The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel Read online

  “Perhaps the estate can bring in more income. There is the rent you receive from your tenant farmers, and you have a fine herd of sheep, large orchards, and acres of grain.”

  “I’ve only been here three weeks. I’ve just begun to get my feet under me. I have no idea if we’re maximizing our income.”

  “Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to do something. They’ll tack on a very steep fine if you don’t pay on time.”

  William growled under his breath. “All right. I’ll meet with my overseer and see if we can increase our income over the next few months.”

  Mr. Bixby stood. “Very good. I think that’s your best option.”

  William rose from his chair and pulled the cord to summon Lawrence. When the butler appeared, William shook hands with Mr. Bixby and bid him good day. The butler showed the solicitor out.

  William returned to his desk, where a stack of repair estimates, bills, and letters needed his attention, but he struggled to regain his focus. He had no idea overseeing a large estate would be this difficult. It made his former position in London—running his family’s import business—seem like a holiday.

  When he first heard he had inherited Highland Hall and his late cousin’s title as baronet, he had been thrilled with the prospect of leaving London and settling in the country as master of his own estate. Had he made a mistake? Perhaps he should not have been so quick to sell his business interests to his younger brother, David.

  Well, it was too late to change course now. He must find a way to restore Highland to its former glory, even if it drained his bank account. Perhaps then he would be respected as master of a fine estate rather than pitied for—

  He clenched his jaw and banished those thoughts.

  Turning, he looked up at the large painting of Randolph Ramsey, the former master of Highland, hanging above the library fireplace. Why had his cousin ignored the needed repairs on the house and property? He’d never confided in William about his financial struggles. Was it the strain of running the estate that had driven his cousin to an early grave?

  Or was it something else?

  TWO

  Julia folded her brown woolen shawl and laid it on top of the other clothing in the leather trunk. Glancing around the small upstairs bedroom of her parents’ cottage, she looked for anything else she might want to take to Highland. Most of her possessions had been packed away and left in India, with the hope she would return. She closed her eyes and sighed, her heart aching at the thought of remaining so distant from her beloved friends and the ministry there.

  No, she must refocus her mind. There was no reason to feel sorry for herself. The Lord had answered her prayers and given her a good position with a fine family. The salary would help her parents, and more important, she would be close enough to see them every Sunday afternoon.

  She crossed the room to her dresser and gently ran her fingers over the top of the framed photograph of her parents, her brother, Jonathan, and herself, from a happier time. How different her father looked, so strong and vibrant, very little like the pale, thin man who rested downstairs. Her mother also looked older after all that had happened to them in the last few months.

  Julia lifted her gaze to the small oval mirror above the dresser and checked her reflection. She didn’t see many signs of change, but her usually bright blue eyes had dimmed, and the slope of her shoulders was more pronounced. Well, it couldn’t be helped. Life had taken an unexpected turn, and she had to carry on the best she could.

  She lowered her gaze to the other photograph on the dresser. The seventeen girls who lived at the mission station, her students, surrounded her in the picture. How she loved them and missed them. Little nine-year-old Sarita, wearing a bright smile, stood beside her in the center. Mondulai stood next to them with her arm looped through Julia’s. She was a wonderful assistant, and though she was only nineteen, she had stepped into the role of teacher when Julia had to leave.

  With a whispered prayer for her parents, her brother, and her dear girls, Julia placed the photographs in her trunk. They would be a comfort and reminder that she only had to be separated from those she loved for a short time.

  “Julia, dinner is ready,” her mother called from the bottom of the steps.

  “I’ll be right down.” Julia added her Bible and journal to the trunk, then lowered the lid.

  Her mother greeted her with a caring smile as she entered the kitchen. She had prepared three dinner trays, which sat on the small wooden table. “Did you finish packing?”

  “Yes. I’m all done.” Julia leaned in and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Dinner smells wonderful.”

  “Thank you, dear.” Her mother handed her a tray. “Would you take this to your father?”

