Enchanted by The Lord (Historical Victorian Romance) by Catherine Hamill

horrendous weather and water logged roads. It was not helped by the fact that the coach was overloaded with people. I myself was packed inside, between two rather large ladies, and opposite us sat their respective husbands. Not only did we have passengers on the roof, but also balancing on the back, and the sides. I had been lucky on my journey here, we used the express coach, which made fewer stops and took on fewer passengers. Unfortunately, in my haste to leave Bath I had to take the first available coach and that was the mail coach. Not the most comfortable of rides, but nonetheless, it serves my purpose.
     
    The inn keeper stayed awake for our arrival, and supper is served in the dining room of the inn, albeit reheated in a large pot on the blazing fire. That meal seemed to me, one of the tastiest lamb stews I have ever eaten, but then I am very cold and hungry. After dinner we make our way to our rooms where I shared with the two ladies I have been seated with. I take the smaller bed, and they share the larger one. That night, once again, I sob myself to sleep. My two room companions are completely unaware of my distress as they noisily snored themselves to sleep.
     
    The weather, the next day, does not improve; if anything it seems to worsen. It rains constantly, slowing down our journey to almost a crawl in some of the heavily waterlogged areas. We are all cold and miserable, cramped together uncomfortably, on the inside. Goodness knows of the condition of passengers hanging on to the outside. I dread the coach having an accident, or even worse, I have heard of highway robberies, particularly targeting the mail coach. Hopefully, the rain and wind will put off any road bandits, who, if they had any good sense, will prefer to stay nice and warm in their homes.
     
    Finally, we make it to Rochester, without any further drama. The Duke’s personal carriage awaits me, upon my arrival, ready to transport me to his home. I have considered going straight to my own home and seeking the comfort of my parents, but that would not be fair on the children or the Duke. I need to consider what I will do with my situation. I know that I can never face Lord Guy ever again, my shame is too deep. Never will I forgive myself for what I did, how I allowed myself to be seduced by someone who is obviously a cad. Hopefully, no one will ever hear of my shameful behaviour. I cannot see Lord Guy boasting that he bedded the governess; it would not stand him up very well in in the eyes of the Duke.
     
    When I reach the house, the Duke and the children are there to greet me. It fills my heart with joy to see that at least the children missed me. We join together in one of the smaller parlors and I tell them all about Bath, and the terrible coach ride. They have not journeyed too much in their short lives, but I personally do not think they are missing out on anything.
     
    As a treat, I organize a trip to the sea for tomorrow. It will be good to walk on the beaches and let the sea air clear my mind. It will also do the children some good. 
     
    The children are called to dinner and I retire to my room to unpack. I am pleasantly surprised to find a dinner tray in my room. It seems I am accepted by cook, at last.
     
    I close my door on the family and sit and sit at my small table, to eat my meal. My appetite is still poor and as I sit there picking at my food, feeling a tear roll down my cheek. I cannot help myself; I am heartbroken, still unable to believe that I have been so deceived. This is not an experience I will overcome quickly. I should be thankful that we were not seen together, that would have been unbearable.
    A small knock at my door, and I quickly dry my eyes to go and answer. As I open the door, I see little Laurence stood there, tears streaming down his cheeks. Normally, I would try not to get personally attached to my charges, but I think we both needed a hug. Picking him up, I took him to my chair, and we comforted one another