Markham's

We dined in a most subtle manner. It was intriguing how the two kept the facade until it fell. We launched into a conversation of my journey and my abilities.

Helena said, "We feared that the storm had got you?

"Thankfully it hadn't and I've arrived here.

"Tis a good thing it didn't. Thomas said.

"But if it did, we'd have easily gotten a replacement. I noticed her hostility towards me and it bewildered me. I had spent less than a day in the house and I was rubbing the mistress wrongly. She might be the reason why I wouldn't stay for long in the Markham's place. My pride deflated for I knew I was I nothing but a governess. Replaceable in seconds. Thomas on the other hand was quick to leap to my defense. It was only when he cast me a sly glance did I understand Helena's manner.

We went on in that vain. I told them it was my first post and Helena asked if I were credible. Thomas argued that we should see my credentials with the results afterwards. Dinner was exquisite. Soup preceded with lamb pie and a grand finishing strawberries with cream. I wished to know the cook he was deserving of a kiss or two. Helena then launched to discussing about herself and I noticed Thomas was hardly listening. As I sat there listening I studied their character. Helena was quite a self-absorbed person. The manner she described her tasks of the day it was though she were condemning people for walking freely while she was stuck to sitting. I noticed in her description that she hadnt spared a minute to be with her daughter Susanna. I interjected her melancholy when I asked of Dolche.

That need not be no concern of yours Miss Vernon you have your hands full with Susanna.

So said it with such a finality and I was about to excuse myself when Thomas answered.

Shes in boarding school rather a finishing school. . . Swiss Bridge. She will turn eighteen soon. She is a difficult child to handle and it will be nice to see her married and become subdued."

Are you praying for a dominating son in law?

Perhaps yes. One who will run this estates? "

So you don't follow the customs of having the place passed on to your cousin for lack of a male heir.

"Miss Vernon it's modern times, we Markham's follow our own custom. My great grandfather had thought of this and decreed the house shall be passed on to the eldest daughter once she's married. But it shall be run by the husband. "

And say if you happen to have a son.

He laughed and it lucked mirth.

Hardly possible.

Helena steered the conversation back to herself but not before retorting to the insult she felt was thrown at her.

"I'm still a healthy woman am I not Miss Vernon I could give birth to ten if I wanted to. My day has been most uneventful. I had to call Ursula ten times before she responded. There I was in great earnest to take a call of nature while she gossiped with the maids. "

I looked at Ursula a blonde with simple looks and I pitied her. She was a companion to a difficult lady. I thanked the lord id chosen being a governess for it was better to deal with a child with tantrums than a grown woman lost in self absorption. I figured she'd become twice worse with her pitying herself. I wondered what of when she was like any other human, walking around freely. She must have been a proud one and intolerant of others. What a ridiculous thing for them to have two children. Thomas bluntly ignored her.

Have you seen the schoolroom?

I haven't but I will before I sleep.

"I'm guessing you have already come up with a strategy of how to go about the lessons.

I have.

Then I wish to see it tomorrow at the library. I hope you'll learn your way soon enough round here. It's vital you do. "

I couldn't help the feeling that he meant more than what he said. But I was reading between my own lines and Cathy would have scorned me for that.

"I'll make a point that I do.

The atmosphere was sickening. I had to vamoose.

"I shall retire to bed now. Excuse me Mr and Mrs Markham."

A pleasant night to you.

Helena simply gestured at me. I felt relieved to get away. Amelia was kind to show me the way back but in a different route from the kitchen straight to our own wing. I asked where the schoolroom was and it happened to be the first room to the left. I thought how convenient it was for me but poor Susanna would have to walk from Tudor wing to the servant quarters. But she was an energetic twelve year old it would be of no consequence. There was a lamp in my room and it illuminated the room rivalling the moon's light. It was nine. I sat on the window seat. I desired to know what accident occurred that made Helena an invalid. It seemed shocking for a woman with such a spirit to be tamed. The way things were I had weaved out how they lived. It was probable Dolche and Susanna were mostly ignored. Thomas was working and Helena was lamenting about her life. I wasn't sure as yet but it did seem that Thomas was a man of pleasure. But I need not worry, I told myself. I wasn't pretty in anyone's eyes thus I was still a spinster. Thomas would mostly go for wild women with handsome features. Women that would make him have an adrenaline rush. I thought of Cathy and thought it was convenient that she hadn't come to this household for Thomas would have have taken to her almost on impulse. She had features men couldn't get over. I hoped she wouldn't be silly and have an affair with the master of the house. I longed to speak to her and I promised myself I would the very next morning.

I woke up and rung for hot water.

Amelia appeared.

Shall you have your breakfast in your room or school room?"

Is Susanna breakfasting in the school room?

Nay miss she's in her room. She's with her nanny, she'll only eat where Mrs Buttercup is."

I wasn't wrong in my conclusion. Susanna had forged ties with the nanny instead of her parents.

I shall have it in my room, thank you.