  Julia nodded and carried it to the parlor where her father rested in a bed near the fireplace. Her mother followed with the second tray.

  He looked up from his book and smiled. “Ah, Julia, what are you bringing me tonight?”

  “I believe it’s a lovely lamb stew.” She settled the tray on her father’s lap while her mother adjusted the pillow behind his back.

  “It looks delightful.” He shifted his gaze to his wife. “Thank you, Mary. You’re a fine cook.”

  “You haven’t tasted it yet, Phillip.”

  “After thirty-three years of enjoying your cooking, I’m sure it is delicious.”

  Her mother patted his cheek. “You’re a dear man. You always have been.” She returned to the kitchen to bring out the last tray.

  He watched her go, a misty look in his eyes. “Your mother has borne this all so well.”

  “She’s a brave woman.”

  He shifted his gaze to Julia. “And so are you.”

  She took his hand. “You’re the brave one.”

  A warm light filled his eyes, and he shook his head. “I appreciate what you’re doing for us. I know it’s not your first choice to leave home to work as a governess.”

  Her throat tightened. “It will be fine. I’m thankful they’ve agreed to hire me.” She pulled up a chair next to him and sat down.

  “You’ll do well at Highland. They’ll hate to see you go when the time comes.”

  She glanced away and reached for her dinner tray.

  Her father frowned slightly as he watched her. “Julia, you did tell them this is temporary, didn’t you?”

  She looked up as her mother returned, but she did not meet her father’s gaze. “I meant to, but the whole experience was so … unsettling. Before I knew it, the interview was over, and the butler was showing me out.”

  Father looked at her over the top of his glasses. “Honesty is an important foundation for all relationships. You don’t want to mislead them.”

  “No, of course not. But I’m not sure I need to tell them right now. Sir William made it clear there is a one-month trial period. He may not keep me on after that.”

  “All the more reason to tell him we plan to return to India as soon as my health improves.”

  That was her father’s plan, but the longer his health remained unchanged, the less likely it seemed it would happen. Julia exchanged a glance with her mother.

  Her father sighed. “I know what you two are thinking.”

  “And what is that, dear?” Her mother’s expression remained serene.

  “That I’ll not be able to go back.”

  The slightest hint of pain appeared in her mother’s eyes then quickly faded. “That decision is in the Lord’s hands. We’re trusting Him to direct us.”

  Her father’s sorrowful expression eased. “Of course. You’re right, dear.” He focused on Julia again. “But my illness must not keep you from returning to India, if that’s what you truly want.”

  They’d talked about this many times. He knew how much she loved teaching in India and that she longed to go back, but how could she leave her parents when her father was so ill? Who would care for them if she left the country? Jonathan attended medical school in London and needed more training before he could beg
in his own practice and assume some of the responsibility of caring for their parents. “I’m content to wait for the Lord to open that door at the right time.”

  “Are you, my dear?” Concern filled her father’s eyes. “Can you accept this position at Highland and see it as God’s will for you at the present?”

  Julia looked toward the window where the fading sunlight painted the sky soft shades of peach and gold. After living in India for twelve years, it felt more like home than England. But her parents needed her here. The only answer was to surrender and allow God to choose … and for now the choice was clear.

  She turned back to her father. “God has guided me to Highland. My present and my future are safe in His hands.”

  Her father patted her knee. “Very good, my dear. With your mind set like that, He will bless you and take care of everything. I’m sure of it.”

  Julia nodded, but she wished her heart felt as strong and certain as her words. For her parents’ sake, she must cast off her homesick thoughts of India and make the needed adjustments to her new life at Highland.

  “Shall we pray?” Father reached for her hand.

  She clasped his warm, rough fingers in her own and then took her mother’s hand on the other side. Lowering her head, she listened while her father offered a simple prayer of thanks for the day, for Julia’s new position, and for their meal.

