Page 2 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
She pursed her lips. Mrs. Kittles was gazing at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. What was she going to tell her?
Selene, you are being foolish. Your family needs the income, and you would be earning twice the normal governess’s salary. You can learn to become a governess. You can only try. There might never be another opportunity like this.
“I am so pleased you have such faith in me, Mrs. Kittles,” she responded eventually, her heart skipping a beat. “I would very much like to interview for the position.”
Mrs. Kittles’ face was suddenly wreathed in smiles. “That’s the girl!” Her voice suddenly turned business like. “Come to the house at ten sharp tomorrow morning. I am interviewing for the entire morning. You need to come around to the back of the house and use the servant’s entrance.”
“Thank you,” breathed Selene, as terror struck her heart. What on earth had she just done?
“I will let you enjoy the party,” said Mrs. Kittles, raising her glass of mead in the air. “I will see you at ten tomorrow, my girl.”
Selene nodded, as the housekeeper gave a jaunty wave, taking off briskly toward the bonfire. Her head was spinning, and a cold sweat had broken out on the back of her neck.
“Selene! There you are!”
She jumped, turning around. One of her very best friends in the world, Miss Emma Wellington, the local vicar’s daughter, bounded toward her, grabbing her arm. They embraced.
“You look like you have seen a ghost, Selene,” said Emma, gazing at her closely. “You were in such a good mood and looking forward to the party. What is going on? Have you suddenly become afraid of being alone in the cottage with your parents away?”
Selene managed to laugh. “No, I am not afraid.” She hesitated. “Emma, I just spoke with Mrs. Kittles, who is housekeeper at Trenton House. She wants me to apply for the position of governess there… and I accepted.”
Emma’s jaw dropped. “Really? They are looking for another new governess?” She shook her head. “I suppose it is not surprising. The last one has been there for a month. They rarely last any longer than that.”
“I am scared, Emma,” she admitted, her heart lurching. “The Iron Duke is such a cold, dreadful man. He is known for his harshness toward everyone.”
“There is a reason for that,” interjected Emma, her eyes wide. “Have you heard the story of what happened to his late wife?”
Selene frowned. “No.”
Emma sighed dramatically. “She died giving birth to their only child on Christmas Day,” she breathed, shaking her head. “He tried everything to save her and loved her desperately. Apparently, he wasn’t half as bad before she died. It really ruined him. He turned into such a curmudgeon after that.”
Selene’s eyes widened. “How truly dreadful. I never knew.”
Emma sighed again. “Yes. He never recovered from his tragedy.” She stared at Selene. “This could be the break you have been looking for, Selene. Your family needs the income. Although it would be a hard position. They say the young lady is a terror. She drives away all her governesses. You would have your work cut out for you.”
Selene took a deep breath. “Well, I am only interviewing for the position—I have not got it yet. And beggars cannot be choosers, as you say.” her heart flipping, gazing at the stars.
“Pa has never recovered from his injury and can’t work as much as he used to. You know that. We really do need the income. It is worth a try.”
“Yes, of course it is,” agreed Emma, linking arms with her, smiling at her kindly. “But that is tomorrow. Tonight is for celebration.” She giggled. “Perhaps we could take a look at all the handsome young men in the village… and wonder what it would be like to kiss them… and perhaps even lie with them”
Selene’s eyes widened in shock, but Emma’s giggle was infectious, so she couldn’t help joining in.
“Emma, you are audacious,” she declared, slapping her friend’s wrist, in a mocking way. “You are the vicar’s daughter. You are not supposed to be thinking about handsome young men and how nice it would be to do… things with them.”
Emma giggled harder, shooting her a sly glance. “I might be the vicar’s daughter, but I am not totally blind,” she laughed. “It is only natural, Selene. It is what young men and women do together when passion alights, you know”
Selene laughed. “Oh, you need to behave!” Her cheeks were pink, thinking about handsome young men and kissing them. She had never kissed anyone. She grew warm thinking about it, but no young man, handsome or otherwise, had ever really piqued her interest. Still, what would it be like?
“Look at him,” whispered Emma, pointing to a young farmer’s laborer, who was as tall as a tree trunk, with muscles like iron. “I would like to feel those rock-hard muscles when he put his arms around me and squeezed me. I might just swoon with ecstasy.” She shivered.
They giggled a little more, before becoming serious again.
“And do you want me to help you collect the gifts for the orphans from the villagers?” asked Emma. “Should we start doing it now, while the night is still young, and the villagers not in their cups?”
Selene laughed. “Yes, I think it would be a good idea! You have such a kind heart, Emma.”
“I am not as kind as you, my dear,” said Emma, staring at her. “You are the one who had the idea to collect Christmas gifts for the orphanage. You are kindness incarnate. A true saint.”
