Free The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

or to receiving the brunt of her father’s drunken rages.
    Juggling the boots, she pushed open the heavy door to the back courtyard. Warmth and sunlight streamed down on her head and shoulders, making her smile. Cleaning boots was a dirty job, but it gave her a few minutes outdoors to breathe in the clean, cool air and enjoy a bit of sunshine.
    She took a rag and small brush from her apron pocket and settled on a nearby bench. Footsteps approached, and she lifted her head.
    Peter Gates, one of the young grooms, crossed the courtyard toward her.
    Ann’s heartbeat quickened. “Morning, Peter.”
    He grinned, his golden-brown eyes and tousled blond hair making him look ever so handsome. “Good morning to you, Miss Norton.”
    She laughed softly. “You’ve no need to call me that. I’m just Ann to my friends.”
    He flashed another smile. “All right. I’ll call you Ann then.” He sat on the bench, just on the other side of the children’s boots.
    A slight niggle of worry fluttered through her stomach. What would Mrs. Emmitt say if she stepped outside and saw her talking to Peter? The housekeeper had given a strict warning that maids should not become too friendly with any of the men who worked at Highland or delivered goods to the house. But how would she ever find someone to marry if she didn’t at least share a smile and a bit of conversation?
    “Sir William should hire a hall boy to take care of jobs like that.” Peter motioned toward the boots in her hand.
    “I don’t mind. It gives me a break from the children and a bit of time outdoors.”
    Peter glanced up, squinting at the sun. “I suppose that’s true. Still, a pretty girl like you shouldn’t have to brush the mud off anyone’s boots.”
    Warmth flooded her face as she continued buffing the boots with her rag.
    He tipped his head. “Whose boots are those?”
    “Oh, these are Miss Foster’s. She’s the new governess.”
    Peter grimaced. “She’s making you scrub her boots?”
    “No. I offered.”
    He shrugged slightly. “I suppose she is above you.”
    “Yes, she is, but she’s been very kind to me and the children. I like her.”
    “Well, don’t let her take advantage of you. She may be the governess, but she’s hired to work for Sir William, just like you. She shouldn’t be giving you all the dirty jobs.”
    Ann thought about that for a moment. “She asks me to care for their shoes and clothing and clean up after them, but she treats me well.”
    “That could just be her way of getting you to do her bidding.” He nodded toward the boots.
    Ann’s hand stilled, and she bit her lip. Was Julia only being kind to get her way? Did she just pretend to like Ann so she could use her as her own servant?
    Peter slid off the bench and stood in front of her. “You need someone to watch out for you and be sure no one takes advantage.” He reached out and gently touched her cheek. “I’ve never seen anyone quite so lovely.”
    Her heart hammered in her throat, stealing away her reply.
    “Maybe tonight, after the children are asleep in bed, you could come down to the stable, and we could—”
    “Ann?” Julia stepped out the back door and crossed the courtyard toward them.
    Peter dropped his hand and stepped back.
    Ann jumped to her feet, dropping the boot. “Yes?”
    Questions filled Julia’s eyes. “The children will be joining Miss Ramsey for tea. They need to change and be down in the drawing room in twenty minutes.” She glanced at Peter and then back at Ann. “Can you clean those boots later?”
    “Yes. I’ll come right now.” Ann snatched up the boots.
    Julia stood by, waiting and watching Peter with a serious look.
    Ann’s face burned as she hurried toward the back door.
    “I’ll see you later, Ann,” Peter called.
    But she didn’t turn back or answer, no matter how much she wanted to.

    The scent of freshly cut pink roses added a pleasant, subtle fragrance to the drawing room where Julia sat, overseeing Katherine and