The Governess Who Stole My Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Read online

  “How interesting,” Mother said flatly.

  Susan gave her a look indicating she wanted to be alone with Sir Jasper.

  “Oh, my… how late it’s become. I really have much to attend to before supper. If the two of you will excuse me…”

  Sir Jasper rose halfway up from his chair. “Good day to you, then, Mrs. Wilton.

  “Good day, Sir Jasper.” Then she left.

  Susan had had quite enough of this boring tea and she stood, saying, “Shall we take our walk now, Sir Jasper?”

  “I should be delighted,” he offered.

  As it was summer no wrap was needed, and Susan led the way from the house along the road to the river walk.

  The Kent countryside was mostly agricultural, with gently rolling hills and flat grazing fields with many sheep farms like her father’s. The path along the river provided a pleasant stroll, with overhanging trees giving shade and a pleasant aspect.

  “Have you been working on any new songs?” Susan asked.

  “I have. I’m working on an Ode to Her Royal Highness, Princess Charlotte on her Birthday, Sir Jasper said as he took a quick glance into his hand mirror and adjusted his curl. “Ever since His Majesty, King George bestowed my knighthood upon me for writing Hail, His Conquering Majesty for his coronation, I have endeavored to please his Majesty with a new musical work each year. It’s exhausting, but one must bow to the royal will.”

  “Of course,” Susan said, having heard the story of his knighthood far too many times.

  They walked on in silence a few minutes before Sir Jasper asked, “Have you given any thought to our last conversation?”

  Susan knew exactly what he was referring to but chose to feign ignorance. “And which conversation would that be, Sir Jasper?”

  He looked askance at her. “Susan, certainly you must remember my urgent request for an answer to my proposal of marriage. I’ve patiently waited these many months and each time I ask, you evade an answer. I am patient, but not eternally so.”

  Susan looked over at him. She could see his genuine pain at her evasion, and she felt a twinge of guilt.

  “I’m sorry, Sir Jasper, I must admit to my continued uncertainty about my answer and I am sorry.”

  She stopped the walk and turned to address him directly. She had known her answer for some time now, but her parent’s strong insistence that she marry had made her prolong giving an honest answer to the poor, suffering man.

  She reached out and offered him her hand, which he took. But she didn’t speak immediately.

  “You’re refusing me, aren’t you?” Sir Jasper said quietly.

  “Yes, Jasper, I am. I’m most sorry, but I can’t marry you.”

  He was annoyed. “Susan, you are five and twenty years old. Do you really believe there are that many other worthy suitors out there who’d lavish you with the time and attention I have?”

  She was not going to be intimidated by this man. “That is as it may be. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t love you, and I don’t wish to enter into a loveless marriage. Please forgive me, but I must be honest with you.”

  Sir Jasper turned away and stared at the river. “I greatly resent the time I’ve wasted as I’ve waited for your answer. Why couldn’t you inform me of this decision earlier?”

  “For that, I take full responsibility, and I’m truly sorry. You may put that down to my feminine timidity—and my parent’s forceful insistence that I marry you.”

  “So you disregard your parent’s wishes?” he asked as he turned back to face her.

  “As you say, I’m indeed five and twenty, and I’m no longer a child, and I know my own mind. You are correct to admonish me for my cowardice, but believe me when I say I’ve spared you from a marriage you would eventually come to regret.”

  “Very well. I accept your decision. Then I propose we return to you home and I shall then forever take my leave of you and your family.”

  “Sir Jasper, can’t we remain friends?”

  “I think not.” And he turned and walked away without escorting her back to her house.

  The village of Ash was but a short walk through her family’s fields, and she often did the family marketing when she was not teaching and would stop by to visit with her friend, Katherine, as they loved to chat and gossip.

  Katherine lived with her family in a house just off the main square where her father had a cobbler’s shop on the ground floor. After doing her shopping at the market, Susan knocked on the family’s door.

