Page 14 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
The garden of Ravenscroft Manor unfolded like a living tapestry, a sanctuary of natural beauty framed by meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant bursts of blooming flowers. As Anna and Amelia strolled through its winding paths, the air was infused with the delicate scents of lavender, roses, and the earthy fragrance of moss-covered stones.
A profusion of colors painted the landscape—a kaleidoscope of blossoms in hues of lavender, rose, and azure that swayed gently in the breeze. The garden, with its intricate layout, featured hidden alcoves adorned with wrought-iron benches and canopies of climbing vines, creating intimate spaces for quiet contemplation.
The sunlight filtered through the canopy of old oak trees, casting dappled patterns on the cobblestone paths. Butterflies flitted from one blossom to another, adding a whimsical dance to the already magical atmosphere. Beyond the immediate view, the garden extended into secluded corners, where the play of light and shadow created a sense of mystery.
The more Amelia saw of this place, the more she seemed to fall in love with it. And not only with the place, but the people in it as well. Anna was such a joy to have around, and the brooding earl was turning out to be anything but brooding.
Anna, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, gestured toward a bed of roses in various shades. “Miss Wycliffe, do you have a favorite flower? I’ve always loved the roses in our garden, especially the ones with the deep red petals.”
Amelia, appreciating the beauty around them, smiled. “Roses are indeed lovely, Anna. Each color carries its own meaning. Red roses often symbolize love and passion, while white roses represent purity. Do you have a favorite color?”
Anna pondered for a moment before pointing to a cluster of lavender-hued blossoms. “I like the purple ones! They’re so pretty, like little bits of magic in the garden.”
Amelia nodded. “Purple flowers often symbolize enchantment and admiration. It’s a wonderful choice, Anna.”
Anna’s eyes widened with curiosity as she surveyed the garden, her gaze landing on a bed of vibrant daisies. “Miss Wycliffe, what about daisies? Do they have a special meaning, too?”
Amelia, appreciating Anna’s eagerness to learn, replied, “Yes, indeed. Daisies are often associated with innocence and purity. They are simple yet charming, much like the joy of a carefree day in the countryside.”
Anna’s enthusiasm bubbled forth. “Oh, I like that! Innocence and purity. It makes me think of fairies and magical places.”
Amelia chuckled, enjoying the imaginative turn of the conversation. "The garden does have a magical quality, doesn’t it? It’s as if each blossom holds a secret, waiting to be discovered.”
Suddenly, Anna stopped, turning to Amelia with a wide-eyed expression on her face. “Miss Wycliffe…what will you teach me as my governess? Will it be like school?”
Amelia felt a need to kneel down, to be at eye level with Anna. “Not exactly like school, Anna,” she tried to explain. “As your governess, I’ll help you learn a variety of things. We’ll explore the world of literature together, reading stories and discovering new words. I’ll teach you about numbers and arithmetic, and we’ll have fun with different activities to make learning exciting.”
Anna’s eyes sparkled with interest. “What else, Miss Wycliffe?”
Amelia continued, her tone warm and encouraging. “We’ll delve into the wonders of history, exploring the past and the fascinating tales it holds. I’ll also guide you in developing your artistic skills, whether it’s drawing, painting, or even appreciating the beauty in the world around us. And, of course, we’ll explore the secrets of nature right here in the garden.”
Anna’s face lit up with excitement. “That sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to learn all those things with you, Miss Wycliffe.”
Amelia smiled, her heart warmed by Anna’s enthusiasm. “I’m looking forward to it, too, Anna. Learning is a grand adventure, and we’ll embark on it together, discovering the magic that knowledge brings.”
Anna took her by the hand, and together, they delved more deeply into the garden, enjoying the sights, the sounds, and the simple fact of just being there together.
***
Sebastian, finding solace in the familiar routine of caring for his horse in the stables, was engrossed in the rhythmic cadence of brushing its sleek coat. The scent of hay and the quiet sounds of the stables created a tranquil backdrop, a sanctuary where he could momentarily escape the complexities of his responsibilities and not be the Earl of Ravenscroft, but rather just Sebastian.
His movements were deliberate and measured, each stroke of the brush a practiced motion that spoke of a long-standing familiarity with the task. The horse, a magnificent creature with a sleek, chestnut coat, stood patiently as Sebastian worked, their connection evident in the quiet understanding that existed between them.
Occasionally, Sebastian paused to run his hand along the horse’s mane, a silent exchange of trust and companionship between man and beast. The gentle sounds of their shared presence, the swish of the brush, and the occasional snort of the horse created a harmonious symphony within the stables. This was a place where he could enjoy the serenity and the simple pleasure of caring for a loyal companion.
As Sebastian continued to brush his horse in the tranquil confines of the stables, he became aware of the soft footsteps approaching. Turning his head slightly, he caught sight of Anna and Amelia passing by, seemingly unaware of his presence in the dimly lit stable.
His gaze, initially drawn to the lively chatter and laughter of Amelia and his ward, soon fixated on Amelia. There, in the filtered sunlight that streamed through the stable door, she seemed to embody a quiet elegance that captivated him. The rhythmic brushing of the horse momentarily paused as his attention became entirely absorbed by the enchanting figure before him.
Once again, he wasn’t certain if her presence here would be a blessing or a curse. Certainly, she was a good choice for a governess. That much had become evident from the moment that Anna and Amelia met. But for him…he had not come across such a distraction in quite a while. Amelia occupied his every waking thought. The very realization that she was here, underthe same roof, mere footsteps away from him at any given point in time, tortured him.
As if that was not enough, the memory of her form in his arms had awakened the animal of desire in him, the beast he thought he had all but forgotten in the confines of his slumbering heart. Now, the beast was here, demanding its due. Without even realizing it, she reminded him that he was still a man of flesh and blood, a man who had desires and wishes beyond the merely intangible ones. Her beauty stirred something inside of him, and he feared that he would not be able to put it to rest.
“Lovely, isn’t she?”
Someone’s voice brought him back to the present moment, forcing him to jerk his hand away from the horse as if he had been scorched. Sebastian turned around, only to meet the gaze of Nicholas, the manor’s groundskeeper.
The man’s silver hair, once chestnut brown, something Sebastian remembered well, although it was a long time ago, now framed a weathered face adorned with lines that spoke of a lifetime spent in the service of the estate and the family. Despite the visible signs of age, Nicholas carried himself with an air of quiet dignity.
