Page 1 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
Chapter 1
Trenton Village, November, 1817
“Oh, my,” breathed Selene, biting her lip, as she gazed around the village square of Trenton, which was decked out with evergreens, flickering candles and many stalls. “It is so beautiful…”
She kept gaping, taking it all in. It was the very first Christmas celebration of the season in the village, even though it wasn’t yet December. The small village of Trenton liked to start the season early, and with a bang.
There were roasting chestnut stalls, plenty of spicy mulled wine, pork pies, and cake. The villagers were starting to gather around the central bonfire as well, throwing logs onto it, which hissed and crackled merrily, throwing orange sparks into the air that danced like fireflies in the darkness.
It promised to be a very merry evening, indeed. It was just a pity that she was attending it alone this year as her parents were away for the season.
“Selene Bomind!” The voice was feminine and cheery, laced heavily with the local dialect. “As I live and breathe, it hasbeen an age since I have seen you, child! You are all grown up now!”
Selene turned around, startled, gazing into the plump, kind face of Mrs. Martha Kittles, who was the housekeeper at a huge local estate called Trenton House, the estate of the Duke of Trenton.
Selene didn’t know Mrs. Kittles very well—the woman was friendly with her parents, but due to her position at the manor house, they didn’t see her very often. Mrs. Kittles was a busy woman with a lot of responsibilities.
“Mrs. Kittles,” said Selene, smiling. “How lovely to see you! You have a night off from the big house, then?”
“I do,” declared the woman, raising a glass of mead that she was holding into the air. “And I intend to make the most of it.” She paused, taking a long sip. “Aye, that’s better! I always like a warm glass of mead on a cold night. How are your parents, child?”
“They are both well,” replied Selene, her smile widening. “They are away, visiting my Aunt Una, in Devon, and will likely spend Christmas there, for my dear aunt is unwell, and needs help to tend her animals.”
Mrs. Kittles frowned. “Oh, that is not good to hear. Why did you not go with them to spend the season in Devon? Why have you been left alone, child?”
Selene laughed. “I am twenty now, Mrs. Kittles. I am a child no longer and am quite capable of staying alone at the cottage.” She shrugged. “I do not mind being alone, and my aunt only has one spare room.” She hesitated.
“And I am still actively looking for a position, although there is not much being advertised so close to Christmas…”
Mrs. Kittles frowned. “Your last position with the Lang family did not work out, then?”
Selene grimaced. “They decided that they did not need a nursemaid any longer,” she stated, shrugging her shoulders again. “I think they could no longer afford me, and Mrs. Lang has decided to look after young Nellie herself.”
“I have heard talk they are doing it rough,” said Mrs. Kittles. She was silent for a moment, looking at Selene carefully, in a scrutinizing way. “You have turned into a beautiful, clever young woman, Selene. Your father’s efforts to educate you well have clearly paid off. Are you still bookish?”
Selene laughed again. “Yes! If I were able to, I would sit and read all day long. Pa says he can no longer afford my book habit.”
“Have you ever considered becoming a governess?” Mrs. Kittles kept staring at her thoughtfully. “If you are looking for a new position, I can tell you that we are currently interviewing for a governess at the big house, if you are interested.”
Selene’s smile froze on her face. She knew that the woman meant well, but the talk surrounding Trenton House was always active, and it wasn’t good. The Duke of Trenton was secretly named the Iron Duke by the villagers, on account of the fact he was such a harsh, cold man.
And apparently, there had been an endless parade of governesses there, as the duke’s daughter, Lady Lenore, was a spoilt miss who drove them away with her dreadful tantrums. They rarely lasted more than a month.
“I am in charge of interviewing for the position,” continued Mrs. Kittles, in a thoughtful voice. “And I can tell you that I would recommend you highly for the position, Selene. You would only need to get final approval from His Grace.” She paused. “It is a highly paid position. You would be getting twice the normal monthly salary that is due to a governess.”
Selene, who had opened her mouth to refuse the offer, in the kindliest way, shut it again, her mind spinning rapidly.
Twice the normal monthly salary. I would be able to supplement Pa’s meager income. I could almost support the entire household. Lord knows, we need the money desperately.
“Twice the salary?” she asked slowly. “Really?”
Mrs. Kittles nodded. “Aye. I won’t lie—the little lady is a bit of a handful, which is why the duke is offering such a good salary.” She rolled her eyes. “But you are a clever, spirited girl, Selene, and I think you might just have the courage and skill to handle her. And the salary would be a real help for your poor parents.”
Selene hesitated. She didn’t know if she had the housekeeper’s faith in her skills. She had never held a governess position before, and even though she was well-educated for her class, she wasn’t used to dealing with high-born nobles at all. She had never even set foot inside a grand house.
Her parents had once been in service at another local grand house, Garton Manor, which was how they knew Mrs. Kittles, but that had been before she was born. They had never taken her there.
Could I do it? Could I become a governess to a spirited, badly behaved young lady, and be able to deal with her harsh, cold father as well? Could I learn to become a governess in a grand house?
