Winston

We were lucky we managed to get to the train as soon as we could. Thirty minutes to Winston town and from there we would part ways with Cathy. Each to their post. We got settled in our compartment and I beat Cathy to the window seat. We looked like toddlers. But we both loved sitting by the window to look at the beautiful view outside. Cathy sat by me as she pleaded after every minute or two to switch positions. I wasn't going to get convinced any time soon. I cast the sea one last look watching it glitter in midday sun. We sped on the scenery changing to gravel roads with rows and rows of trees. The air filled with their scents.

Trees of all manner, the spruce, oak and fir being the main ones. We crossed a number of houses and I looked at the cottages. Built in a simple manner. White washed walls and roofs of varied colors. There were a number of people we passed along and majorly I saw their clothes were of dark cloaks. Or to emphasize the women were in nothing spectacular but a drab color of gray others preferred black a white apron wrapped round their waists to protect their garments and a white cap. The men were in cloth doublets and dark breeches with collars white and plain accompanied in a tower hat and for those not wanting to draw much attention a bowler shaped hat. I wondered how they survived the insufferable heat. I figured it was either the way of life or they were late in fashion or simply religion. The farms mainly consisted of vegetables and legumes the likes of egg plants, broad beans, celery, broccoli dominated. I longed to see a bust of color once we reached town. The scenes enveloped each similar to the ones I saw only the people were different. I drifted and slept having no company as Cathy had spotted two or three of her companions at the ship and wished to bid them farewell. It was astonishing that I was asleep but I felt his insistent energy about me. I was disappointed to wake up about ten minutes later and find him not around. I had to find him. I didn't want to be stuck in a moment. I should ask around for a Edward Compton in a most discreet way as town people had a way about them to spread rumors. We had reached town and I saw about me carriage wagons move about to various destinations. A market not too far away with people making their rounds to find goods and the sellers calling out hoping their goods would get sold. Beggars in their torn clothes with their greasy faces and hands caught the attention of one or two who were kind to lend. I was wrong about the fashion for I saw women pass with their low cut dresses and their hair pinned on top. Some had even fringes. The gentlemen had long hair and it was mesmerizing to see some had curled their hair. Hats worn by limited persons. My hunger for colors had been satiated. The gowns were splendid each one caught my eye. I only saw one in with a neck collar of chiffon and I thought to myself that she must be one of the reserved ones. The low cuts served justice to those with lovely necks more so for those blessed forefront. Back at home we were slightly back with fashion or rather the men refused to embrace long hair. I remember uncle had said he would rather be caught dead than do so and that sentiment was shared by many. Cathy finally appeared with a flush coloring her cheeks and she looked even prettier. I couldn't help but feel worried for she acted and lived like a free bird, how she would ever cope on four walls with a child to teach. I didn't even want to ponder if the child she would meet would be difficult for knowing Cathy and her flighty manner she would not last a day. It would be double luck if she found the child as frivolous as her and even then it posed a danger of them engaging in other activities than education.

"All alight.

Cathy and I got our luggage and joined the long queue. We walked about ten steps away from the train. It occurred to us that for the first time we shall part ways. Though we were in Winston the households would be different. I couldn't let my emotion show but I slightly let my guard down when Cathy held me in an embrace.

Victoria if you don't write to me, I will come looking for you at the Markham's like a lunatic. Do write and I shall as well? Remember meeting every weekend, Saturday's. You shall ask for permission and write to me when they agree to your terms. Understood. "

" I shall, you as well. "

Victoria you know I can easily wheedle my way. "

I knew of her guile ways and that worried me all the more.

dont seduce everything you touch Cathy. " she guffawed.

"and you should lose your prim ways, Victoria. You'll frighten the poor dear that you'll teach. "

"I will try. "

" don't stop looking for Edward . I shall ask of him as well. I hope to see a beautiful reunion. Perhaps wedding bells. "

Cathy's dog cart arrived first.

The gentleman asked, " a Miss Carr?"

" here I am. " I noticed the tears but I looked away immediately lest my own cloud and we wouldn't be able to go to our destinations.

Catherine's items were placed on the dog cart and she sat herself where she could see me. My heart nearly tore as I watched her disappear waving at her continuously until I completely lost view of her.