It seemed I had wasted my time yester night when I should have spoken to the one who solely knew Susanna and her activities. But I had to give Thomas the credit for not being negligent of his daughters education for he knew how far she had read. He was also eager I should show him what program I had come up with but Mrs Buttercup I figured would tell me Susanna's strengths and weaknesses in each study. I would see to it that I sought her that morning. I was accustomed to English sausages in the morning courtesy of Uncle Carr. When he left us, Cathy and I took turns but Uncle Carr's sausages were unforgettable. It was interesting to have coffee and a twist of bread for a change.

Shortly after, Thomas called for me. I was to go to him and would immediately seek Mrs Buttercup after. The library was downstairs opposite the hall. I hadn't noticed it. Lined with books at every corner with a table, chair and settee in the middle. Thomas was busy with one book he hadn't noticed my coming. The second he did, he abandoned his books and attended to me. I sat on the chair, quite stiff as I had to assume an upright position and he sat on the settee opposite and we were eye to eye.

I hope you had a lovely night.

"You wished I did and I did.

I hope it is as you say, I would wish for nothing but your comfort in any way possible.

There was a glint in his eyes.

"I'm comfortable thank you.

I shifted uncomfortably.

Have you the program?"

Yes.

I handed him a book showing him the page I had written on. He seemed satisfied for he nodded in approval.

"You have paid equal amount of time to each.

"Its important I neglect nothing. I have to be thorough."

For one who is in her first post you seem to know what you're doing.

"The end shall justify the means. Perhaps this was my calling all this while. "

"I doubt so.

He handed me the book making sure our hands had contact. I quivered.

"Shall you start tomorrow?

"Yes. I wish to take the day to know the child before we engage in any sort of activity. "

He nodded. I am pleased I hired a competent person

I shall hope that the trust you have bestowed me bear fruits.

"It shall.

He said it in a low tone as though he were luring his prey. I left and sought Mrs Buttercup and Susanna. The child was fast asleep on Mrs Buttercups thigh in her room. It was an unlikely hour for a nap.

"Is she unwell?

"Yes. Her stomach miss it's had a bad run today. Something disagreed with her. "

I sympathised and wished the child's recovery. I was about to cancel the next days lessons but I was sure she would be up and well.

Have you told Mr. and Mrs. Markham?"

I have. Mr Markham has sent up some medicine. The doctor will be in shortly. "

And Mrs Helena?

Mrs Buttercup couldn't come up with an answer or a justified excuse.

"I take it she's hardly around. I heard myself say. It was ill to speak of the mistress but I was eager to delve into the issues in the house and work efficiently.

I wished I had Cathy's way of drawing secrets out without appearing to but I had no such strategy.

"It is no secret Miss Vernon. Helena is only occupied with her demerit. Nothing but herself. The girls are only remembered during Christmas or balls. "

Dolche and Susanna were equally ignored.

"How did her accident occur?

Two years after she gave birth to Susanna. She was queen of horses she was. Never saw anyone ride like that. Accidents however are a respecter of none. She went out riding and something scared luscious her mare and she went tumbling down a cliff. It's a miracle she only become an invalid. There was fear of dying. It was fatal. "

Oh dear.

"I wouldn't pity her so. I'm sorry miss but there would have been little effect whether she died or not. "

I nearly jolted from my seat. Mrs Buttercups words were too venomous.

Why so?

"Never cared about the girls. Gave birth to them bickered how they made her ugly and she handed them to the maids to raise. If she died it would have spared us her lamentations. With her or without her there's no effect to the girls they are non existent to her. I couldn't blame her, she clearly adored Susanna, and it must pain her to see the uncaring ways of Helena.

"I'm sorry missus but it is the truth. We could shed a few tears for Mr Thomas. His hardly around but he makes sure to get at least an update about his girls. He may ignore them but at least he cares to ask. "

I understand Mrs Buttercup.

She looked adoringly at Susanna, she must love her children with just the same intensity.

Mrs Buttercup I came to ask about Susanna.

"What about my little angel?

"I'm her governess. I need an up-to speed information about how well she performs in her studies. Has she had any other governesses? "

"Yes, but Helena was always on their necks. Before Ursula came the governess had to act as companion to Helena. Many couldn't handle it. A governess in the morning a companion all day. There was no such agreement Helena forced it on them. You see the servants dodged her. There were times she would ring the bell and no one would respond. "

Helena had driven people to the edge for them to intentionally assume her.

"What of the child? Is she willing to learn and how does she grasp things? "

"Youll have an easy time Miss Vernon. She's a smart child. However I remember her former governess Miss Tremens said she was poor in mathematics. It needed concentration but her attention was always divided. You shan't have a problem in all the rest. She's good in languages and no one can beat her in history, she knows it forward and backward. "

Mathematics was my field and if I approached her in the right manner, she should be champion when I would be through. Mrs Buttercup went on to describe Susanna to me. An easily lovable child. Easy to please and quick to rectify her wrongs. She was affected at how indifferent her mother was and had over relied on Mrs Buttercup. But Mrs Buttercup said thy both relied on each other. She had lost her only daughter and when she became close much to the protest of her husband who worked at the stables.