  Tears burned her eyes. This is what she would miss most—more than the fragrant jasmine flowers, the chatter of the girls at play, or the heat of the Indian sun on her shoulders. How would she find the strength and wisdom she needed without daily interaction with her parents? All of her life they had trained her to trust God. Well, the time had come for her to step out, exercise her faith, and find her peace and security in Him alone.

  The next morning Julia arrived at Highland Hall promptly at eight. Mrs. Emmitt met her at the back door and asked her to wait in her parlor while she finished speaking to the maids. Julia paced the room and repeated one of her favorite verses. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

  Mrs. Emmitt arrived and gave Julia a summary of the two younger children’s activities and preferences and told her a bit more about Millicent’s health issues. Julia nodded, trying to remember everything. The housekeeper didn’t mention Katherine or Penelope, which seemed odd, but Julia decided to wait and see how the day unfolded.

  Finally, she followed Mrs. Emmitt up the backstairs past the main floor and up to the first floor above.

  “Your room is the second door on the left.” The housekeeper nodded toward it. “I’ll have the footmen bring up your trunk.”

  “Thank you.” Julia slowed, expecting to be shown into her room, but Mrs. Emmitt continued on.

  “The nursery and schoolroom are across the hall.” She motioned toward a door on the right. “The children’s maid is helping them dress and prepare for the day. The family and staff gather for Scripture reading and prayer in the great hall at nine o’clock. You’ll be introduced to everyone at that time. Then you’ll return with the children to the nursery for breakfast and lessons.”

  Julia nodded, pleased to hear Sir William was concerned about the spiritual needs of his family and staff. Her thoughts shifted back to the children’s schedule. “Do the children eat luncheon with their father?”

  “No, you will supervise their meals in the nursery.”

  Julia hesitated. “All their meals?”

  “Yes. Sir William believes—”

  A high-pitched scream came from the other side of the nursery door.

  Julia gasped.

  Mrs. Emmitt stiffened, then jerked open the door.

  “Andrew, please!” The maid chased the boy across the room. Freckles covered his face, and his bright red, wavy hair glowed like a flaming torch as he ran past. He raced behind the table, clutching a gold-and-black stuffed tiger. He dodged the maid, eluding her grasp, and turned over a child-sized chair.

  Millicent stood in the corner, tears flowing down her pale cheeks. “He’s got my tiger!”

  Mrs. Emmitt drew herself up, her eyes blazing. “Andrew Ramsey, stop this immediately!”

  The boy darted a gleeful look at the housekeeper, then dashed into the closet and slammed the door.

  The young maid, her face flushed and her blond hair coming loose from her cap, hurried back to Millicent and knelt beside her. “It’s all right, Miss Millie. Please don’t cry. I’m sure he won’t tear the head off Tiger.”

  “Ann, what is going on?” Mrs. Emmitt glared at the maid.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. Master Andrew is … having a difficult morning.”

  “That’s no excuse for letting things get so out of hand.” Mrs. Emmitt marched to the closet and twisted the knob, but the door was locked. “Master Andrew, come out at once!”

  “No! I’m never coming out!”

  “That’s nonsense. You can’t spend the day in the closet.”

  “Yes, I can!”

  “Very well. Then you’ll have no breakfast, and I shall have to tell your father you are misbehaving again.”

  Julia and the maid exchanged a glance. Would that motivate the boy to obey? Apparently not, because the door remained closed.

  Mrs. Emmitt spun around and faced Ann. “I have a mind to dismiss you on the spot!”

  The maid’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Please, ma’am. I’m sure he’ll settle down and be out in just a minute.”

  “He’d better be!” Mrs. Emmitt snatched a watch from her skirt pocket and checked the time. “You have twenty-five minutes to finish dressing the children and bring them downstairs. If you fail in that duty, you will pack your bags and leave this house today. Do you understand?”

  The color drained from the maid’s face. “Yes ma’am.”

