The Governess of Highland Hall Read Online Free PDF

mother’s hand on the other side. Lowering her head, she listened while her father offered a simple prayer of thanks for the day, for Julia’s new position, and for their meal.
    Tears burned her eyes. This is what she would miss most—more than the fragrant jasmine flowers, the chatter of the girls at play, or the heat of the Indian sun on her shoulders. How would she find the strength and wisdom she needed without daily interaction with her parents? All of her life theyhad trained her to trust God. Well, the time had come for her to step out, exercise her faith, and find her peace and security in Him alone.

    The next morning Julia arrived at Highland Hall promptly at eight. Mrs. Emmitt met her at the back door and asked her to wait in her parlor while she finished speaking to the maids. Julia paced the room and repeated one of her favorite verses. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble .
    Mrs. Emmitt arrived and gave Julia a summary of the two younger children’s activities and preferences and told her a bit more about Millicent’s health issues. Julia nodded, trying to remember everything. The housekeeper didn’t mention Katherine or Penelope, which seemed odd, but Julia decided to wait and see how the day unfolded.
    Finally, she followed Mrs. Emmitt up the backstairs past the main floor and up to the first floor above.
    “Your room is the second door on the left.” The housekeeper nodded toward it. “I’ll have the footmen bring up your trunk.”
    “Thank you.” Julia slowed, expecting to be shown into her room, but Mrs. Emmitt continued on.
    “The nursery and schoolroom are across the hall.” She motioned toward a door on the right. “The children’s maid is helping them dress and prepare for the day. The family and staff gather for Scripture reading and prayer in the great hall at nine o’clock. You’ll be introduced to everyone at that time. Then you’ll return with the children to the nursery for breakfast and lessons.”
    Julia nodded, pleased to hear Sir William was concerned about the spiritual needs of his family and staff. Her thoughts shifted back to the children’s schedule. “Do the children eat luncheon with their father?”
    “No, you will supervise their meals in the nursery.”
    Julia hesitated. “All their meals?”
    “Yes. Sir William believes—”
    A high-pitched scream came from the other side of the nursery door.
    Julia gasped.
    Mrs. Emmitt stiffened, then jerked open the door.
    “Andrew, please!” The maid chased the boy across the room. Freckles covered his face, and his bright red, wavy hair glowed like a flaming torch as he ran past. He raced behind the table, clutching a gold-and-black stuffed tiger. He dodged the maid, eluding her grasp, and turned over a child-sized chair.
    Millicent stood in the corner, tears flowing down her pale cheeks. “He’s got my tiger!”
    Mrs. Emmitt drew herself up, her eyes blazing. “Andrew Ramsey, stop this immediately!”
    The boy darted a gleeful look at the housekeeper, then dashed into the closet and slammed the door.
    The young maid, her face flushed and her blond hair coming loose from her cap, hurried back to Millicent and knelt beside her. “It’s all right, Miss Millie. Please don’t cry. I’m sure he won’t tear the head off Tiger.”
    “Ann, what is going on?” Mrs. Emmitt glared at the maid.
    “I’m sorry, ma’am. Master Andrew is … having a difficult morning.”
    “That’s no excuse for letting things get so out of hand.” Mrs. Emmitt marched to the closet and twisted the knob, but the door was locked. “Master Andrew, come out at once!”
    “No! I’m never coming out!”
    “That’s nonsense. You can’t spend the day in the closet.”
    “Yes, I can!”
    “Very well. Then you’ll have no breakfast, and I shall have to tell your father you are misbehaving again.”
    Julia and the maid exchanged a glance. Would that motivate the boy to obey? Apparently not, because the door