There was no turning back. We just became child and parent in an unsaid agreement. "

I was glad that I had such an easy task. The conversation shifted and I do not know how it started. Mrs Buttercup began talking about Dolche who I was to see soon.

"I often think they didn't come from the same womb. They look alike, they have the same appearance as their father. But Dolche is more than a handful. Youre lucky she's not under your tutelage miss Vernon. "

"Youre the third person to tell me so.

Its no telling it's the truth. She's everyone's nightmare. Equals her mother just minus the self-pity for she can walk about to wherever she pleases. She is Mrs Helena through and through. It's amusing for Dolche detests her mother and her mother disapproves of Dolche's habits. I think Susanna should have been called Dolche. In Italy it's dolce meaning sweet and yet the child bears no sweetness. Susanna, my dear Susanna is more humane than those two compared. "

It piqued my interest about Dolche.i wished school would close and she would arrive sooner that I may sample her cruelty and beg to be rid of it when I had enough.

She sounds interesting.

"You wouldn't say so after a day in her presence.

The doctor arrived and Mrs Buttercup insisted we take some tea. She was sure I had exhausted breakfast engaging in the conversation. Susanna would be better before the day ended the doctor assured us. I asked Mrs Buttercup if it was still suitable to have lessons the next day and she said it would. The child needed to be busy lest she fall into depressive moods which message buttercup confided she had every once in awhile. I left them, Susanna had woken up. We exchanged greetings and she took medicine and slept again.

I took lunch in my room as did everyone. Mr Thomas I had been informed was busy with estate matters and wasn't even in the house. I thought of what an unlikely pair Thomas and Helena were. One child was probably an error of the night but two. Their first child bearing an Italian name for sweet. It was likely Helena in her self absorbed manner had managed to love someone other than herself. Who knows what happened later, that Mr Thomas refuted her claims of love. Or rather it was a case of unrequited love. Or a matter of estates and sharing the bed was just an added bonus to the agreement. How would I ever know? But then again I had no desire to know. I walked out of the house, losing my way twice and bumped into one of the servants a Mr Oliver who was kind to show me the way. It was just as I had expected. There wasn't history to marvel at. Only well kept lawns and trimmed hedges. It was a well manicured backyard. Divided into sections displaying the kind of beauty it held. If Cathy were to land on a historical castle I was sure to feel a slight twitch. She would go on with her wild imaginations. Fearing that the ancestors would resurrect to whisper in her ear of the happenings of the past. And I shan't be there to experience it. Though it feels me with relief to know I shall somewhat experience them for Cathy was an excellent story teller. She could narrate things so candidly that one could see the happenings. I had forgotten to write to her but I promised I would do so the second I was done looking at the marigolds, Lillys and settle in my room. I wonder what her opinion about the Markham's would be. I felt my temper flare for their indifference to their children. Thomas might try to act as a father but to me it was a sorry attempt. Susanna was lovely and perhaps Dolche was just putting up a show to hide her feelings. I wished she were present that I could make up my conclusion about her. I was sure i'd be all the more infuriated with the pair than Dolche herself. But I shouldn't be quick to say so for Mrs Buttercup said Dolche oftenly picked on poor Susanna. Someone who was unkind to a her baby sister well I shouldn't throw all my fury on her parents but spare some for her for becoming as intolerant as Helena was. Thank goodness Ursula was her companion, I would have packed my belongings and faced the hazards at sea. If I were not to stay for long due to this lacking pair, I should make quick attempts to find Edward Compton. The question was who would have such great information. I would start with Mr Will then Mrs Buttercup. Casting a glance at the scene before me I walked back to the house. Having memorised my path I went up to my room. It occurred to me that I didn't know where the post office was. I asked Amelia about it and she was kind enough to tell me it was half a mile away. I wondered why I hadn't seen it and she was quick to say I couldn't have seeing as Mr Will preferred the forest than the village.

He avoids gossip as much as possible.

I smiled at the remark for it was quite opposite of how I judged him. I couldn't write the letter as yet I walked to the library on the upper floor of Tudor wing. Amelia had told me the Markham's had two libraries. The first was a private study to Mr Thomas and the other was free for everyone's use. Only when he had private meetings were we not to step in there. I heard Helena screaming her lungs of. Poor Ursula. The library was smaller lined with books of new writers mostly. I selected one of William's books and sat comfortably on the arm chair. I forgot the world in those hours and it was only the fading light that made me aware that dinner time was nearing. I briskly flipped another page eager to at least finish the book when a paper fell out. I reached out for it and noticed it was a drawing of a lady. Faulty young, whoever drew it was almost excellent with a little perfection in the art they would be masters. I studied the features and assumed it was Helena. But I noticed Thomas features as well and I knew immediately that I was looking at Dolche. The haughtiness of her mother and the handsome features of her father. I turned the page and it was written me. So she was good at drawing and perhaps interested in literature seeing as where I got her drawing. Then I heard the words, she is the reason. I slid back the paper frowning. Why on earth would she be the reason? Warnings often came to me in such manners. I presumed she would be the reason I left. Her mischievous character might be too much for me to handle. I shuddered. Loosing sudden interest I put back the book and strolled back to my room, awaiting the new day.