The dog cart arrived five minutes later I noted, looking at the watch pinned to my blouse.

" Miss Vernon? "

" yes it is I. "

The man must have been about fifty seeing the light shade of grey and the middle of his head had shone as it was bald. His dark grey eyes looked about as though conspiring something and his lips seemed to hold secrets and we're trembling to pass them to the next person he'd see. He introduced himself as Mr. Will. He placed my luggage on the dog cart and helped to climb the dog cart. I sat myself neatly smoothing my green skirt. We left town and I noticed the humongous church in the middle of the town built around the eleventh century. It was magnificent and clearly well maintained. The bells rang and I wondered what the occasion might be. My judgment of the fellow hadn't been wrong.

" wedding bells my lady. "

" this hour? "

" we're not a traditional folk you see. Do as ee please. The wedding could even take place at night and no one would bother only the bells ringing would cause a commotion. "

" I see. "

" Rowl that's where ee from? "

" yes. "

" is Winston as grander than yer thought or have we lowered your expectation. "

" I feel you've surpassed it. "

There was a brief silence as I turned to look at the church one last time and the surroundings about me when it switched from people, dispensary, market and church to a bridge leading to quieter parts. The river between glistened in the sunlight, the hyacinth had occupied a third of the river. We should be in time for luncheon if not so, perhaps minutes late. I was famished and my stomach growled. The scene changed to an enchanting forest. In the train I couldn't drain in the sweet scents around me but now I could. I noticed the smell lavender and rosemary's present, they must have been a few feet away though I couldn't spot them. The sun's ray peeked gently, the feeling of peace and calm embraced me. Then a thought crossed my mind. You shan't stay here for long.

I shuddered wondering if I had just picked up an emotion or my fear had gripped me to thinking so.

" I dare say the lady won't find Markham place not as adventurous. "

" why do you say so? "

" it has no mystery, you see. Built eighty decades ago only, the third generation of the Markham are the ones present. The Markham’s that built the home died two years after leaving the second generation to enjoy the labor. No Mystery lurking about. "

I pursed my lips wondering what about my appearance had betrayed that I liked mystery. He had sum me up just as I had. But I could not deny that I liked to unravel hidden secrets they were like golden treasures. Cathy and I both did. The vicarage was a suitable place for mystery. When there was no soul inside we would hear the howling of the wind and pattern of unfamiliar steps. Cathy had sworn there was someone who came after we locked the vicarage and I seconded her theory but Mr. Carr would hear none of it. Once we had seen someone walking with a candlelight into the vicarage. What great delight it was when we woke Uncle Carr to see for himself and he joined us to discover the person. It filled us with great delight upon discovering we had caught a thief. For the person wanted to steal old ornaments of the church that dated back to the thirteenth century and were considered precious valuables. The mystery ended but every once in a while the rustling of leaves would wake us up.

Its no castle? "

" oh tees miss but a homely one. Nothing ghostly. "

"ah. " I replied in dismay but I should be glad it were lest I became flimsy.

"Theres Mr. Thomas Markham. Only child of the second generation Markham, Louisa and Garfield Markham. Mr. Thomas is married to Helena and they have two daughters. "

He frowned.

"well if they don't rectify their wrongs their house will end up with Thomas cousin, Peter Markham. Well that's the only mystery, how uncouth of me to leave that out. "

I thought if everyone in Winston was as garrulous as he was then my search for Edward would be a quick one.

"the daughters Dolche Italian word for sweet , Helena can trace her Italian roots, Thomas hardly can and Susanna their second child. Susan and Anna combined, a charming name. Dolche is a difficult young lady how fortunate you are that she's off in Switzerland in that prestigious finishing school. I forget the name. Susanna will be the one you'll tutor, she's an easy child. You shall have an easy time. "

" I'm glad I shall. "

" I take it your already bored with the prospects. "

How correctly he had read my mind. But I wasn't about to admit it.

" no. I find myself fortunate. "

He merely shook his shoulders.

" you'll meet the servants. I shan't describe them for that is for you to do. "

He must have known that I had summed him in less than a minute when we met and he took my trunks.

