At 22 and after completing my education and a spell as the village teacher it was time I went and explored the world. To this end I had answered an advert for the role of Governess with Lord Blackheart at Wymbourne Abbey. My mother was not well and this my chance to provide for her.
As I walked up the path, my heart pounded in my chest. It was all so exciting but terrifying at the same time. I was eager to be employed as a governess but was also daunted, I had never met an actual Lord before.
I was ushered into the study where the master and mistress of the house sat behind a large desk. They asked me to sit on the leather sofa before them. Rogers (the butler) stood by the door watching us intently.
'Miss Summers' said Lord Blackheart 'I must say you have an impressive resume. I trust you will do well by my children.'
'Thank you, your lordship. I will do my very best.' I smiled brightly.
'My children can be a handful at times,' he smiled back 'but they are good at heart. You will be in charge of their education and upbringing until they reach maturity.'
'Of course, Lord Blackheart' I curtsied. 'I am confident that I can take care of them.'
Lord Blackheart stood up and walked to the window. He looked out at the gardens before turning back to us.
'My wife and I are rather unusual people, Miss Summers,' he said. 'We have a rather different lifestyle than the norm.'
'We are libertines and believe in experiencing all that life has to offer, including the carnal knowledge of others'.
'You mean, your lordship, you and your wife are...' I hesitated, "unfaithful to each other?' I asked shyly.
They laughed. 'Oh no, not quite, Miss Summers, my wife and I are deeply in love,' said Lord Blackheart.'
I blushed 'oh my'.
'Indeed,' he smiled 'you may even be asked to participate with us occasionally, although it is not compulsory.'
I nodded, feeling a little shocked and yet I really needed this job for the sake of my mother.
'Rogers will show you to the nursery.'
I stood, curtsied and followed Rogers out of the room. I was shown into the nursery where the children were sitting on the floor playing chess. Rogers left me and closed the door behind him.
I walked over to them 'hello, children' I said 'my name is Emily Summers. I am your new governess.'
They both stood up and curtsied 'it's nice to meet you, Miss Summers' said my charge, a sweet looking boy with red hair 'my name is Edward and this is my sister Charlotte.'
I smiled at them both 'hello Edward, Charlotte. Call me Emily, it's a pleasure to meet you both.'
I watched them as they returned to their game and smiled 'I'll leave you to finish your game but I would like you both in the school room tomorrow at 9.00am. They looked up at me and smiled before returning to their game.
I left the nursery and descended to the dining room to eat my evening meal. I ate alone, which was a little strange, but I supposed the master and mistress must sometimes eat in their rooms?
I slept well that night and rose early the next morning. I decided to go for a walk around the grounds, it was such a beautiful day.