  “There you are,” Katherine said, “I thought you’d forgotten about me.”

  “Never, ever.”

  “Come in,” Katherine offered. “I’ve just baked the most deliciously evil, pudding cake. Would you like to try a slice?”

  “Of course.”

  Katherine led the way down the hallway beside the cobbler’s shop to the back of the house where the family lived. The kitchen was at the very back of the house and led out to a fairly generous garden where the family spent a lot of time during the summer months.

  Susan studied her friend as she made the tea. Katherine had lustrous, rich, red hair, which she piled atop her head. She was a big girl but had an infectious laugh that immediately endeared her to everyone she met. And her green eyes sparkled, invited, and enlivened her full face.

  “Would you like some tea with your cake?” Katherine asked.

  “I would, thank you.”

  Having prepared the refreshments, Katherine led the way to the back of the garden where there was a table and several comfortable chairs under a broad oak. She set down the tea tray and served them.

  “Any news?” Susan asked as she stirred her tea.

  “There is,” Katherine responded. “I can see Roger is working his way up to popping the question.”

  “And you’ll accept?”

  “A big girl like me doesn’t get very many eligible suitors. Are you seriously thinking I would not?”

  “I thought you probably would, but it’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?”

  “And he’s a terrible brute for making me wait so long.”

  “But there were money issues, weren’t there?” Susan asked. “He wanted to be certain he could support you, yes?”

  “I’ve got a modest living to offer.”

  “But Katherine, you must remember a gentleman’s pride—particularly with a fine man like Roger. He wants to feel he’s supporting you.”

  “True.”

  Katherine leaned back in her chair and gazed up at the sun speckling through the leaves of the tree.

  “Any idea when you might have the wedding?” Susan asked.

  “Oh, no. We’ve not gotten to that point yet. But your darling sister’s wedding is coming up quickly now, no?”

  “September. Nice time for a wedding.”

  Katherine tread carefully, but had to ask. “And how do you feel about it?”

  “Delighted, why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Well… there was that episode with Simon a few years back. And that reminds me, any further thoughts on Sir Jasper?”

  Susan bowed her head. “Oh, Katherine, I just had to finally say no.”

  Katherine leaned forward in her chair. “You didn’t. And how’d he take it?”

  “He was a perfect beast. He stormed off without even saying good-bye. And good riddance, I say.”

  “Were your parents furious?”

  “I think my father took it in stride, but Mamma nearly capsized with disappointment.”

  Katherine laughed. “Well, at least you’ve got Louisa’s event coming up. Maybe you’ll meet just the right gentleman for you at her wedding.”

  “I wouldn’t count on that. For now, I’m quite content with teaching my kids.”

  “But Susan…” Katherine looked at her with just the faintest hint of pity.

  “Now, don’t be horrid, Katherine, there is absolutely nothing wrong with spinsterhood,” Susan said with a wry smile.

  “Never, never
. You are too gifted and charming to go long without a suitable gentleman calling.”

  Susan sighed. “The tea was delightful and the pudding cake a marvel, however, I must be going.”

  “If there’s anything I can do to help with Louisa’s wedding, please let me know.”

  “I’ve nothing to wear. Perhaps you might help me with that.”

  “Ah… Let’s walk to Howell and Barton’s. They have a new shipment of French fabrics in. Let’s select the perfect materials, and we’ll construct you the perfect dress for the wedding.”

  Katherine picked up the tea tray and they headed back toward the house.

  “Brother Daniel has written to say he’ll have shore leave in the next month or so. I’ll be so happy to see him. It’s been over two years.”

  “And that is navy life for you.”

  “Did I say he’s been made a captain?”

  “Really? No, I don’t believe you told me that. Your parents must be very proud.”

  Louisa’s wedding was just a week away. The activity in the Wilton household could only be described as frantic. The Duke of Lennox had RSVP’d that he’d attend the wedding with his Aunt Clarissa, which they’d not expected, after the debacle with Simon. And the fact that he was attending put added pressure on the family to be sure the wedding planning was just perfect.

