The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,10

to freshen the room and assist in unpacking her trunk. Thanks to Lord Wilton's efficient housekeeper, Cara was soon surrounded by a great bustle of activity. Now that her rooms were being set in order Cara was anxious to get to know her charges.

"Where are the children, Mrs. Clayton?" Cara asked.

"Outside, I suspect," the housekeeper exclaimed throwing up her hands. "Or just roaming around inside the Hall. When there is no governess, the children are pretty much left on their own. They come in when they're hungry but otherwise no one pays them a great deal of attention as long as they stay out of trouble."

"And Lord Wilton permits this?" Cara asked in disbelief.

"Lord Wilton is not what one would call a doting guardian." The disapproval was heavy in Mrs. Clayton's manner. "He is not over used to children. He leaves it to the governess to keep them in order."

"I see," Cara said. Mentally she marked another flaw in the character of her husband. She acknowledged that so far there appeared to be little to admire in the man. "Well, until they turn up I suppose it would be all right if I wander around outside?" Cara asked. "It would be nice to begin getting my bearings in this place if I am to function at all well."

"I'll send along a light lunch," Mrs. Clayton offered. "What with traveling up from London and now so many new things to assimilate, I suspect you must be a might peckish."

With her clothes hung up in the wardrobe Cara felt more at home. For the moment her curiosity over the children outweighed her nervousness at her ability to play the part of a governess. She had had few opportunities to be around small children and was not convinced that she would be able to handle them correctly. Thankfully she was blessed with an abundance of common sense and a sound education. Assuming that they did not take an immediate dislike to her, she was sure they would scrape along well together. Determined to curb her impatience and explore her surroundings, she finished her lunch, tucking some cookies into her pocket to eat during her walk.

Mrs. Clayton had shown Cara the staircase beside her room that would lead her downstairs and outside. Following these directions, Cara discovered that the outside door led to the inside corner of the U. On her right lay the formal gardens and to her left lay the wilder woods and the outbuildings. After strolling through part of the vast gardens, she managed to locate the stables and was impressed with the size and quality of the operation.

Entering the yard, Cara located Glum, the venerable headgroom, and introduced herself as the new governess. Although reticent at first, Glum opened up under the obvious interest of the young American. His burly chest expanded under her praise for the cleanliness of the stables and the yard. Soon Cara was puffing to keep up with his short legs as they propelled him through his domain. Glum's gnarled hands stroked each horse and his weathered face puckered in pleasure as he extolled the lineage and attributes of each of the animals.

"Oh, what a beauty," Cara exclaimed, her eyes running over a dainty gray. "It's been months since I've ridden anything. And I must admit that I've rarely seen as fine a set of cattle as Lord Wilton has stabled."

"His lordship's grandfather was responsible for beginning the stud but Lord Wilton has added considerable to the bloodstock, Miss," Glum explained. "This little filly is one of the gentlest of the new lot. But she's got good heart and a stamina I'd put up against some of the top goers."

"Can she jump?"

"It's like watching the fairies at work, Miss. Her feet touch down with such grace she'd ne'er jostle a babe in arms," Glum chuckled.

"That, I'd like to see," Cara laughed in response.

"When you're settled in and ready, just come and see Glum. I'll seat you on nothing that will put your knowledge to shame."

Inside the Hall, Cara discovered that the work had already been completed in the night nursery. The room fairly sparkled. A fire had been laid in the fireplace and the furniture looked inviting and cozy. Entering her own room she was introduced to the children's maids, Agnes and Janey. They were cheerful country girls, inclined to snicker nervously but eager to impart their views on the household.

"Mrs. Clayton said as how we could do for you as well as the children, Miss,"