The Governess Club: Sara

“The flower arrangements were beautiful,” Mrs. Yardley, the pianist, complimented her. Her husband ran the general mercantile shop with her assistance, and she always welcomed Sara with a smile.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Sara replied in her quiet voice. “Mrs. Knightly has done wonders in restoring the gardens at Ridgestone. It only felt right to share them with the church and the community.”

Mrs. Glendoe sniffed. “Quite generous of you, to offer another’s flowers.”

Sara froze as Mrs. Glendoe’s disapproval and judgment tied a noose around her neck, tightening with every moment she was subjected to the lady’s severe glare. Breathing became difficult and her tongue felt glued to the back of her mouth.

“My Rebecca would never do something of the sort,” Mrs. Glendoe continued. “I find it difficult to believe the vicar would condone something akin to thievery.”

Sara’s chest constricted, and she felt trapped by the lady’s vehemence. Her mind blanked of everything but the thought of escape.

Louisa took Sara’s arm, preventing her flight. Sara’s friend met Mrs. Glendoe’s basilisk glare with one of her own. “Miss Collins is an asset to Ridgestone and to Taft, and Mr. Pomeroy is wise to acknowledge her value.”

Claire joined in. “And she is a welcome resident at the manor.” Her voice was even, but the steel underneath was evident. “The flowers are hers to offer as well and she has all of our blessings to do so.”

“I have seen your gardens, Mrs. Knightly,” Mrs. Thatcher, the matron with the Kent-size hat joined in. “You do have much to be proud of.” She shared a look with Claire and Louisa, acknowledging the necessary change in subject.

Claire gave Mrs. Glendoe another hard look before turning her full attention to Mrs. Thatcher. “Thank you, ma’am; it is something I enjoy doing.” Other ladies, taking their cue from the conversation, shifted until Mrs. Glendoe and her daughter were effectively cut out from the group. Huffing, the lady stalked to her carriage, her daughter trailing behind her.

“It rivals even that of Windent Hall’s garden, at least how it was thirty years ago,” Mrs. Thatcher continued. “I remember attending gatherings there as a young girl. The fragrances and combinations of blossoms were always to be remarked upon. I have yet to see another garden so peaceful and relaxing.”

“Windent Hall, the one bordering Ridgestone?” Louisa asked Claire. “I thought it was abandoned.”

“It is, it is,” the elderly lady answered for Claire. “Nearly twenty-five years now since the family up and left. No one knows why, but of course there were rumors of financial difficulty. The saddest part of all is how those gardens have been dormant ever since.”

The innocuous conversation soothed Sara like hot chocolate on a cold day. Slowly her lungs regained their capacity for air. She glanced at Louisa, who still held Sara’s arm, keeping her close. The firm embrace was comforting, and Sara was grateful for the support of her friend.

Louisa caught Sara’s eye and discreetly rubbed her arm. “Breathe, sweetheart,” she whispered. “In two three four, out two three four.”

Sara complied, feeling the noose loosen, and she breathed in relief. She hoped her eyes conveyed her gratitude. Louisa smiled and squeezed Sara’s arm before turning back to the conversation.

“I heard that the Hall is no longer abandoned,” Miss Felicity Leighton piped up. “Mama said just yesterday that it has been sold and Missy Evans said an agent came to her father asking to hire her and her brother to ready the place. I daresay we can expect the owner to arrive in the next few weeks or so.”

“Who bought it?” The question was on the mind of every gossip in the group.

Miss Leighton preened at being the center of attention. “That I do not know for certain. I think it is a young viscount looking to expand his holdings. Just imagine, a lord in the village! He will likely be bringing his family or bachelor friends here for hunting and such.” Miss Leighton was known to be looking for a noble marriage.

Louisa smirked and said to Sara under her breath, “I daresay if it is a viscount, we had best warn him away.”