinSwitzerlandsoshecouldbreatheinthemountainairanddelaytheravagesofconsumption.Itwasmanyyearssince Janehad died, and theyhad onlybeenmarried for two years, buthe occasionallystill woke and reached outfor her before realizing,withaheavyheart,thatshewasgone
Thismorning,theairinthevalleywasrefreshing,andnowthemisthadcleared,theycouldgallopacrossthemoor.“Let’sgo downtothestream,”suggestedWilliam
“It’sapleasuretobeawayfromthemanor,”saidRoss.“Ishouldridemoreoften.It’sgoodforthespirits.”
“Weusedtorideeverydaywhenwewereyounger,”rememberedWilliam.Theirfriendshipstretchedbacktoboyhoodanda sharededucationwithatutoratMidland.Rosswasmorethanafriend;hewasalmostabrothertoWilliam.
“Ridinggivesthatsenseoffreedom,”agreedRoss.“It’strueitdoesblowthecobwebsaway.”
“AndIneedtofeelthatfreedom,“echoedWilliam “Raceyoutothebridge,”hechallenged Rossnoddedinagreement,andtheyspedofftowardsthevalleybottom.
Followinga reckless gallop across the moor, startlingsome ofthe hardysheep who lived onthe uplands all year long, they arrivedatthebridge.Dismounting,theyledtheirhorsestowater.William’schestnutwasamagnificenthorse,bredforspeed, whileRosspreferredagreyhorse,whichwasreliableandsteady
Williamstoodlostinthought,staringatthebeckandtheminiwaterfallstumblingintoit.
“I’veknownyouforalotofyears,”saidRosswithconcern.“Somethingisonyourmind,anditisn’ttheusual.”
“It’s Mother,” Williamsighed “She is never satisfied, and now she has decided I have to marryand is goingto make life
Ross laughed. “Billy, she has beentryingto pair youoffsince Jane died. Everyweek, she has some soirée or house party wheretherejusthappens tobeaneligibleyoungladyseekingarichhusband.”Ross paused,raisinganeyebrow atWilliam. “Youmusthavenoticed.PoorConstance…totrysohardandwasteallthateffort!”
“Ross,youareincorrigible.”Williamlaughed,leadinghishorsebackfromthebeck.“Idon’twanttoremarry.Idon’tregret marryingJane,butwewereveryyoung,andI’veneverwantedanotherwife.”
“Janewasabeautifulwomanwhokeptyouinorder,”Rossjoked.
“Idon’tdisagree,”quippedWilliam “Mama’sargumentisthatthegirlsneedamother,andtheonlywaythatwillhappenisifI marry.”
“Ah,nopressuretherethen,”Rosssaid,smiling
“Onlydaily, incessantpressure. Itisn’tthatIdon’tconsider the eligible womenshe parades throughMidland Manor. Ijust don’tevertaketoanyofthem Iknow,Ross,lifewouldbequieterifIdidwhatshewantsandmarried”
Williampaused, strugglingto express somethinghe found difficult to put into words. “I sometimes wonder … it’s entirely possiblethathavinglostJane,andthenElizabethtakingthatfall,hasmademefeelthatnothingeverlasts,sowhatisthepoint”
“That’saprofoundthoughtsoearlyintheday,”ponderedRoss.“Hardtogetclosetoanyoneifyou’reconvincedtheyaregoing toleaveyou,”headdedwisely,buriedmemoriesofhisownlostlovesurfacingforamoment
“Well,itseemsMamahashadenoughofmyshilly-shallying.Sheannouncedyesterdaythatshehadgonebehindmybackand engagedagovernessforthegirls”
Rossspluttered,“She’swhat?”
“Shefoundagovernessrecommendedbyoneofmymother’sfriends.I’minformedshewillarriveatsomepointthisweek.”
“Billy, youknow Idon’t like to interfere, especiallywhere myaunt is involved, but she’s overstepped the markthere She knowsit,too.”Hepickedupastoneandskimmeditacrossthebeck.
“However,itseemstomethatyoucanplaythistoyouradvantage Now thatConstancehasengagedagoverness,herreason forparadingeligiblespinstersnolongerexists,”Rosspointedout.
“ByJove,Iseewhatyoumean IfMamahasgivenuponfindingmeawifeandengagedthisgovernessinstead,thenshecan hardlykeephostingthesedreadfulhouseparties.”Williamreplied,realisingRosswasright.
