Page 10 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“What on earth are you doing here?” Amelia walked over to her, her breathing still sharp and shallow from apprehension. “You scared me half to death!”
Immediately upon saying those words, Amelia could see that this was the last thing on Anna’s mind.
“I am sorry, Miss Wycliffe,” she said with a sorrowful tone. “I really didn’t mean to, honestly.”
“Oh, Anna…” Amelia exhaled, realizing that whatever fears she just had were completely unfounded. A mix of relief and embarrassment colored her features. “I’m sorry, too. I thought…” She paused, collecting her thoughts.
Whatdidshe think? She had no idea. It was better left unsaid.
“Never mind. What brings you here so early in the morning, my dear?” she smiled at Anna, who instantly cheered up.
“I…well…” Anna started, obviously feeling a little tongue-tied. “Would you care to take a stroll through the manor and gardens? The morning is still and quiet, and it’s the perfect time to explore before everyone else awakens.”
Amelia was caught off guard by this unexpected offer. She thought about it for a moment. Every fiber of her being wanted to stay here as this sweet little girl’s governess, but that was still not decided upon. Perhaps the events of the previous night had crossed the line in ways that would leave Amelia without employment. The least she could do was enjoy this morning with Anna, whose eyes were alight with excitement.
“You know what?” Amelia said with a reassuring smile. “I think that would be a splendid idea. We could work up quite an appetite before breakfast.”
“How wonderful!” Anna clapped her hands and jumped with joy. “I’d love to show you around, Miss Wycliffe. There are so many hidden corners and beautiful spots to discover.”
“I cannot wait to embark on this adventure.” Amelia beamed. “But I could not possibly go like this.”
“Oh, of course not.” Amelia chuckled.
“Why don’t you sit down over there while I get dressed?” Amelia suggested, pointing at a chair by the window.
Amelia proceeded to get dressed swiftly, the rustle of fabric punctuating the hushed atmosphere. Anna, ever eager, waited patiently, her eyes filled with curiosity as she observed Amelia preparing for their stroll.
In the soft glow of morning light filtering through the window, Amelia meticulously brushed her hair, the rhythmic strokes of the comb creating a soothing melody. Anna’s fascination lingered in the air as Amelia pinned her hair up and finally turned to the little girl.
“All done,” she smiled. “Are we ready?”
“Yes!” Anna gushed, grabbing Amelia by the hand and dragging her out of the chamber.
As Amelia and Anna ventured through the older parts of Ravenscroft Manor, the echoes of ages past seemed to resonate within the worn walls. Amelia felt as if they were almost beckoning her to stay, to unearth their secrets.
The corridors, lined with portraits of stoic ancestors and faded tapestries, bore witness to the passage of time. Dust motes danced in the dim light that filtered through aged windows, creating an ethereal play of shadows on the uneven floorboards. The creaking of the floor beneath their footsteps added a haunting cadence to their journey.
At the end of a long corridor, they stumbled upon the old library. The heavy wooden door, weathered by time, creaked open to reveal a sanctuary of wisdom. The room was lined with towering bookshelves, their spines of books bearing the years in fading gold letters.
Dust motes danced in the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through half-closed curtains. The air carried the familiar scent of aged parchment and leather bindings, creating an ambiance that whispered of countless hours spent lost in the world of literature.
Amelia couldn’t help but feel at home here. The grand wooden desk in the center of the room held an open book, as if waiting for the return of a reader who had long departed. The room seemed frozen in time, a testament to the intellectual pursuits of generations past. Tall windows framed by heavy velvet drapes offered glimpses of the overgrown garden outside, adding a touch of melancholy to the atmosphere.
Anna, with a fond smile, shared a revelation. “This was my grandmother’s favorite place. She used to spend hours here, lost in the magic of books.”
“I can imagine one losing track of time here,” Amelia agreed, in awe of the sights around her.
“Perhaps we could read here, together?” Anna said with a hopeful sigh.
“I would like that very much,” Amelia’s heart clenched at those words. She couldn’t imagine how alone this little girl must have felt, how much in need of companionship. She desperately wanted to be that companion for her, to guide her through these tender years and help her grow into a wonderful young lady. But that was not up to her to decide.
The two of them started to wander about the rows of bookshelves, until suddenly, amidst this exploration, Anna shared a revelation with an air of surprising nonchalance.
“You know, Miss Wycliffe, everyone thinks that this manor is haunted.”
Amelia stood, her entire body frozen in place. This was not what she had expected to speak about, especially not with Anna, who somehow seemed to sense Amelia’s apprehension.
“But I’m not scared at all,” Anna added, with a touch of innocence and courage that merged into one another, making it impossible to see where one ended and the other began. “I think the ghosts, if theyarehere, are probably just like the forgotten stories waiting to be heard again.”
