Free A Most Unusual Governess by Amanda Grange Page A

down in the rowing boat, his portly figure creaking as it moved, giving evidence of the corsets he wore beneath his black clothes. He settled himself across from Sarah and next to Miss Wilberforce. 'I'm sure I'd no more idea of being invited to such an illustrious gathering, with such agreeable company, than I had of being taken to the moon! My dear mother - who is so sorry she could not be present on account of her rheumatism - said to me only the other day, '"Cedric. This is a signal honour."' His voice took on a grave and serious tone, as if to impress on his listeners how sensible he was of the honour conveyed by the invitation. '"It is the greatest honour ever to befall our family," she said. "You must make sure you wear your flannel vest."'
    At this mention of his undergarments, which perhaps accounted in part for his rotund figure as well as his heavy perspiration, Miss Wilberforce pursed her lips and unfurled her parasol with a great show of displeasure. She opened and closed it several times before finally holding it rigidly above her iron-grey head. She then turned away from the well-meaning clergyman and ostentatiously proceeded to admire the view.
    The boat pulled away from the shore. It was rowed by two strong oarsmen who worked as labourers on the estate. Behind it the other boat, into which Lord Randall was helping the children, was waiting for Dominic and Mr Wilberforce to sit down before it followed the first.
    You will join me, I'm sure,' said the Reverend Mr Walker to his companions, undeterred by the fact that Miss Wilberforce had turned her back on him, \vhen I say what a fine man our host is proving himself to be.'
    'Lord Randall is a gentleman,' said Miss Wilberforce without, however, turning round.
    'Indeed he is, dear lady! Indeed he is. A perfect gentleman. I'm sure I agree.'
    Sitting opposite them in the pleasure boat, Sarah was forced to smile. The Reverend Mr Walker was trying so hard to please, and Miss Wilberforce - an ageing spinster -was determined he should not succeed. Taking pity on him Sarah asked, How long have you been in this part of Kent, Mr Walker? I understand you've only just arrived.'
    The Reverend Mr Walker turned to her gratefully as the boat sculled over the water. He began to tell her all about the mingled worries and delights that filled his new life and Sarah listened attentively, making him feel more comfortable than he had done all afternoon. For, although the invitation to Watermead Grange had been a feather in his cap, he had to admit that he had been rather out of his depth so far.
    Sarah's attention, however, did not suit Miss Wilberforce. Before long she joined in the conversation. 'For if there is one thing I enjoy,' she declared when she had grown tired of being affronted by the mention of Mr Walker's vest, It is conversation.'
    She soon dominated the proceedings, giving her advice - completely unasked for! - on every subject under the sun. Mr Masterson was told how to subdue foreign armies; Sarah was told how to turn her pupils into infant prodigies; and poor Mr Walker was given so much "good advice" that he didn't know whether he was coming or going! And once she had finished with everyone's professional lives, Miss Wilberforce started on their personal lives.
    You should be ashamed of yourself,' she told Mr Walker. 'A man of your age should be married. It is up to you, as a man of the cloth, to set a good example.' A sudden thought struck her. In fact,' she said, *you could do far worse than offer for Miss Davenport.'
    Sarah's eyes opened wide at this impertinence. So far she had suffered Miss Wilberforce's interference politely, but this was going too far.
    Poor Mr Walker was very alarmed and spluttered helplessly that he would be charmed... but...
    You must encourage him, Miss Davenport,' said Miss Wilberforce determinedly. 'Gentlemen always need a little encouragement at first.'
    'I should not care to encourage anyone who is so happy being a bachelor,' replied