“I amgoing to say that I can see some potential benefits to having a governess,” mused Ross “Lottie and Sarah need an education.Lottiewill beteninthesummer,andasyouradopteddaughters,theydeservethefinestteaching.Also,andthisis justmyopinion,butafterwhat’shappenedtothem,withbothparentsdying,they’dbemoresecureathomewithagoverness.”
“IknowtheyneedmorethanAgnes,thenurserymaid,”agreedWilliam.“ItjustfeelslikeMamanevergivesmespacetothink, thenshegetsfrustratedwhenIputthebrakesonherplans,andthenweargue.”
“Itmaynotbewhatyouwanttohear,butIsuspectyouarestillgrievingforyoursister.You’renolonger uncle but father to Lottie and Sarah, and with that comes this sort of weighty responsibility. Youmight have wanted a son, but you have two delightful,spiriteddaughters,andtheyaregrowingupalltooquickly”
AwaveofguiltspreadthroughWilliamashelistenedtoRoss’swords.Thegirlshadahome,andhismamagavethemlovein abundance.HewasstruckbyasenseofincreasinguneasethathehadputabarrierbetweenhimselfandElizabeth’schildren. He’ddonealltherightthings,likelegallyadoptingthemandgivingthemahomeandfamily.
Butdidheshowthemthekindoffatherlylovetheyneeded?Ifhewerehonestwithhimself,thenno EvenRosshadaneasier, morecarefree,funrelationshipwiththem.Thetroublewashedidn’tseemabletoexpressthatlove.Hecaredforthemdeeply, buthisrelationshipwiththemwasformalandrigid
He shrugged these disquietingthoughts away. The sunwas highinthe sky, and he needed to getbackto the estate business. “Let’s getback,” he called to Ross “Race youto the house,” and he setoffover the meadow, needingthe feel ofthe cool morningaironhisface.
Themanornestledinashelteredplacefartherdownthevalley,soitwasaneasygallopalongthetrack Therehadalwaysbeen asettlementhere;whenevertheydugintheground,theyuncoveredartefactsfrommediaevalorRomantimes.
TheManorhadbeenbuiltfromthestonesofaruinedancientcastle,andhelikedtothinkofhisancestorsmakingalifeinthis place through the centuries. Maybe his mother was right, and he ought to consider providing an heir to maintain the link betweentheAshtonfamilyandtheland
Butwhydidithavetobeamaleheir?HisdaughterswereAshtons,growingupatthemanor. Theywerenearlyback.
Thereshewas,hismother,standingoutsidethemaindoor,talkingtothedriverofacarrier’scart.Ittookhimasecondortwo tonoticeasecondcloakedfigure HesloweddownandgesturedtoRoss
“Lookslikethegovernesshasalreadyarrived IsuspectMamahasbeenplottingtoengageagovernessforseveralmonths She mentionsthisyesterday,andthenthegovernessarrivestoday.”
Theydrewnear,horses’hoovesclatteringonthecobblestonesoverthebridgeacrossthemoat.Hismotherwavedforthemto joinher.
“She’sseenus,”saidRoss “Noescapenow!”
“Whatluck,”LadyMidlandremarkedtoayoungwomanstandingnexttoher.“YoucanmeetmysonWilliamAshton,Marquess ofMidland,andhiscousinLordGrayton”Afootmanpickedupadustyportmanteauandturnedtotakeitupthestonestepsinto thehouse.
“William,Ross,I’dliketointroduceyoutoMissKatherineWalters,whoistojoinusasgovernesstoSarahandLottie”Lady
MidlandsmiledandgesturedtowardsKatherine.
Lookingattheyoungwoman,Williamthoughtshemusthavebeentravellingfordaysandlookedclosetoexhaustion.Herface waspale,framedbydarkbrownlocksthathadescapedtheirpinsduringthedrivefromYork.Shesomehowfoundtheenergy tostraightenhershouldersandbobacurtseytoacknowledgeRossandhimself.
He bowed in return and met a pair of eyes resembling the clearest blue sky on a midsummer’s day. “Miss Walters … A pleasuretohaveyoujoinour household.Youmusthavebeentravellingfor days,soIwon’tkeepyoutalkingouthereinthe cold.”
