The Duke's Proposal for the Governess by Eleanor Webster

Author:Eleanor Webster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-07-10T19:52:29+00:00

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Iggy and the rest of the boys reappeared from under the willow. Mud now seemed to come up to their kneecaps, but all were oblivious to this, their expressions merely demonstrating lively interest.

‘Come on, Iggy said. ‘We have found a suitable location. Lord Stanhope, can you bring the bucket? Martin, bring the churn.’

‘My second-best boots will be ruined,’ Jason grumbled but complied, grabbing the bucket.

Dolph took the trough and Abby managed the waterwheel. Burdened with the churn, Martin took up the rear, a rhythmic clanging accompanying his every move.

‘This will do,’ Iggy announced. ‘I’ll get the water.’

He hurried to the edge of the bank. Each footstep made a sucking noise as he stepped into mud. The rock jutted out from the mud banks as though nature had intended to provide a place to fish. Marsh grass grew on either side, rustling in the breeze.

Abby had intended to take greater control of the experiment but, with typical impulsivity, Iggy was already squatting, dangling the bucket into the lake while the other boys clustered about him.

Once filled, he placed the bucket on the flat rock, before focusing his attention on the churn and waterwheel. With an expression of intent concentration, he bent over both, carefully fixing the trough so that it was angled above the waterwheel and then connecting the waterwheel to the paddle.

‘Lord Lansdowne, if you could come and steady the churn and Miss Carstens, pour the water into the trough so that I can better observe the wheel’s motion.’

They each took their role while the village boys stood around, wide-eyed as though expecting mystic magic. The water poured, splashing onto the trough, which then moved the waterwheel. Its rotation, in turn, made the wooden paddle move, clunking against the inner walls of the churn.

‘It’s working!’ Iggy announced, his face flushed with excitement.

He got up, grabbing the bucket again. ‘If we get the balance correct it will work. We just need enough force to move the waterwheel but not so much that it floods. I’ll just get a second bucket!’

Without waiting, he stood, grabbing the bucket and running to the far end of the rock.

‘Be careful!’ Dolph shouted.

Of course, Iggy did not pause. That was Iggy’s problem. He became so focused, he seemed oblivious to any remonstration.

‘Ignatius!’ Abby shouted. ‘Scientific experiments are done with care. Slow down.’

He looked around. For a moment, he was outlined against the shimmering lake water. Moments later, with his arms flailing like a windmill, he toppled backwards. The bucket flew in a perfect arc back towards the bank. Iggy slithered, teetering backwards.

Abby grabbed her skirts, rushing to the water’s edge as he bobbed up, spluttering. Then, likely slipping again, he plunged under the surface.

‘I’ll get him,’ Dolph said, lunging after him. He grabbed Iggy’s hand, dragging him upwards, and steadying him as he regained his balance ‘Are you all right?’

‘Of course,’ Iggy said as if insulted by any assertion to the contrary.

‘What were you thinking? Come on. Let’s get you on dry land.’ They waded out.

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