The American Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

thoughtful as they retraced the corridor toward her own room. Mrs. Clayton opened a door in the hallway and Cara caught her breath in pleasure when she entered.
    At one end of the room there was a large stone fireplace. Cheerful blue figured tiles surrounded the opening and lay on the hearth where it jutted into the room. A luxurious Oriental carpet covered the floor in a floral pattern of soft blues and beige. The furniture was hidden beneath Holland covers but looked comfortable rather than decorative. The best feature of the room was the wall of beveled windows, which framed a vista of the woods beyond the gardens.
    "What a delightful room," Cara sighed in pleasure
    "It is charming," the housekeeper remarked. "It used to be the nursery but you may have it as your sitting room as it is little used now."
    "But why ever not? It's the perfect place for the children to work and play," Cara exclaimed with pleasure.
    "Well as you can see," Mrs. Clayton indicated a door on the opposite wall, "It connects with your room. The other governesses did not enjoy the close proximity to the children."
    "If I am to have full control over the children's activities I would find it quite depressing to spend my time in the schoolroom. I will need this room to be prepared immediately." Oblivious of the housekeeper, Cara whisked back the covers on the furniture to peer at the objects underneath. "And a large supply of wood for the fireplace. The children ought to enjoy working in front of a roaring fire." Then noticing the housekeeper's startled expression at Cara's autocratic manner, she softened her voice to a more wheedling tone. "Please, Mrs. Clayton, tell me that you approve."
    Unable to resist the impish grin of the little American, the older woman smiled in her turn. "I think it's a splendid idea."
    Cara waited while Mrs. Clayton summoned servants to freshen the room and assist in unpacking her trunk. Thanks to Lord Wilton's efficient housekeeper, Cara was soon surrounded by a great bustle of activity. Now that her rooms were being set in order Cara was anxious to get to know her charges.
    "Where are the children, Mrs. Clayton?" Cara asked.
    "Outside, I suspect," the housekeeper exclaimed throwing up her hands. "Or just roaming around inside the Hall. When there is no governess, the children are pretty much left on their own. They come in when they're hungry but otherwise no one pays them a great deal of attention as long as they stay out of trouble."
    "And Lord Wilton permits this?" Cara asked in disbelief.
    "Lord Wilton is not what one would call a doting guardian." The disapproval was heavy in Mrs. Clayton's manner. "He is not over used to children. He leaves it to the governess to keep them in order."
    "I see," Cara said. Mentally she marked another flaw in the character of her husband. She acknowledged that so far there appeared to be little to admire in the man. "Well, until they turn up I suppose it would be all right if I wander around outside?" Cara asked. "It would be nice to begin getting my bearings in this place if I am to function at all well."
    "I'll send along a light lunch," Mrs. Clayton offered. "What with traveling up from London and now so many new things to assimilate, I suspect you must be a might peckish."
    With her clothes hung up in the wardrobe Cara felt more at home. For the moment her curiosity over the children outweighed her nervousness at her ability to play the part of a governess. She had had few opportunities to be around small children and was not convinced that she would be able to handle them correctly. Thankfully she was blessed with an abundance of common sense and a sound education. Assuming that they did not take an immediate dislike to her, she was sure they would scrape along well together. Determined to curb her impatience and explore her surroundings, she finished her lunch, tucking some cookies into her pocket to eat during her walk.
    Mrs. Clayton had shown Cara the staircase beside her room