Page 45 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
Sebastian did not particularly like that, but he could not very well order someone to stop looking at a woman who, in the eyes of public, was nothing more than his governess. His teeth gritted against each other as he addressed him.
“It was so nice of you to come and see Anna,” Sebastian pointed out, expecting Frederick to reply, but instead of him, Vivienne spoke again, this time turning to face him.
“How could we not come?” She smiled, her eyes wide and dark. “It seemed to be such a horrific accident. I couldn’t sleep all night, knowing what had happened. To fall and hit her head like that, my goodness...”
“Fortunately, it was nothing serious,” Sebastian reminded them all.
“Fortunately.” Vivienne gazed at him. “Children are our most precious treasure. I mean…just look at her,” she gushed, turning to Anna, who was still swirling around, lost in her own reverie. “We have so much to learn from them. In fact, I don’t think children need governesses at all! They should be teaching us, instead of it being the other way around!” Her own words made her and her brother chuckle, but Sebastian wasn’t amused, and neither was Amelia. He could see the unease etched on her lovely face, and he knew that the cause of it were these two people who had occupied their time as well as their home.
Just one night,he reminded himself, biting his tongue so that he would remain the polite and well-mannered host that he ought to be.Just one night, and everything will go back to normal.
Only he wasn’t certain what that normalcy was. Still, he was eager to go back to it.
Chapter 23
Amelia did not like the guests one bit. The woman seemed overly focused on Anna, and the man…well, he seemed overly focused on herself. She would occasionally catch him looking in her direction, but once he was caught, he would hastily look away. When he didn’t, he would smile and ask a seemingly random question, making it appear as if he had been waiting to catch her attention. She did not like any of it, but this was not her home. It was not her place to say anything, no matter how she felt about it all.
That same evening, before dinner, everyone was given some time to themselves to freshen up. Amelia did not think she needed to change, so she decided to put that time to better use. She sat down at her writing table and wrote a letter to Rosalind. The whirlwind of her mind had been in a constant swirl, and Sebastian had been at the very epicenter of it.
My dearest Rosalind,
As the days unfold here at Ravenscroft Manor, I cannot help but find my thoughts wandering to realms of fanciful musings. The world, my dear friend, seems a place bound by intricate rules and societal constraints, an elaboratedance where one’s heart often yearns for what one cannot obtain.
In the quiet moments spent in the company of the Earl of Ravenscroft, I am reminded of the vast expanse of the world beyond the manor’s walls. His demeanor, though initially shrouded in mystery, reveals depths that beckon exploration. Oh, how I wish for a world where the dictates of society did not bind our hearts and limit the scope of our affections.
In the quiet corners of my heart, I harbor a wish, a desire that transcends the boundaries of propriety. Do I dare to dream of a connection beyond the constraints of our stations? Sebastian, with his quiet strength and hidden vulnerability, has become a beacon in my thoughts. Yet, I am aware that such notions are but whimsical fancies, the whims of a heart that longs for a world less tethered.
Please forgive the indulgence of my pen, dear Rosalind. As reality intertwines with fantasy, I find solace in our enduring friendship, a steadying force in the tumultuous currents of my sentiments.
Your friend,
Amelia
Pouring her heart out onto a piece of paper did little to relieve her spirits, but she wanted to share everything with her best friend and her sister. How she wished to have them here by her side and have their valuable advice and insight. Amelia sighed, getting up and throwing a casual glance at herself in the looking glass. She decided to remain in the same gown she had spent the day in. There was no special occasion to get dressed up for.
She gracefully descended into the dining room, noticing that everyone had already assembled there. A subtle hush spread between the two guests, then Vivienne whispered something to her brother.
Amelia quickly glanced at Anna, whose loving smile made Amelia forget about everything else. She proceeded to take a seat by her side, emboldened by her little ward’s warmth and tenderness.
However, it seemed that Vivienne couldn’t conceal her surprise at Amelia’s presence at the dinner table.
“I didn’t know that the governess would be joining us,” she remarked, her tone carrying a hint of condescension. “How quaint.”
Frederick swiftly intervened, placing a gentle hand on his sister’s arm. “Hush, Vivienne,” he chided, shooting a hasty, apologetic glance at Amelia. “I apologize, but my sister has a tendency to speak her mind, even when no one has asked her to. Miss Wycliffe, you are more than welcome to join us for dinner at any time, should you choose to visit our home. I promise to make up for my sister’s sheer lack of manners.”
Amelia almost laughed at the utter ridiculousness of the proposition. She had no desire or intent to ever do such a thing, but she knew that she could not very well say it in such a way. Instead, she made herself appear to be undeterred by the comment, responding with a gracious nod that acknowledged his attempt to rectify the unpleasant situation.
“Thank you for the kind invitation, Mr. Turlington,” she said, addressing him directly. “I appreciate your hospitality, but my work keeps me rather occupied here at Ravenscroft Manor.”
Frederick glanced at his cousin with a grin. “Everyone should have at least one day to themselves, to return back to civilization and not go mad in this wilderness.”
Amelia could see that Sebastian felt as if he were somehow guilty of keeping Amelia locked up and away from the rest of the world. She could read that expression on his face.
“To tell you honestly, Mr. Turlington, I’ve had enough of civilization for a while. I quite enjoy the peace and quiet here. It helps me think and focus more productively on my work with Anna, which I find utterly refreshing.”
Sebastian’s eyes were wide with gratitude. A flicker of a smile danced at the corner of his lips. She knew how much he appreciated her words, but she wanted him to know that she didn’t say this just because of this unpleasant man. She said it because he truly felt it. Only now was neither the time nor the place for such meaningful conversations.
“I completely understand, Miss Wycliffe,” Frederick answered.