  Mamma appeared to be in a tizzy, but everyone knew she was reveling in the chaos of the wedding.

  Susan was helping however she could, but she was still haunted by the fact that Louisa’s wedding was going to be held in the same church where Susan had been jilted those few years ago. And she couldn’t help but worry that Simon might show up as well—even though he’d not been invited. But Susan brushed away her few lingering concerns and focused her entire energy on helping make the wedding as happy as possible for her sister.

  One afternoon there was a knock at her bedroom door.

  “Yes?” Susan called out.

  “It’s me.”

  “Come in, Louisa,” Susan said, as she sat on the edge of her bed.

  Louisa came inside. “May we chat for a moment?”

  “Of course.” Susan patted the bed. “Come, sit with me.”

  Louisa paced the room for a moment before she sat.

  “Susan, I’ve spoken to Mamma, about… you know…”

  “The wedding night?”

  Louisa looked down shyly. “Yes.”

  “And she’s not answering your questions to your satisfaction.”

  “Exactly. What can you advise me?”

  “Well, as you know, I’ve not yet been married, so I’m, perhaps, not the best person to ask.”

  “But you’re older and wiser, and a teacher. Surely you know more than mother’s willing to tell me.”

  Susan sighed. “What’s she told you so far?”

  “She assembled a carrot and a melon and attempted to do a demonstration, but she became so flustered she ended up throwing her hands up in the air, tossing the carrot into a soup, and running out of the kitchen with the melon in her hands, going who knows where.”

  Susan nodded and laughed. “Yes, I had the same botched demonstration. And when I asked Papa, he tuned beet red, and kept blowing his nose until he too had to leave the room.”

  “Can you help me?”

  “I’m quite certain you must know the mechanics by now, Louisa. You’re twenty years old, after all. But what’s really important, are the emotional aspects of your relationship with your husband. And you must certainly have some inclination of how he may behave with you. No?”

  Robert’s such a caring man. I believe he’ll be sensitive and patient with me.”

  “Robert Tunbull is a wonderful man from my experience. I’ve been teaching with him for quite a few years now, and I can attest to his many fine qualities. But to be quite honest with you, I’m not experienced in the arts you’re asking me about. What about asking your friend, Matilda? She’s been married for over a year now, and should be much more useful as a resource than I am.”

  Louisa considered the suggestion. “Yes, that’s an excellent suggestion. I’ll speak to her tomorrow when I’m in the village. Thank you.”

  Chapter 2

  The groom’s parents were hosting the wedding breakfast. Robert, the groom, greeted the Wiltons when they arrived at the Tunbull household.

  “Greetings. Welcome,” he said, as he embraced Louisa and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. She blushed.

  “Should you be seeing the bride on the morning of the wedding?” Mamma asked, suddenly concerned that a jinx would befall all of them.

  “She’s not in her wedding dress yet,” Robert’s mother said, as she shook each guest’s hand.

  “I guess that’ll do,” Mamma said, ready to concede the issue.

  The Tunbull household was even more rambunctious and chaotic than the Wilton’s.

  Robert was a strawberry blond with freckles and a winning smile. He was short, but still a little taller than Louisa and no one seemed to take issue with the fact.

  There were children running throughout the house. There were brothers and sisters. Sister and brothers-in-law. And so many various people wandering the house that Susan never caught any of their names.

  The breakfast was jovial but chaotic and Susan just smiled, engaged in anonymous conversations, and tried to keep her center in the turmoil around her. But she could see that Robert’s family would be congenial in-laws.

  Louisa still needed to get back home, get dressed, made-up and ready for the wedding. As bridesmaid, Susan kept urging the family to return home so they would have enough time, and eventually, she got her reluctant family back into the carriage and on the way back to their house.

