1862 London, England
The carriage rocked back and forth, with the rhythmic trotting of horses. I peered out from the sheer curtains and was greeted by tall wrought iron fences. The estate itself was a stark contrast to the lush gardens and bright skies. The manor's towers gleamed in the afternoon sun, with menace and warning. I pulled back from the window, heart hammering in my chest. Straightening my bonnet and pulling up my gloves, I managed to suppress my nerves. As the carriage lurched to a stop, I reminded myself of my single purpose - mother.
. . . . .
Abruptly, the carriage door opened and I was greeted by the stout, red-faced coachman. "M'lady, we have arrived," he said extending his hand to help me down. Straightening my hat, I stared back at the grand mansion in front of me. Hedges lined the lawn and I squinted as the large windows reflected the weaning sunlight into my eyes. I took in a deep breath as my stomach fluttered with anticipation. The silence that enveloped the grounds was disturbed as I rapped the brass door knocker. The doors opened and warm light from the oil lamps, spilled onto the cobblestones. "Hallo Ms. Wilson, I do hope the road has treated you well." The butler said politely. "Thank you, yes quite well." I responded, falling into a curtsy.
"Please follow me this way, we will have someone fetch your things," he said as he returned back into the house. I nodded at the coachman, before following the butler inside.
. . . . .
I brought the teacup to my lips, feeling the warm tea slip down my throat before setting it in the saucer. Thick velvet curtains cloaked the drawing room in a dim light, but I could still make out the rich carpets and various painted portraits of the Bradfield family.
Mrs. Bradfield was a slender woman with striking blue eyes and without a single hair out of place. Mr. Bradfield's moustache and greying dark hair made him look intimidating, despite the amusement in his eyes. Finally Miss. Bradfield, in contrast to her parents beamed with childish delight, mischief dancing in her eyes. A curly mop of honey-blonde curls framed her small flushed face. My mind wandered and soon I was thinking of my family - my mother.
But my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps heading towards the drawing room. I immediately rose to my feet as the couple entered the room.
"Ah welcome Ms. Wilson, hope you are well," Mr. Bradfield barked.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield, a pleasure." I replied with a curtsy.
Mrs. Bradfield smiled, "I'm glad you've come, Emily is in dire need of a governess."
"I hope to be of help."
"Well, why don't you go freshen up and our housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson will show you to your room." Mrs. Bradfield said. "Emily is in the midst of her music lesson, but Mrs. Hudson will introduce you as soon as you would like."
"Of course, thank you." I said, following Mrs. Hudson upstairs.
Mrs. Hudson was a sweet old lady, and I immediately took a liking to her. "Here we are dear, freshen up and call me if there is anything you need." Once alone, I attempted to rinse away traces of the long journey and prepare for what was to come.
* * * * *
Author's Note:
Thank you for the reads! Let me know about your thoughts and predictions in the comments, I look forward to reading them :)
Enjoy!
Yours,
Booklover
YOU ARE READING
Unearthed
Romance"He came closer until he was well within arm's reach, "Catch me if you can." He whispered with a sneer. His footsteps filled the silence eventually fading away entirely while his voice continued to ring in my ears. Catch him, I certainly would. ...