He averted his gaze, lookinguneasilyaround him, pullinghimselfbackonto the solid banks ofreality. He had expected the governesswouldbeanaustere,olderwomanwearingpince-nezglasses
Why pince-nez? he wondered, except that he had assumed theywere obligatoryfor all governesses Miss Walters couldn’t havebeenmorethantwenty,avibrantyoungwomanwithapoisedmannerdespitetheexhaustion.
RosswasnowgreetingMissWalters,andWilliamhopedhislackofcomposurehadn’tbeennoticed. Time to get out of here Why the deuce hadn’t his mother engaged the usual kind of drab, grey governess who no one ever noticed?
“Wemustgoandtendtothehorses,”hemuttered,hastilydepartingforthestables
Ross smiled and nodded farewell to the ladies before strolling towards the stables. They busied themselves removing the saddles,tackle,andbrushingdownthehorses Williampreferredtodothesejobshimselfinsteadofleavingittothegroom
“The new governess was a surprise,” venturedRoss cautiously.Williamhadbeenunusuallyquietsince their encounter with MissWalters
“Hmm,”respondedWilliam.“Shecertainlywas.ForamomentortwoImistookherforoneofthoseeligibleyoungladiesmy motherinvitestothemanor”
“Certainlynogrimsourpuss,”Rossremarked,“assomanyinthatprofessionbecome.Itmustbeaninevitableconsequenceof havinglimited means and livingbetweenfamilyand servants ina greathouse,” he added, focusingonremovingthe stirrups fromhishorse.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” admitted William “I amsad to thinkthat Miss Walters will have that fate She seems so spiritedandappealingforonesoyoung.ShemustbeconfidenttohavetravelledalonefromLondon.”
Rosslaughed “Shecaughtyourinterest Admitit”
“Indeednot,myfriend.Imerelyadmireanyyoungladywhoundertakesthatjourneyalone.Itisagruellingwaytotraveland musttakefourorfivedays”
“I’llaskAuntConstancewhatsheknowsofMissWalters,”persistedRoss.
‘Youwilldonosuchthing.Motherwillsendthepoorgirlpackingifshethinksshedistractsmefromtheeligibleguests.You
mustpromisemenottoseekfurtherdetailsfromMama,”WilliamwarnedRosswithasmile.
Williampausedthoughtfully,consideringMissWalters’intriguingeffectsonhisthoughts.”Asheremployer,however,Icanask certainquestionsinduecourse.Thereissomethingmysteriousaboutournewarrival…”
ThejourneyfromYorktoEasingfieldtookovertwohours Thecarrierwaspleasant,butKatherinestruggledtounderstandthe Yorkshiredialect,andthenoiseofthewheelsbumpingalongtheroadmadeconversationimpossible.
Shewasgratefulitwasasunnyday,andtheymadegoodtime
Thecountrysidegrewwilder,withwallsbuiltwithsmallstonesandsheepineveryfield.Theytravelledalongthebottomofa wide valley or dale as the carrier called it, before climbing onto a ridged track on the side of a high hill Tiny streams resemblingwaterfallscascadeddownthehills,andsomecrossedtheroad,splashingcrystalclearwateraroundthecart.
Curious, weathered stones, like ancient sculptures, stood tall and proud in some of the fields Any trees were bent in the directionoftheprevailingnorthwind,andshesawthesheephuddledintheshelterofthestonewalls.Yet,onthisbrightspring day,shewasdrawntotheruggedbeautyofthislandscape.
TheyturnedacornerontheroadandtherewasMidlandManorshininginthesunshine,builtoflocallimestonewithanarrayof lead-panedwindows Katherinesmiledaninnersmileofreliefatthisfirstviewofhernewhome
Thecartdroveupthedrive,andKatherineimagineditmadeachangefromgrandcarriages,whichusuallyarrivedatsucha statelyhome.Amoremoderngrandporticosurroundedthefrontdoor,andKatherinefeltawaveofapprehensionandcuriosity.
What was she doing here in this remote moorland landscape? Could she be a governess? What made her think she could succeed at something she had never done before?