  Susan couldn’t help but remember her own preparations for her wedding as she helped Louisa get ready.

  Louisa looked up as Susan was working on her hair.

  “Are you all right?” Louisa asked. “You’ve been very quiet all morning.”

  “Someone has to keep this wedding on track. Mamma has been her usual frantic self and Papa has been less than useless through the whole wedding planning. Someone has to keep us all on track. Guess it fell to me.”

  Louisa reached up and patted her sister’s hand. “You’re such a good sister. Thank you.”

  Susan smiled and leaned in and whispered. “Did Matilda give you the information you were searching for?”

  Louisa looked up at her and nodded. “She was very helpful.”

  “Good.”

  Mamma suddenly burst into the room. “Are you nearly ready? We’re late. And with His Grace, the Duke, attending we can’t afford not to be there to welcome him.”

  “Mamma, it was you who had the second helping of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, and insisted we stay longer at the breakfast,” Susan said.

  Mamma waved her hands as though shooing flies. “Never mind. Never mind. We need to go now. Is she ready?”

  “Yes, she’s ready,” Susan said, as she offered her hand to help Louisa stand.

  “You look lovely, my dear,” Mamma said as she pushed Louisa forward and out of the bedroom.

  The four were herded into the carriage. Jacob, Amy, and their young son, Kevin, had gone ahead in their own coach.

  Susan couldn’t help herself—she reflected back on this same journey on the day of her disastrous nuptials. Had it only been five years ago? It was pointless to reminisce about that horrible day. But unlike the fair weather that had blessed the party on that day, today the sky was ominous with a storm brewing over the channel that might strike at any point during the morning. Susan just hoped it would be delayed at least until they all got safely inside the church.

  However, in the carriage, Mamma was chatty and Papa held tightly on to Louisa’s hand, about to lose his youngest—and Susan suspected—favorite daughter. And Susan just stared out the window at the same landscape she’d studied before.

  They did arrive on time, although the groom’s party preceded them into the church. Ther
e was, as yet, no sign of the Duke and his aunt.

  Jacob directed the family to the bride’s side of the aisle, while Louisa, Papa, and Susan once again sought refuge in the vestry until the ceremony should start.

  Louisa seemed nervous and fidgeted with her wedding gown. Susan went over to calm and reassure her.

  There was a knock at the door and Katherine peeked in.

  “Susan, do you have a moment? There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Susan glanced at Louisa who nodded it was alright to go. Susan went outside.

  “And look who’s joining us today,” Katherine said, taking the hand of the young man beside her.

  Susan was astounded. “Daniel, is that you?”

  Standing before her was Katherine’s brother—strikingly handsome in his crisp, dark blue, frockcoat uniform with gold buttons and holding his bicorn, captain’s hat, folded into the crook of his arm.

  “Do you remember me?” Daniel asked.

  Susan laughed nervously. “You were so young and skinny when you went off to sea. I laugh because you’ve changed so much.”

  “For the better, I hope. I was such a raw lad when I left, wasn't I?”

  “But not now,” Susan said, smiling.

  How the young man had filled out. He was strong, with blond curls and a ruggedly handsome face, tanned by life at sea. His eyes matched the color of the ocean on a sunny day, and his smile was far too dangerously becoming.

  Susan turned to Katherine. “Your mother must be happy to have him home.”

  “We all are. Our lost boy returns—and looking like a prince, doesn’t he? Even Father closed the shop for the day when he arrived.”

  Susan hesitated but needed to get back to Louisa. “It’s a pleasure to see you again,” she said, turning away slightly but turning back. “Perhaps we can chat more later, at the reception.”

  Daniel saluted and nodded. “I look forward to it Miss Susan.”

  Susan took a deep breath and returned to the vestry.

  “Have all the guests arrived?” Louisa asked. “The storm seems to be brewing even now. I hope no one gets wet.”

  “It looked to me like all the guests have arrived.”