Free The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Page B

missionary work in India. His name was Richard Green.”
    Penelope sighed and leaned back in her chair. “Was he incredibly charming and wonderfully handsome?”
    Julia lifted her finger and sent Penelope a warning look.
    “Sorry.” She regained her composure and focused on Julia again.
    “Richard Green was tall and handsome, but more important, he had a sincere faith and a desire to spread the gospel. Those were qualities I had always hoped for in a husband.
    “But he had a difficult time adjusting to life in India. His efforts to learn the language did not go well, and he often asked me to act as his translator. He became very attentive, and we soon formed an attachment.” Her throat tightened, and for a moment she could not continue. She looked down and smoothed her hand over her skirt.
    “What happened?” Katherine asked.
    “My mother was concerned and warned me that things seemed to be progressing too quickly. But my father felt we knew Richard well, since we shared daily ministry, meals, and conversation. He seemed sincere, and my father had no objection. So when Richard proposed, I accepted.”
    Penelope clasped her hands below her chin. “How exciting. Were you certain he was the man you wanted to marry?”
    “I thought so at the time.”
    “Did you love him?” Katherine’s gaze grew more intense.
    Julia swallowed. “Love is more than a fleeting emotion. It’s a choice you make based on many things.”
    “But did you feel a special connection with him?”
    “Yes. I believe I did.”
    Sympathy filled Penelope’s eyes. “What tore you apart?”
    “One day Richard became very ill. For two weeks I stayed by his bedside, caring for him night and day. His life hung in the balance, and though my father is an excellent doctor, we had no idea if Richard would survive.”
    Penelope gasped. “Oh no. He didn’t die, did he?”
    “No, he recovered. But the illness shook his faith deeply. As his health returned, so did his desire to go back to England. Within a month of his recovery, Richard told my father he had been mistaken about his calling to India. He wanted to return to England as soon as arrangements could be made.”
    Penelope leaned forward. “Why didn’t you go with him?”
    The betrayal hit her again, stealing her breath for a moment. “He didn’t ask me.”
    “The coward!” Katherine crossed her arms and glared toward the bookcase.
    “What did he say?” Penelope asked. “How did he break the engagement?”
    Julia had no trouble recalling the painful words. They seemed branded in her memory. “Only that he was sorry, and that he should not have proposed when he wasn’t sure he would stay in India. Then he asked me to return the ring.” Though five years had passed, Richard’s decision still stung. Her affections for him had dimmed, but the feelings of rejection remained.
    Penelope’s eyes widened. “Did you give it back?”
    Julia nodded. “It was a family heirloom that had belonged to his grandmother. It wouldn’t have been right to keep it.”
    Katherine’s eyes blazed. “Dreadful man! I would’ve refused to return the ring and sold it! Then I would’ve told him I hope your ship sinks in the Indian Ocean and you die a painful death by shark attack and drowning!”
    Julia smiled, remembering she’d felt much the same way, though she’d tamed her response for her parents’ sake. Still, it did her heart good to hear Katherine take up her cause. Perhaps she and Katherine had more in common than she’d first believed.

    William strode through the great hall, his mind on the new electrical generators he’d read about in the Times that morning. Bringing electricity toHighland would be a great improvement, but he doubted he could afford it in the near future. If only he could pay off the death duties, then he could continue to update the house and make sure it would be in good condition for years to come.
    He heard voices from the drawing room, and his steps slowed.
    “Was he