More than a Governess by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory [Mallory, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The doctor called again promptly at noon and declared himself satisfied with Wilhelmina’s progress. He recommended another night of rest, but agreed that Major Collingham could resume his journey the following day, if Wilhelmina continued to improve. The children went to bed in good time that evening in readiness for their early start and, after wishing them all goodnight, Juliana returned to the private parlour where she found the Major and his son engaged in a game of chess.

‘Are the children asleep already, Miss Wrenn?’ asked the Major, not looking up.

‘No, sir, but they have been persuaded to lie down on their beds—Gwendoline is reading to Amy and Nurse will look in upon them later to make sure they do not leave a candle burning all night. She tells me she will sleep on a truckle bed in Minna’s room tonight, so I am relieved of my sickroom duties.’

‘Careless, Giles.’ Major Collingham’s hand hovered over the chessboard. ‘You allow me to take your bishop. So, you are at leisure to please yourself, Miss Wrenn. What do you propose to do? You never seem to be idle.’

‘Well, tonight I shall be,’ she declared, going to the window seat. ‘Our host tells me there will be a fine moon rising tonight, and I intend to sit here and watch it. Pray do not let me disturb your game.’

Juliana made herself comfortable in the window, but instead of looking out for the moon she watched the game of chess and studied the two opponents. They were very alike, both tall, but Giles was fairer and still had the ranginess and exuberance of youth; by contrast, his father exuded an air of calm strength. Juliana watched the Major as he gave his attention to the chess pieces. The flickering candles highlighted the strong lines of his face, giving him a harsh, intractable look. Many called him a hard man, but she had seen the tender way he had carried Wilhelmina back across the fields, and she remembered the way they had talked, late into the night. There was kindness beneath his harsh exterior. She was glad he had not gone on to Blackthorpe and left the school party to follow. With an effort she tore her eyes way from the two men and looked out at the butter-yellow moon climbing over the valley. Really, she was becoming quite weak-willed, quite mawkish. It would not do. The sooner she set up her own establishment the better.

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