The Governess

Chapter 5 -- The Best of Manners

Chapter 5 

The Best of Manners

Silence. Wonderful, delicious smells assaulted the hungry governess's senses, but she stood frozen unable to bring herself forward. Though the room was warm, she felt ice cold. Still reeling with the frightening information Millesant had just disclosed to her about her new master, she finally spotted the feared Lord Huntington as he stood, filling the room with his intimidating presence.  

All was silent except for the crackling fire.  

They stood looking at each other taking each other in before he held her chair out for her to be seated next to him. "Please," he spoke, bowing, his hand beckoning her to her chair. "Won't you join me?"  

Shivering, Carly made her way towards him in this better lit space than the study from this morning not noticing the light green room and immense table, for this man loomed before her, stealing all attention from anything else. She noticed his nearly-black hair that curled at the ends, still damp from bathing, touching his crisp white collar, which contrasted with his sun-kissed skin. This gentleman spent time outdoors, unlike most men of his station.  

She approved.  

Glancing again, she saw that Lord Huntington had a strong face: high cheekbones, a straight nose, pale lips, chiseled features. His strong jaw looked freshly shaven. Uncertain as to the color of his eyes, they were, nevertheless, penetrating and dark. Impeccably dressed with black dinner jacket, black trousers and polished boots, she thought he must be the epitome of masculinity, although somewhat impenetrable. Her breath quickened as she became aware of the obvious characteristics of this gentleman that made her so conscious of him; his handsome face so well-formed; the broadness of his chest which was difficult not to look at, yet made Carly tremble; shoulders, and arms that she could tell were strong and muscular through his well-tailored jacket; tight trousers covering solid legs that stood apart in a stance of superior authority. He was magnificent.  

Lord Huntington clipped his heels together, saying, "Miss Blakemore," and bowed in a courtly manner.  

"Lord Huntington," she curtsied, attempting to hold herself with a regal air as she stood. Sitting down with billowing skirts, she waited. Lord Huntington, equally expert in his manners, scooted her in. Carly put her hands into her lap and sat straight as she could, shoulders back, the way her mother had taught her. Fake it, she breathed to herself.

***

By outward appearances, the young governess looked calm and confident, but Creighton sensed she was scared to be here in his presence. However, what set his nerves on edge was that he could not believe the transformation in her.  

What a beauty she was! No ugly brown traveling cloak and bonnet covered Miss Blakemore now.  

Unable to take his eyes from her, he noticed her gorgeous gown but could also tell she had outgrown it. The bodice and waistline fitted about her form framing her blossoming figure; the flowing skirts about her made her appear as all that a princess might be. Creighton startled at the knowledge that his new governess was so well-endowed with such provocative curves. Most definitely-a woman sat here before him!  

Certainly she would make a fine acquisition...  

Brushing this unwelcomed temptation aside, he noticed Miss Blakemore's hair was her crowning glory. Thick, dark tresses of auburn curled about her head with small golden nuggets of sparkle here and there. Her curls framed her face, beckoning one to touch. Enticing locks rested upon her delicate pale shoulder further bidding one to trace one's finger upon such a fine treasure. He shivered at the tantalizing impulse.