The Governess

Chapter 2 -- Huntington Manor

Chapter 2 

Huntington Manor

Hours later as Carly lay in bed, still unable to sleep, her thoughts turned to her coming yesterday to Huntington Manor...

***

Looking out the coach window, Carly gazed at the beautiful countryside. She loved the outdoors. It had been her balm over the last two sad years. Losing her father had been bad enough, but to have lost her mother the following year had been nearly unbearable. Knowing that she had to be strong she focused upon her sister, Susannah, and prayed that her younger sibling would not feel the full weight of their situation. Often Carly had felt burdens lifted during these nature walks. The gentle sounds of the earth had raised her prayers heavenward.  

An answer to one of those prayers was her destination today. She smiled a nervous smile and stretched her aching body. Pinching a stray curl, she tucked it back into her bonnet. Shivering from the cool air, Carly snuggled under the blanket.  

Feeling the urge to say another prayer for her sister, Carly bowed her head in supplication. "Dear Father, please bless her. How I wish we hadn't had to be separated, but help us each to bear our burdens well." Wiping at a stray tear, she quickly plunged her hand under the warm blanket again. "And please bless us both to be successful governesses. Thou knowest we shall both try our best." Smiling with renewed strength, Carly added, "And thank you for such goodness. We are so blessed to have each other still." Swallowing the lump in her throat, she chose to focus on the coming day.  

In that moment, Carly glimpsed what would become her new home. Sitting up expectantly, she saw Huntington Manor floating upon morning mists burning away in brilliant orange of the sun's first rays. She looked on in awe at the silent strength and beauty this aged stone house bestowed upon all who passed by. The vast roofline peeked through the impressive ancient trees shimmering with dewy green growth.  

"It's beautiful," Carly breathed. Gazing at the well-groomed estate, Carly spied water glistening nearby. It appeared to be a lake. She watched as a flock of birds landed upon the sparkling surface, flapping wings sending out sprays of silver droplets. Rainbows danced like prisms against the splashes. "Perfect," she whispered. Tingles erupted down her arms as she thrilled at nature's best.  

The many chimneys of the grand estate worked busily puffing smoke from the cozy interior to the cool, crisp morning outside. At least I shall be warm. She was glad of her snug travel clothes and the blanket, rough and smelly as it was, imparted by the friendly coachman earlier this brisk spring morning.  

In all her nineteen years, Carly would never have supposed she would one day end up a governess to someone else's children. I'm so grateful to mother and father. Both had been hard workers and had taught this to their daughters. There had been certain privileges given to the vicar's daughters, and she was now very glad for those opportunities that had qualified her for this post.  

Death comes to every household it seems, even to this grand estate. Lord Huntington was a widower and had two young children in need of a governess. His young wife had died two years ago. No other information had been shared concerning her death. Carly's brows knit together as she contemplated what life must be like at this manor house having experienced the loss of their beloved mistress. She shook her head in compassion for their sorrow, distressed at having known grief so well herself.  

As the coach came to an abrupt halt, the coachman jumped down from his seat. Carly could hear the sound of his boots on the cobblestones crunching bits of sand beneath the soles of his feet. Her heart racing, the door flung open wide, and in rushed an inviting surge of fresh morning air. Carly breathed in the freshness with a deep sigh. Relief from cramped limbs showed upon her face as she stretched her arms and craned her neck back, gazing up at the grandeur rising above her.  

The coachman nodded his head in understanding towards her. The manor house overwhelmed everyone, it seemed. As he helped her down, Carly thanked him and took a deep breath.  

Here was her moment of truth.