Thenthedoor opened,andafootmancamedownthestonestepstotakeher bags.Henodded.“How do,miss?”hesaidina thickYorkshireaccent
Sherespondedwith,“Verywell,thankyou,”andthatseemedtobetherightthingtosay. Afterafewseconds,anelegantfigure appeared,andLadyMidlanddescendedtogreetKatherine
“MissWalters,Katherine.WelcometoMidlandManor.”LadyMidlandspokeinadeep,contraltovoice,whichseemedwarm andgenuine Thedriver helpedher down,andshefeltalittlelight-headed,reachingfor thesideofthecarttosteadyherself afterhoursofswayingcontinuallyfromsidetoside.
LadyMidlandexudedanelegant,aristocraticpresence Blondehair,pulledintoasimpletwistedchignon,withthefaceofa classicalstatue.Noonecouldmistaketheladyofthehouse.
“Wehavebeenexpectingyourarrival,andyourchargeswill beexcitedtomeetyou However,youhavehadalongjourney, andfornow,thepriorityisahotbathandsomerefreshment.Howlongwereyoutravelling,MissWalters?”
Itwasthefirsttimeshehadheardhernewname,andittookasecondtoadjust
“Fourdays,ma’am,YourLadyship.”ShewasstilltoodizzytobobtheusualcurtseyandhopedLadyMidlanddidn’tnotice.
Atthatmoment,twomenarrivedinthe courtyardoutside the manor,leadingtheir horses.LadyMidlandwavedthemtojoin her.“Excellenttiming,”shedeclared.
“William,Ross,I’dliketointroduceyoutoMissKatherineWalters,whoistojoinusasgovernesstoSarahandLottie,”Lady Midlandsaid,gesturingtoKatherine,whostillheldthesideofthecart.
William, Marquess of Midland, looked towards Katherine, nodding briefly and giving her a perfunctory greeting before excusinghimselftotendtohishorse.
What a stern, proud man, she thought. Handsome features, but no warmth in his manner. He clearly didn’t want a conversation. It is as though I’ve irritated him, but that’s impossible as I’ve only just arrived.
Shehadtogetusedtothiscoldnessofmanner anddisdainasagovernesswithastrangepositionbetweengentlewomanand servant Thebriefacknowledgementandhastywithdrawalofheremployerdidnothingtoeaseheranxiety
She had made her choice, and there was no turning back. She had escaped marrying Protheroe, and that was what was important. No one had beenunpleasant, and she could easily brush off a little brusqueness. Her initial impressions of the marquessweredisappointing,butshereflectedthatshewouldhardlyeverseehim.
“Comeinside,wewilltaketea,”invitedLadyMidland,leadingherupthestepsandintoMidlandManor Echoesrebounded acrossthestone-flaggedfloorastheheavyoakdoor closedbehindthem.Thehall tookherbreathawayasshetookinwood panelling,sculptures,andamagnificentgrandstaircase.Sheglancedatwallscoveredbypaintingsoflandscapesandportraits oflong-deadancestorswearingcostumesofbygoneeras.
Thiswasunexpectedgrandeurinthemiddleofaremotemoorlandwilderness.
LadyMidlandledherthroughthehallwaytoadrawingroomwithalighter,morelived-inappearance.Settlingbythefire,she pouredtea,andKatherinefeltthehotsteamybrewrevivingherenergylevels
“WhenwillImeetmypupils,”askedKatherine.
“Certainlynottoday,”saidLadyMidland “Youhavebeentravellingfordaysandneedtorest TheyarehelpingMrsParsons, thehousekeeper,bakebiscuits.Timeenoughtomeetmygranddaughterstomorrow.”
Katherinebreathedasighofrelief Shewasunsurehowlongshecouldkeephereyesopen,letalonemaketherightimpression onSarahandLottie.
“Iknowyouwillbeeagertobeginteaching,butmayIsuggestyoufirsttaketimetomakeaconnectionandgettoknowLottie andSarahbeforeintroducingformallessons,”advisedLadyMidland.
“Theymaynothavehadagoverness,buttheyhavebeenlearningfromlotsofpeopleinthehousehold Agnes,thenurserymaid, willtellyouallaboutit.I’dliketocontinuethatapproach,soyouwillneverneedtohavethemintheschoolroomthewhole day”
LadyMidlandhesitatedbeforecontinuing,“Elizabeth,theirmother,andmydaughterdiedinaridingaccident.Itismybelief thatcopingwiththeirlossandbeinghappyandconfidenthavetobethepriorities”
