A Most Unusual Governess Read Online Free PDF Page B

arms with a hug and said, Yes. Well have to wait for the boys, but as soon as they arrive well go outside.'
    Peter was the next to arrive, followed closely by William, and together the small party made its way down to the woods which lay behind the house. In the weeks that Sarah had been at Watermead Grange the boys had lost their reserve, and were now happy and confident in her company. Lucy, too, had flourished, and was quickly developing into a confident and capable little girl.
    It was pleasantly cool in the woods. The large trees were fully leaved, and created a welcome sea of shade away from the glare of the sun. The children, who had been rather limp after a day spent indoors, began to revive. Before long they were running about, playing hide and seek, with Lucy, as the youngest, being given the first turn to hide.
    It was a game that Sarah knew would occupy them for some time. She settled herself comfortably beneath one of the trees and, after watching the children play for a while, she turned her attention to a piece of embroidery she had brought with her. It was a cross stitch picture, showing two birds fluttering through a wooded background; perfect for her present location.
    She selected a length of blue cotton and threaded her needle, then began to stitch. The repetitive work was soothing, and she thought how lucky she had been to find such an enjoyable post. She loved teaching Lucy, and to be able to teach her in such pleasant surroundings was fortunate indeed.
    She was just about to finish off and call the children, telling them it was time to return to the house, when she heard voices. One she recognised immediately as the voice of Lord Randall. The second, a man's voice, was one she did not know; but, as they drew nearer and she caught some of their conversation, she realised he must be the estate manager.
    In another minute the two gentlemen were upon her. She stood up to greet them. After the friendly ending to her interview with Lord Randall Sarah felt she could meet him with confidence. But then she saw the expression on his face and her spirits sank.
    'Shouldn't you be looking after the children?' he asked, as he found her in the woods apparently alone.
    'Oh, I am,' she hastened to reassure him. She could not blame him for being angry if he thought she had abandoned her duty.
    'I don't see them,' he said, glancing round the woods.
    Thinking some humour would lighten the situation and prevent it from developing into another battle, Sarah said with a smile, You're not meant to. They are playing hide and seek!'
    But Lord Randall evidently mistook her humour for impertinence, thinking she was taking advantage of the friendliness he had shown her at the end of that morning's interview and a frown crossed his face.
    'If youll excuse me, my lord,' said Dawson, the estate manager, I'd better see to the drainage.' He hurried away.
    You were told to make sure that the children's occupations were educational,' said Lord Randall as soon as Dawson was out of hearing. 1 thought I had made myself clear.'
    'An hour spent in the woods is educational,' said Sarah, with a calmness she did not feel. 'Children aren't like adults. They can't spend all their time working. They need time to run about and be free. They need time to enjoy themselves. They need time to play.'
    We have had this conversation before,' he said darkly.
    'And will no doubt have it again,' she returned.
    'I am not in the habit of having my decisions questioned,' he said warningly, looking suddenly larger and darker than ever before.
    Then perhaps it's a habit you should get into,' she flashed back..
    But as soon as she had spoken she knew she had made a terrible mistake. It was one thing for her to tell Lord Randall that the children needed to be free to play; it was quite another for her to tell him that he should accustom himself to having all his decisions questioned; and questioned by a governess! She hadn't meant to say it, but something about him