The Cottage in the Woods Read Online Free PDF

received curt nods from most of them. As I took in my surroundings, I became aware that Nurse was deep in a conference with several of the housemaids, who were bent over her, listening. There was a little burst of laughter, and then they all looked furtively around at me, quickly turned away, and laughed again. I could just imagine what stories she was making up at my expense, and I felt insulted and angry, but, seeing nothing I could do about it, I tried to ignore them.
    Cook, a genial she-bear who kept up a running patter as she worked, pointed her spatula toward a small side table where a place was set for one, and said, “Right over there, miss. Biscuits will be up in a minute, if you’ll be so patient, and well worth waiting for, if I say so myself.”
    “Won’t the staff be eating too?” I asked.
    “They’ll eat when the morning chores are done.”
    “I see,” I replied, and I sat down and surveyed a tall stack of pancakes covered with honey, and a large bowl of fruit, an ample start for the day by any measure. As I ate, I contemplated my solitary status at the little table. I had been warned of this lonely aspect of my vocation: that a governess, while too well educated to be considered one of the servants, could not be considered a part of the family either. Last night’s inclusion at supper had been an act of kindness to welcome me here, but it seemed that, from now on, like any other governess, I must expect to take my meals alone.
    I thanked Cook for the lovely breakfast, and asked the pretty little maid, whose name was Betsy, for directions to the schoolroom, which proved to be quite straightforward. My exploration seemed less daunting in daylight, and I found my way without too much difficulty.
    Teddy and his mother were waiting for me in the schoolroom. Teddy greeted me warmly with a well-rehearsed “Good morning, Miss Brown,” and a little paw full of flowers.
    “Good morning,” Mrs. Vaughn said. “I hope you’ve found everything to your liking.”
    “Oh yes,” I responded. “My room is quite the loveliest I’ve ever had. And breakfast was very nice too.”
    Mrs. Vaughn smiled warmly and handed me a stack of books. “Here are some textbooks Mr. Vaughn ordered for you,” she said. “And here are some of Teddy’s favorite books as well. You may order more as you need them. There is a catalog included. Just give the list to Mr. Vaughn’s clerk, Mr. Bentley. His office is adjacent to the library. Mr. Vaughn says you are to feel free to use the library during the day. There is a special section of cubs’ books on the lower shelves beside the desk.”
    “Thank you. I’m sure that will be more than enough to get us started,” I answered.
    “At noon, luncheon will be served here in the schoolroom, if you like,” she said. “Just ring for Betsy. Teddy is to have a short rest after the meal, then you may resume in the afternoon.”
    “Very good, madam. If it meets with your approval, I should like to take him out of doors, in the afternoons, weather permitting, for natural history and woodcraft?”
    “Yes, that will suit perfectly, I’m sure. Just be certain to deliver him back to me by teatime. After that, your time is your own, though I understand Mr. Vaughn has set you to work learning Latin. Still, you should have ample free time. I hope you will feel at liberty to enjoy the grounds. There are miles of trails good for walking. You and Teddy might enjoy the walk to the waterfall this afternoon. It’s very secluded and picturesque. You may go wading, if it’s not too cold. Teddy knows the way.”She gave Teddy a little pat on the head, with an admonition to mind his governess, and make his mama and papa proud, and left us to our own devices. I sent my thanks Heavenward that my pupil’s mother was so reasonable and generous.
    I set out first to determine what levels Teddy had reached in his education, and discovered through some simple learning games that he was already proficient in