Page 53 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“I’m ready!” Anna rushed back inside, not even knocking, oblivious to the moment she had interrupted.
“I’ll let Stevens inform them that I had to go to the village to fetch the wheelwright myself and that you joined me for a lesson in nature,” Sebastian suggested. “I know it is not the most polite of things to do to guests, but in our defense, we were not expecting them at all.”
All three of them chuckled in a conspiratorial manner, sneaking out of the house and rushing behind the stables, where the carriage was located.
***
The trio ventured into the quaint village, where the cobblestone streets meandered through charming cottages and bustling shops. Anna’s eyes widened with wonder as she absorbed the lively atmosphere, inhaling the sweet scent of blooming flowers that adorned the windowsills.
Sebastian led the way with his characteristic poise, and Amelia kept a watchful eye on Anna, who was practically skipping with delight. The weather, as if conspiring to enhance the picturesque scene, offered a gentle breeze and a clear sky.
As they approached the village square, the rhythmic sounds of daily life surrounded them. Children played near a bubbling fountain, and vendors touted their wares in cheerful voices. Anna, enthralled by the sights and sounds, couldn’t contain her excitement.
“This was such a wonderful idea,” Sebastian said as he leaned closer to Amelia, sharing his sentiments.
“I know.” She smiled back at him, feeling the same way.
She had never felt more in tune than here, with them, walking together as if they were one big happy family. She knew that it was just wishful thinking, that this man would never be hers, no matter how much she tried to believe it, but moments like this made her hopeful.
Sebastian guided them to the local wheelwright, a skilled craftsman known for his ability to mend carriages with precision. The small workshop, tucked between two charming cottages, emanated the earthy aroma of wood shavings. The wheelwright, a seasoned man with a twinkle in his eye, greeted them warmly. Sebastian explained the predicament, and the wheelwright, nodding knowingly, assured them that the carriage would be roadworthy again in due time.
About half an hour later, they were directed to the cottage of Mrs. Huxley. Amelia noticed that Anna was both nervous as well as thrilled to be there, probably wondering if her friend would even remember her. Sebastian decided to stand in the background, allowing the two of them to handle this situation.
Amelia held Anna’s hand, squeezing it tightly, as she knocked on the door. Anticipation grew as seconds passed, and the door swung open to reveal Mrs. Huxley.
“Hello?” the woman smiled welcomingly, although she did not recognize Amelia.
“I am so sorry to bother you, Mrs. Huxley, but this is—”
“Anna!” Mrs. Huxley immediately recognized the girl.
Moments later, behind her, a small figure emerged. Anna’s face lit up upon seeing her. The two friends, separated for a while, couldn’t contain their excitement. With delighted squeals, they rushed into each other’s arms, embracing as if they had been parted for an eternity.
After the heartwarming embraces, Amelia explained the situation as briefly as she could.
“…so you see, Mrs. Huxley, we were wondering if Elizabeth would like to go for a stroll with us so the girls could catch up a little, play together, and just have some fun. If that is all right with you, of course,” Amelia spoke politely.
Mrs. Huxley nodded immediately. “I think that is a wonderful idea.” She turned to Elizabeth, kissing her fiery curls. “You go and have fun, my love.”
She waved at them as they returned to the village square, its rustic beauty and simplicity a welcoming sight. The lively chatter of the group filled the air, a harmonious blend of laughter and shared stories. Amelia realized only now that she didn’t miss the chatter of the city streets she had left behind, but rather, she wanted to be in a place like this one, inhaling all these new fragrances, relishing the blossoming colors.
Anna and Elizabeth, inseparable after their joyful reunion, skipped ahead, their laughter echoing through the narrow lanes.Amelia was walking by Sebastian’s side. She could see that he was observing the village life with a contemplative gaze.
“Wonderful, isn’t it?” she asked, bringing him back to the present moment.
He turned to her. “Mmm…there is a certain tranquility in this noise, in the simplicity of it all.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” She nodded.
Amelia, too, couldn’t help but appreciate the picturesque scene. The quaint cottages adorned with climbing roses, the rhythmic clatter of a blacksmith’s hammer, and the friendly nods from villagers all contributed to a feeling of genuine connection and contentment. In that idyllic moment, Amelia couldn’t help but think that perhaps this, the simplicity and warmth of village life, was the perfect life she had yearned for.
Soon, it was time to head back home. As the carriage ambled along the serene countryside, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the road creating a soothing melody, Anna nestled in the corner, her eyelids gently surrendering to the embrace of slumber. The soft sound of her breath harmonized with the gentle creaking of the carriage.
Amelia sat next to Sebastian. Silently, he took her hand into his, their fingers delicately entwined, the subtle warmth of their clasped hands a silent acknowledgment of the connectiongrowing between them. The landscape unfolded in a tranquil panorama outside the window, a tapestry of rolling hills and meadows painted in the hues of the setting sun.
In this shared silence, Amelia felt more cherished than ever before. She could feel her heart blossoming like the flowers in the fields they were passing. The world outside continued its slow descent into nighttime, while inside the carriage, a dance of hearts unfolded, each beat resonating with the heart of the other.
Chapter 27
