The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,9

for now I doubt if I will be able to find my way anywhere. I'm not used to such an enormous household and I must admit I'm a bit intimidated."

Mrs. Clayton immediately took to the girl who was so ready to admit her own nervousness. The other governesses had been very proud of their positions and kept themselves apart from the rest of the staff. The last governess had given herself airs and graces where none existed. She was glad to see the last of her, Mrs. Clayton thought, pursing her lips in disapproval as she recalled the unsavory circumstances preceding her dismissal. The girl before her might be young but she did neither look to be flighty nor the kind to assume unwarranted conceits.

"Just what will be expected of me, Mrs. Clayton?"

At the raised eyebrows, Cara attempted to cover her ignorance. "Lord Wilton sketched out my responsibilities, but you see, Mrs. Clayton, I have never been a governess to an English family and I would like to be prepared so that I don't make too many mistakes. I would very much appreciate any advice you can offer me," Cara finished gracefully.

Thus appealed to, Mrs. Clayton was won over totally. She liked the girl's no-nonsense quality and determined to help all she could in what she considered a difficult situation. She gave a more detailed version of Cara's duties and then took her on a tour of the children's wing.

"Each of the children has rooms adjoining their respective body servants. Master Richard has this room," she continued, pointing to a room across the carpeted hallway. "Master Richard is nine. The boy is quiet, almost withdrawn." Mrs. Clayton sighed, obvious disapproval in her voice. It was apparent she would have preferred a young hellion, which was more typical of the males of the upper classes.

"Mistress Belin has this one." There was a definite wariness in Mrs. Clayton's tone as she mentioned the child. "Miss Belin is six. I'm sure after you have met the children you will be able to adapt your programs to each of their needs. I doubt if Richard will give you any trouble."

Cara gathered from the unspoken words, that Belin would give her a great deal of trouble.

Across from the children's apartments, Cara was shown the schoolroom. Facing the inner courtyard, the sun barely filtered through the tiny windows, which were curtained in a somber grey. The room was meticulously clean, Spartan in aspect, with none of the softer decorative touches that Cara had seen thus far. She winced thinking of the days she would spend penned in with the children.

Cara was thoughtful as they retraced the corridor toward her own room. Mrs. Clayton opened a door in the hallway and Cara caught her breath in pleasure when she entered.

At one end of the room there was a large stone fireplace. Cheerful blue figured tiles surrounded the opening and lay on the hearth where it jutted into the room. A luxurious Oriental carpet covered the floor in a floral pattern of soft blues and beige. The furniture was hidden beneath Holland covers but looked comfortable rather than decorative. The best feature of the room was the wall of beveled windows, which framed a vista of the woods beyond the gardens.

"What a delightful room," Cara sighed in pleasure

"It is charming," the housekeeper remarked. "It used to be the nursery but you may have it as your sitting room as it is little used now."

"But why ever not? It's the perfect place for the children to work and play," Cara exclaimed with pleasure.

"Well as you can see," Mrs. Clayton indicated a door on the opposite wall, "It connects with your room. The other governesses did not enjoy the close proximity to the children."

"If I am to have full control over the children's activities I would find it quite depressing to spend my time in the schoolroom. I will need this room to be prepared immediately." Oblivious of the housekeeper, Cara whisked back the covers on the furniture to peer at the objects underneath. "And a large supply of wood for the fireplace. The children ought to enjoy working in front of a roaring fire." Then noticing the housekeeper's startled expression at Cara's autocratic manner, she softened her voice to a more wheedling tone. "Please, Mrs. Clayton, tell me that you approve."

Unable to resist the impish grin of the little American, the older woman smiled in her turn. "I think it's a splendid idea."

Cara waited while Mrs. Clayton summoned servants