The Governess

Chapter 3 -- Self Control

Chapter 3 

Self Control

A footman answered the servant's entryway. "Good day, miss."  

With false confidence, Carly introduced herself. "Good day. I am Miss Carly Blakemore, here to fill the position of governess." Gratefully, she was allowed to enter the mansion.  

"Right this way."  

Carly followed the footman to a main kitchen and watched as all activity came to an end, all eyes focused upon her. Carefully curtseying to all in the room, she stood, smiling, hoping that all would see that she was approachable and welcomed friendship. Amidst muffled hellos and scrutiny, Carly felt awash with nerves. Poor Susannah! Carly could cry for their mutual situations.  

The butler stepped forward, bowing. "Miss Blakemore, is it? Good, good. We have been expecting you. If you would be good enough to follow me? This way, if you please." Carly was relieved to see kindness shine from his eyes through his calm reserve. Often she had been told the butler's attitude toward strangers was always a clue into the nature of a household.  

Again, the room bustled with activity, introductions apparently over with, the butler nodding her forward and through a long hallway. Still, baking goods wafted to her nose, her heart aching for home and the comforts Cook always fixed her.

***

All thoughts ceased upon entering the immense entryway. Carly's mouth nearly dropped open as she took in the incredible luxury and expansive great hall. The marble floor literally glistened, her heels clicking on its solid surface as it gleamed in the brightness of morning light streaming in through windows three stories high. The light extended to an enormous chandelier reflecting light upon its luminous crystals while radiating a multitude of rainbows all about the hall.  

As Carly turned about, she saw that many suits of armor were placed to display a proud heritage. Two magnificent winding stairways led opposite each other from her right and left to the upper floors above with adjoining balustrades that looked down upon her. Huge portraits hung on the pale green walls above staring at her boldness. Elaborate millwork outlined paneled walls all the way to the high, intricately painted ceilings, extending to hallways and rooms beyond her view. She was sure that at least two of her homes could have fit into this magnificent entryway.  

Before her, on the main level, pale yellow paneling held beautiful paintings in gilded frames lending sophistication to two large doors that opened upon a sitting room. From here she could tell the room expanded with furnishings filling its spaces to accommodate many guests. Furniture was polished until it gleamed, and she could smell fragrant turpentine and beeswax reminding her of home. The absence of the servants was not lost upon her. Not even one peek since leaving the kitchens. Carly could sense that exactness was expected from everyone in this household.  

Purposefully, the butler encouraged her to follow him to the right past a suit of armor, the elegant stairway, and through a wide hallway.  

Carly took a calming breath.

***

Knocking on the door, the butler and Carly heard, "Come in."  

Before the butler had a chance to open the door, Carly exclaimed, "Am I not to be shown my room first?" her eyes wide with surprise.  

"Not in this household, miss." Giving her a kind look, he added, "You'll get used to His Lordship's ways soon enough."  

Before Carly could argue, for she would have, the door was opened, and the butler nodded for her to enter.