Meredith still remembered how the entire home was abuzz with excitement and wonder as Ma’am Tabitha, aided by two young men, brought in box after box of books and clothes. These wonderful gifts put everyone in a jolly mood all week. Meredith was unable to read at the time, so she relied on Ma’am Tabitha and some of the older children to read to her. It was, indeed, a most glorious day.
Furthermore, most, if not all, of those same books continued to delight the children down to this day. Ma’am Tabitha made it perfectly clear that as these books were to be shared amongst everyone, it was then everyone’s duty to care for them. This resulted in the instillation of a love for books in all of the children within the home.
Presently, Meredith broke the silence, “Ma’am, about the cup, I—”
With a quick, unconcerned wave, Ma’am Tabitha dismissed the thought entirely, “Oh, dearest. Never you mind about the cup. What’s done is done. These sorts of things are quite inevitable. So say no more about it. In truth, I asked to see you because I have some news.”
Visibly relieved, Meredith simply replied, “Yes, thank you, Ma’am.” But she began to feel uneasy again as she observed Ma’am Tabitha’s expression. “I hope I am not prying, Ma’am, but is everything all right? Is the news unfortunate? You seem concerned.”
Ma’am Tabitha set her cup down and met her gaze. Meredith could now see that she had tears in her eyes. “Come here to me, dear, won’t you?”
At once, Meredith set down her own cup on the tea table and knelt by Ma’am Tabitha’s chair. Ma’am Tabitha took both of Meredith’s hands in her own, and gently stroking them said, “Dear, I have the most wonderful news. But before I disclose it, I just want you to know that I truly am overjoyed for you. It’s just—I have such conflicted feelings at present, for I have always cherished and fondly thought of you as my own daughter. You know this, don’t you?”
Wiping away her own tears with the back of her hand, Meredith just managed to affirm, “Yes, Ma’am. I do know. Yes, I do.” Smiling through her tears, Ma’am Tabitha braced herself and continued, “Very well. The news is that about two days ago, a well-dressed man dropped by while you were at the market. He had come from His Grace, the Duke of Sherriden. He lives— Have you seen that beautiful estate towards the outskirts of town?
With widened eyes, Meredith slowly nodded. Ma’am Tabitha continued, “Yes, there. That grand estate is the home of the Duke of Sherriden and his family, who are currently looking for a governess for their youngest child…” After a brief pause, Ma’am Tabitha said in a soft, measured tone, “And I recommended you for the post. So the man will return on Sunday to collect you and your things.”
Speechless, Meredith could only blink as she let this news wash over her. She always knew she was going to leave the orphanage so that she could see the world someday, somehow. But she did not expect it to happen so soon. After a silence that seemed to last an eternity, she shook her head and spoke, “But, Ma’am, what about you? What about—”
Ma’am Tabitha cut her short with another dismissive wave. “Nonsense! Why, you of all people should know that I could lift and wash and cook ten times faster than you and Joyce put together! I have been matron and keeper of this home for almost thirty years now. This, my dear, is my element.”
She gently lifted Meredith’s face and wiped away her tears with a thumb. “But you, child, must do as I say. I could think of no other young woman more capable or eligible for this post than yourself. You have nearly memorized all of the books here, and you have such a way with children.”
“Oh, Ma’am. I couldn’t possibly bear to leave the children!” exclaimed Meredith.
Holding her hands again, Ma’am Tabitha admitted, “And I’m sure it will pain them just as much to see you go. But this is by no means the first time they have had to say goodbye, nor will it be their last. They’ll have each other, myself, and Joyce to soothe them. We’ll see to their hearts in the same way that you comforted them when sweet little Ruth got adopted last Autumn. You have devoted yourself to this home for long enough, and this is your overdue compensation.”
* * *
As Meredith came up the stairs, she found Joyce sweeping the hallway. They acknowledged each other with friendly smiles. Joyce then informed her that all of the children were happily tucked in, except for Arthur, who was in bed sulking and crying but refusing to reveal why. Shaking her head, Meredith promised to check up on him.
As she pushed open the door, she could hear restrained sniffles coming from the bed at the farthest corner. The poor lad was curled up under the covers, facing away from the door. She tiptoed her way and gently sat down on his bed. Softly she whispered, “Arthur, it’s me.” Immediately he rolled around to face her, his red eyes and puffy cheeks peeking out from under the covers.
Trembling, he whispered back, “Did she scold you severely, Mere? Did she cane your hands?”
With a light chuckle, Meredith reassured him, “No, no, dear. Nothing like that. Besides, I’m far too old for her to cane.”
Arthur’s entire body heaved a sigh of relief, after which he quietly endeavored to make his case, “It was an accident, Mere! I hadn’t realized the cup was so close to the edge and I knocked it over with my elbow as I—”
“As you lifted your arm to drink your soup. I know, dear. It’s fine now. But do be more mindful of your surroundings from now on, all right?”
Nodding his head so hard that the bed creaked, Arthur whispered back, “Yes, Mere. I will. I promise! It won’t happen again.”
He dried his eyes with the sheets, and wished her good night. Unbeknownst to him, tomorrow’s announcement was going to bring more tears than a broken cup ever could.
Chapter 2
“Lady Cecilia, I am afraid that I must protest, madam. His Grace is currently preoccupied with matters of great importance and has given strict orders to not be disturbed under any—”
This muffled but sudden disruption jolted Anthony Ambrose, the Duke of Sherriden, and caused him to shift his attention from the neatly stacked piles of paperwork on his desk to the mahogany door of his study. From its other side, he could hear Cecilia calmly interrupt the agitated housekeeper, “And do tell, Mrs. Oakley, precisely what matters could be of greater importance than I, his sister?”
After a brief silence, the study door swung open to reveal Lady Cecilia Ambrose, wearing a light blue morning dress, a hue which perfectlycomplemented her straight blonde hair, green eyes, and pale complexion. Even at the tender age of 10, Cecilia’s petite frame embodied the cold, aristocratic demeanor found amongst all members of upper class society. With her head held high, she floated into the study with Mrs. Oakley sheepishly trailing behind her.
“Your Grace, my most sincere apologies. But Lady Cecilia wished to discuss the matter of her new governess.”
Hearing this, the Duke put down his quill, sat upright, and folded both hands on the desk. He offered a polite, but awkward smile, and simply said, “I see. Is something on your mind, Cecilia?”
Instead of returning his smile, she lifted her chin even higher and said, “Yes, Brother. Mrs. Oakley has just now informed me that I will be placed under the care of a new governess. But I already have several expert tutors, so why would I need a governess also? Is she to manage me as though I were a baby?”
