The Duke acknowledged her questions with a grunt and responded matter-of-factly, “Of course not, Cecilia. But I do believe a governess’ company and insight would be quite beneficial for you, especially given the… current situation.” These words produced the opposite effect of what Anthony was hoping for, and a mix of emotions swept over the little girl’s face, but she held her tongue.
At last, she spoke, “Mother has— has—” her eyes started to well up, “Our mother has died and that is all you have to say?”
Well, even if he did have anything else to say, she didn’t wait around to hear it. She promptly turned around and made her way out the door. And after taking her leave, Mrs. Oakley did the same. Rather than immediately resume his paperwork, Anthony crossed the room to the window overlooking the front garden.
He was a man of few words, but of many thoughts. As he surveyed the freshly trimmed hedges and neat flower arrangements, he reflected on Cecilia’s words. They had never been close, the age difference made it far too difficult for that. Their father had died while Cecilia was barely a year old and Anthony was away at university.
So, the only real connection they had shared was their mother. And even that was now gone. As he returned to his paperwork, his final thought on the issue was,“A governess will know what to do with her.”
* * *
Meredith’s heart seemed to be beating at an unbearable rate and volume. Her heartbeat drowned out all of the other sounds of Spring and life around her. Whether it was the birds singing in the trees or the sound of the horses’ hooves as they drew the coach closer and closer to the Ambrose Estate, Meredith could not seem to hear any of it.
Today had been a difficult morning, to say the least. Breakfast was unusually quiet and quick, for none of the children seemed too hungry. And despite her assurances to visit as often as she could, Meredith could not restrain anyone’s tears, least of all her own. The driver of the coach was touched by this tragic scene and attempted to console everyone by announcing to all present that according to the terms set by His Grace, The Duke himself, Meredith was to have a day off each Sunday.
Alas, this noble attempt to soothe the children produced almost no effect on them. But finally, after a seemingly endless stream of hugs, kisses, farewells, and promises, Meredith waved a final goodbye to everyone as she walked down the worn paved path towards the waiting coach. And everyone, or rather,almosteveryone waved back. A small boy, who was strongly opposed to clean shirts, had refused to come down for breakfast and for the send-off. Meredith caught a glimpse of him standing in an upstairs bedroom window, watching her make her way to the coach.
She waved up at him, but he just stood there. This further pained her already breaking heart. But then at the last second, he stuck his tongue out at her and shook his head. Her heart soared. This final gesture renewed her strength and propelled her forward into the coach and consequently, into a new world.
After she had climbed in, the driver shut the coach door. They had not exchanged any words since leaving the orphanage. But Meredith remembered that he had introduced himself as Mr. Roger Young. He was a very kindhearted man who said he had two sons of his own.
I wonder if the other staff are as kind as Mr. Young.
One thing Meredith especially liked about Mr. Young was how, even in the absence of his employers, he always seemed ready for any new commands. Meredith decided that she would adopt a similar manner. She was determined to fulfill her new duties to the best of her abilities.
After all, I didn’t break all those hearts and make all those promises for nothing.
* * *
As a footman helped her step out of the coach, Meredith immediately felt dwarfed by the enormousness of the house and grounds.
She climbed up the stairs where a tall man in a black tail-coat and trousers stood waiting for her. “Welcome to Ambrose Estate, Miss Meyer,” he said. “My name is Mr. Hugh Fletcher, the butler and head of staff. I had the great pleasure of meeting Miss Tabitha Moore last week; she spoke very highly of you.”
So this was the man Ma’am Tabitha had met the other day. Mr. Fletcher had short grey hair that was neatly combed back in an old-fashioned, dignified style. And everything he said and did was done so with an air of solemn dignity.
Presently, he explained, “Mrs. Oakley will show you to your room. After you have freshened up, I shall fetch you to present you to His Grace and Lady Cecilia.”
The footman handed her bags to a maid, who then swiftly disappeared into the house, while Mrs. Oakley introduced herself and instructed Meredith to follow her. She led Meredith past the tall, white fluted columns and the embellished front doors into the marble-floored entrance hall.
And no matter where Meredith looked, whether it was the impressive statues of the lions “guarding” the polished staircase, or the paintings on the walls, or the immense chandelier looming high above, it all indicated the level of wealth and the sophisticated quality of life that the Ambrose family enjoyed.
Now while these expensive possessions and trimmings of refined living undoubtedly brought joy to their possessors, they gradually began to stir within Meredith a quiet, but intense loathing. She reasoned that the money spent on the extravagant furnishings of this entrance hall alone would have been more than enough to feed and clothe all of the children back at the orphanage for many years to come.
Why, I feel certain that such a gross sum of money could send many of the boys to reputable schools and universities.
Many similar trains of thought passed through Meredith’s mind as Mrs. Oakley led her up the wide staircase, down another lengthy hallway, into a quaintly-furnished bedroom.
Mrs. Oakley pointed towards the modest navy blue gown laid out on the bed and explained, “His Grace has made arrangements for new gowns. He wishes for you to be comfortable and alert while performing your duties, especially considering that this is an exceptionally sensitive time for Lady Cecilia.”
Mrs. Oakley then reminded Meredith that she would be taken to meet His Grace and Lady Cecilia as soon as she was dressed and ready, and then left her alone. Meredith had never had a bedroom all to herself before and it all felt a bit dreamlike. After she had washed, donned her new gown, and pinned her hair into a simple low chignon, Meredith was finally free to explore her new quarters. Although her room was by no means as extravagant or showy as the rest of the house, it was quite adequate for a young governess.
She was delighted to find that she even had her own writing desk. She pulled open the top drawer to see if it had any paper. Yes! And it was scented, too. Next, Meredith inspected the wardrobe. She gasped at the gowns left for her. The styles were quite simple and modest. But a closer look revealed that the material for each of the gowns was delicately woven with high quality threads.
How generous of my new employers!
With childish glee she sat on the chaise lounge placed next to the window and gazed at the eastern-side garden.
What a view! And what a beautiful day, too!