" I was only telling you what to expect of the masters and mistresses. For perhaps you had set standards too high or too low. "

" one can't set standards until one has seen the situation and set the standards. "

" spoken like a governesse. "

He had a fascination for e or rather his accent did. We came to a clearing and I noticed small colorful cottages much to my surprise. As I looked at them I immediately noticed the castle. Erect than all the other houses. Amber colored with pyramid shaped roofs. It was clearly of a modern age. Its windows were slightly smaller. The only reason why it didnt appeal was because I had expected an older castle with its battlements. Dangerous dungeons. A history of its kind that would make me apprehensive and look at my shoulder twice if not thrice. Before me however was a warm residence. The path of gravel leading to a two stoned wall and bronze gate.

" I thought it was an ironed gate. "

He smiled ruefully as I had fallen in my own trap.

"It was. But they changed it. There's no need for defense these days. It's a home and so shall it remain. "

A flicker of hope ignited in me, he must have called in the Markham's at least quite recently to have known they had a bronzed gate.

" when did they change the gate. "

" four years ago. "

I felt deflated. But four years wasn't far long they could still remember him. I had to acquit myself with the servants to know whom I could ask. Mr. Will wasn't the best of options as he would soon be telling the others that I was not a governess but in a mission to find a man by the name Edward. . Unlike other castles where trees lined till the entry all there was,was a front lawn and a fountain of a sculptured duck spilling water near the entry.

As soon as I stepped down there was a servant taking my trunks and immediately Will told the lady to show me my room.

" take her to her room Giselle. "

The girl nodded at me and I followed her. Two steps and we stepped in. I felt slightly amused to see the tapestry in the hall to our left on our way to the stoned stairs that were carpeted velvet blue. The Persian rug also added to the features. I didn't have time to take it all in and we quickly walked on. She led me to the left side as the right led to the Tudor wing reserved for the masters of the house.

" ours is simply known as the servants quarter. " there went my hope of thinking that perhaps it held an exotic name. We passed the corridor each leading to a room and I couldn't comprehend the names yet. We went up on spiral stairs. The first room to the left was mine. It was quite cozy. A bed in the middle of the room, the closet to its left and on the right the windows and a lovely scarlet cushion seat. A wooden table and chair with a one hundred inch mirror to the right. A modern hip bath. She put my trunk under my bed and asked if I required anything.

" shall we serve you lunch. It's been an hour since the meal was taken. "

" I'd like that very much as well as hot water to freshen up. "

She replied she would come up with them shortly. I settled on the window seat. The window weren't as large but they served well for I could look at the house from here. What a splendid sight it was I rebuked myself for reproofing this warm cozy house. The flowers in the lawn were beautiful. I was at the front of the house with a view to the Tudor wing. How I ached to see the back side. She brought the lunch and water. Beside her was another servant in the quarter called Amelia, a most lovely brunette. I thanked them and I munched heartily the minute they left.

Cold chicken with vegetables. How unsettling it was to notice broccoli in my food for I didn't like its taste nor look. I couldn't afford to be rude so I ate it. But the meal was by all means excellent. It had been the first time in many years that I had eaten my meal alone. I longed for company. I wondered how Cathy was. If she wasn't already exploring the house, she must be making acquaintances and squeezing every last information about the Holt's. She always had her ways, how I wished I were there to scold her. Tell her it was unbecoming for a governess to be acting beneath her status. She would reply mockingly, "once prim always prim. "

I freshened up and sat on the chair eager to write to Cathy about my disappointment of the outlook of the house and hear what she had stumbled on. I managed to write two words. Hello Cathy,

I was fast asleep and only awoke to the chirpy sound outside my room.

"I must see my new governess. Do let me Mrs. buttercup. "

Buttercup. What an estranged name, for the only buttercup I knew of was a flower.

" she must be tired. I daresay shes slept and we must settle on seeing her tomorrow when your tuition begins. "

It was said with such tenderness. I figured it was my student eager to see who I was. Eager to know if she were to face a stern woman or a subdued one. Maybe in the company of her nanny, the said Mrs. Buttercup. I rose up and unlocked the door meeting the two faces that were busy negotiating. One pleading and one giving an affirmative no but in the gentlest manner.

hello. "

The woman who was say in her fortys quite round but with a sweet face looked up at me startled.

