Free A Most Unusual Governess by Amanda Grange

she walked back to the Grange.

Chapter Six
    When she had recovered from her initial surprise at being told she would be expected to join the boating party, Sarah found herself looking forward to it. She could not remember the last time she had been to a social gathering, although she had frequently gone to parties and balls when she had lived in Derbyshire. Despite her mother's illness her father had always made sure she had time to enjoy herself, and had taken charge whenever Sarah was invited elsewhere. And now what a joy it was to be going into company again.
    The weather, after a spell of rain the day before, did not disappoint them. The morning dawned bright, and by the afternoon it had set fair. Sarah's green sarsenet was newly washed and pressed, and her green kid slippers, a remnant of more prosperous days, were newly cleaned. She dressed carefully and then, putting on her straw hat, she went to collect the children.
    The boys were in their study, eagerly waiting for her.
    'I thought two o'clock would never come,' declared Peter as the three of them went to fetch Lucy.
    'Me too,' said William.
    'I thought it was certain to rain,' said Lucy as they went down to the terrace, where the guests were to assemble.
    Lord Randall was already there, looking casual and relaxed. He was dressed in nankeen breeches, with snowy linen and a light coat, perfect for a summer's day. He turned and smiled when Sarah and the children stepped out onto the terrace.
    Dominic, too, was already there, and the Reverend Mr Walker soon arrived.
    'Oh! What a splendid idea! Splendid! So kind! So thoughtful!' he declared as he introduced himself to Lord Randall. 1 was only saying to mother this morning, my lord, what a splendid idea it is. And how kind, how noble, of you to invite a humble clergyman! I am truly overwhelmed.'
    Mr Walker's rotund face, bedewed with perspiration, was a picture of gratification.
    'Not at all,' murmured James, hastily turning away as he caught Sarah's eye. The clergyman was undeniably comical, and he did not want to give way to his feelings of mirth.
    Sarah, feeling as tempted to laugh as he was, took the children to examine an urn of flowers at the other end of the terrace until the rest of the guests arrived. Mr and Miss Wilberforce soon followed Mr Walker, Mr Wilberforce being a vague, thin gentleman with a wisp of thinning grey hair, who was completely dominated by his battle-axe of a sister. With her ramrod back and her glinting eye, Miss Wilberforce evidently wore the trousers in their household. Mr Masterson was the last to arrive. He was a pleasant gentleman, courteous and polite; the sort of man any hostess would rate as an addition to her party. He was still young enough to be considered eligible, but not so young that he might be liable to drink too much or be tempted to make a row.
    'And may I present Miss Davenport said James, 'and her charges, William, Peter and Lucy.'
    Sarah was both surprised and touched by his tact. By introducing her in her own right he had set the tone for the afternoon, and made it clear that she was to be treated like any other guest.
    Once everyone had arrived, they walked down to the lake.
    The Watermead lake lay a good ten minute walk from the house, and was large enough to provide an hour's walk all round. Water lilies floated on the blue-green surface, and tall reeds grew round the banks. To one side was a landing stage, and it was towards this that Lord Randall now led his party. Two boats were tied up, ready to take the guests on a trip across the water.
    The first boat was to contain Sarah, Mr Walker, Miss Wilberforce and Mr Masterson, whilst the second was to contain James, Dominic, Mr Wilberforce and the children. This had pleased and delighted Sarah. It would do Lord Randall good to spend time with the children, and besides, she would find the afternoon much easier if she was not in too close proximity with him.
    Who ever would have thought it?' said Mr Walker as he sat