  Mrs. Emmitt sent Julia a stern glance. “Perhaps Miss Foster can help you get the children under control.” She strode out of the room and closed the door with a loud bang.

  Julia swallowed and turned to the maid. “I’m so sorry. What a difficult way to begin the day. I’m Julia Foster, the new governess.”

  Tears gathered in the young woman’s eyes. “My name’s Ann Norton, and I’m ever so glad you’ve come. I’ve only been in service here a week, and I’ve had a dickens of a time trying to manage these two wild ones on my own.” She nodded toward Millie. “Spawn of the devil, if you ask me.”

  Julia stifled a gasp. “We mustn’t speak about the children that way.” She glanced at the little girl, who watched them with wide blue-green eyes. Her tears had slowed, but she still breathed in jerky sobs.

  “You’re right, of course. But I’ve never seen such disobedient and unruly—”

  “Please, I must insist on it.”

  The maid sighed. “All right.” She placed her hands on her hips and glared toward the closet. “We’ve got to get that boy out here and dressed.” She walked over and tried the doorknob again. “Andrew, Mrs. Emmitt is gone. You’ll not be punished if you come out now and finish dressing.” Ann bit her lip and waited, but the door did not open. “Miss Foster, your new governess has arrived, and she’s brought you a treat.”

  Julia shook her head. “We mustn’t lie to the children to convince them to obey.”

  “What kind of treat?” Andrew’s muffled voice came from behind the closet door.

  Julia opened her mouth, intending to explain she hadn’t brought him anything, but the maid cut her off. “It’s something delicious, and if you come out now you can have some before we go downstairs.”

  The door creaked open about a foot, and the boy peered out. “I don’t see any treats.”

  Julia stepped forward. “You’re right, Master Andrew. Ann was mistaken.”

  He started to pull the door shut, but Julia grabbed hold and kept it open. “I didn’t bring treats today, but if you settle down and get dressed, I’ll tell you about the time a real tiger came calling at our house.”

  He snorted and tossed Millie’s stuffed tiger on the floor. “There are no tigers i
n England, except perhaps in the zoo.”

  Millie ran forward and snatched the stuffed animal. She gathered it into her arms and sent her brother a hateful glare.

  “You’re right,” Julia continued in a calm voice. “But I’m talking about my house in India.”

  His green eyes lit up. “India? Like The Jungle Book?”

  “Yes. You’ve read it?”

  He shook his head. “Mrs. Lambert, our governess in London, started reading it to us, but then we had to come here.” He scowled, his expression looking very much like his father’s when she met him in the lane yesterday morning.

  “It’s a wonderful book,” Julia continued. “Perhaps we can find a copy and finish reading it.”

  Ann placed her hand on Andrew’s shoulder and guided him away from the closet. “Yes, maybe Miss Foster can read it to you after breakfast, but first we must get dressed.”

  “I want to hear the tiger story.” Millicent walked toward Julia. She was a lovely child, with long, wavy red hair flowing over her shoulders and a few pale freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks.

  Julia smiled. “Let’s obey Ann and finish dressing, and I’ll tell you the story while I fix your hair.”

  Millicent held out her hand to Julia. That simple offer of trust warmed Julia’s heart. She grasped the girl’s hand and led her to the dressing table.

  Fifteen minutes later the children stood by the door, neatly dressed, hair combed, and ready to go downstairs.

  “There now, you look very nice.” Ann straightened Andrew’s jacket and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

  Julia nodded her approval. “Andrew, since this is my first day, I’d like you to escort me downstairs and show me how everything is done.”

  The boy’s face brightened. “All right. I can do that.”

  Julia took his arm, and he led the way out of the nursery and down the hall.

  A young woman met them in the gallery. She wore a dark blue dress with little adornment, but it looked well made of expensive material. Her dark brown hair was pulled up in a simple style. Kindness flowed from her brown eyes. She sent Julia a shy smile and slipped both hands behind her back. “Good morning. I’m Sarah Ramsey, William’s sister.”