" I'm sorry I've frightened you. "

" I'm the one who's sorry miss Vernon, we've woken you up haven't we? Pardon us but she was so eager to see who you were. "

I peered into the eyes of Susanna. Her eyes hazel, so round and innocent, with a broad mouth and golden hair. My word, she would be a beauty when she would grow. She was a curious student that I could read in her eyes. I shan't have the slightest problem for she was a most gentle creature.

"you must be Susanna? " I directed the query to the young lady. She had pigtails held in pink ribbons, I refrained from embracing her.

"you must be miss Vernon ?"

" of that I am. "

She studied me for a complete moment and said more to herself than to me.

" you don't look mean at all. "

Upon that realization, she tugged Mrs. Buttercups hem.

"we may leave now. I'm sure I'm safe. "

I wondered what she worried she would find. But what got me thinking is why she would fear for her safety. I tossed the thought away it was only logical she should every child is as curious. Mrs. Buttercup hastily introduced herself as the nanny said her farewell and followed Susanna down the spiral stairs.

" careful child, " she admonished.

I looked at the watch and wondered what time dinner shall be served. Secondly I was yet to be introduced to the Markham's. I was sure they would survey me before I began classes after all it was the right thing to do. Almost immediately, there was a knock I summoned the person in. Amelia came in.

" Miss Vernon, Mr. Markham wishes you to dine with them in the hall. Dinner will be served in thirty minutes. Shall you be ready by then? "

" I shall and kindly would you fetch me then? I haven't as yet mastered the house. "

"I shall. Ring a bell when you're ready. "

I gestured. I would make my rounds as early as the next day but I feared other than the lawn with its beautiful flowers and a backyard I was sure had rows and rows of greens there won't be plenty to see. I combed my hair into a ponytail and braided it clasping it's end with a red ribbon. Changed to a white cotton blouse with a chiffon at the neck paired it with a grey skirt. The gown wouldn't serve the purpose as I had only two gowns and they were for grander occasions. I felt the lesser the better, I shan't forget my status and I was determined that they see I shan't. If Cathy were there, she would have sworn vehemently and forced me to wear one of the gowns. She had chosen them for me and it would be a matter of which she favored that night. I rang the bell that was beside my bed. Amelia came in shortly and I followed her down. The Same manner we came in was the same manner we went straight to the hall.

"there's another way to the hall miss I'll show you immediately you're settled or in need of a tour. Hopefully it shall be by tomorrow. "

I understood her eagerness to show me the other route. It was a gentle way of saying, we can't walk the same lane as the masters of the house. I wished she'd shown me then but I thanked her and told her to show me the path immediately dinner was done. The sooner the better.

We crossed the main hall. It was grand and vast. The tapestry I noticed consisted of the times of the revolution. The Persian rug in the middle was a beautiful sight. I admired how everything was kept for everything shone. A clear show of the top notch housekeeping. I feared that perhaps I shan't stay long for the Markham's preferred everything in high standards. I was eager to see the mistress for she certainly knew how to run the house. We went to the small hall and thank heavens they followed the custom of every English. When there weren't guests to entertain the smaller hall was used. But it wasn't as small as it held twelve chairs and a long table. Instead of tapestry there were paintings all-around of buildings and sceneries. A fireplace with a charming mantelpiece and a candelabrum placed on it. Candles lit enlivening the room. The food already placed on the table. I was gestured to sit on the left and I sat there awaiting the servants eagerly. Amelia notified me that Susanna had been tucked in but I would see her during breakfast in the schoolroom. The schoolroom, it was where I would spend most of my days. I tried picturing how it would look like. But the excitement could wait until I saw the master and mistress. Helena was strolled in and I was astonished that she was an invalid. What was more puzzling was the haughtiness that seem to engulf her. We exchanged pleasantries and I made sure I made no gesture towards her wheel chair or her disability. Thomas walked in. A lean man with handsome features clearly Susanna had gotten them from him. Helena was pretty but the haunted look seemed to defy her good looks. I did notice that husband and wife neither bothered with the other. There was an unspoken battle. And I thought to myself that I had come to a unadventurous house and Mr. Will had clipped those hopes. But looking at both the master and mistress, I knew there was a secret underlying. Strangely enough, I didn't wish to know of it but I knew it would unfold. Whether I liked it or not.