CHAPTER 4
In which Amy and Lucy visit Oakleigh Hall and further secrets concerning Miss Burnley are revelaed
Lucy and I had no more opportunities to spy upon our guardian and our governess before the day came when we were to depart for Okeleigh Hall. Lady Okeleigh's well appointed traveling coach pulled up outside the house. Lady Okeleigh, Lucy, Miss Burnley and I traveled in the compartment of the carriage while the ever-present Johnson was installed on the postilion's seat behind. A second carriage carried the maids and the baggage. The journey proved to be long and arduous. Despite the relative comfort of Lady Okeleigh's coach the roads were in a terrible state. It was hot and dusty. Opening the window meant an invasion by clouds of dust while closing it meant one was obliged to suffer the oppressive heat. We were all consequently relieved when the coach at last turned into the tree lined drive of Okeleigh Hall. As we passed along this avenue I could just obtain glimpses of the resplendent house standing at the it end. Finally the coach merged into the sunlight and there across the grass stood one of the finest houses in England, built by Lord Okeleigh's grandfather. The coach rumbled through an archway at the side of the house and into a cobbled courtyard. We had arrived.
We were soon escorted into the magnificent hallway by the butler and thence to a grand reception room decorated with chandeliers and tapestries. Lady Okeleigh's son Lord Okeleigh greeted us warmly and offered us refreshment. We gratefully accepted a cool glass of wine following the ardours of our journey. Lord Okeleigh was a raffish young man, dressed in the very latest fashions from Paris. We knew little of him but he was rumoured to be a most popular member of London society and to enjoy gaming and horses.
That night at dinner Lucy and I were seated at either side of Lord Okeleigh. Also present at dinner was Lord Okeleigh's close friend Mr Woodford who was seated on the other side the table from me between Lucy and Miss Burnley. Beside me was Lord Okeleigh's younger brother Thomas.. I noticed that during dinner that Lord Okeleigh's attentions fell chiefly on Lucy but was content to let her converse gaily. His lordship was undoubtedly a most handsome fellow with a firm chin and dark flashing eyes. For my tastes his manner was a little too charming and at times somewhat boastful. He described to Lucy how he had made a wager the previous month of one thousand guineas on a horse which had won at handsome odds. Mr Thomas Okeleigh was an altogether more taciturn young man that his brother. Throughout dinner he attempted to make polite conversation with me concerning the warm weather and my impressions of the house but it was his older brother who dominated the conversation and injected a welcome air of gaiety into the party.
After dinner Lord Okeleigh proposed some music. In the saloon of the house was a fine pianoforte and he suggested that Lucy or I might like to play. Both of us were somewhat indifferent musicians but we managed to carry off our favourite pieces to applause form the assembled company. I suggested that Miss Burnley was a far more accomplished player than either of us and Lord Okeleigh immediately insisited that she might play while we danced. With some hesitancy Miss Burnley consented to this proposal. Lord Okeleigh asked whether I should like to accompany him in the first dance while his younger brother partnered Lucy. Even Lady Okeleigh consented to dance with Mr Woodford. Miss Burnley struck up a gig and the dancing began. Lord Okeleigh certainly danced well moving with a grace and ease. In the next dance I was partnered by Mr Thomas Okeleigh. While the younger brother was unable to match his brothers' style, he showed a quiet reserve and an assiduous attention to the needs of Lucy and myself which was far from unwelcome in my eyes compared to his overbearing elder brother..
The days at Okeleigh Hall passed quickly. Lord Okeleigh proved a charming host organising a variety of activities for his guests. Lucy and I were able to try our hands at archery and fishing. We strolled in the park and went riding on Lord Okeleigh's magnificent horses. In the evenings there were dancing, card games and witty conversation. It was all such a change from the narrow life which we led at home. To our surprise Lady Okeleigh who had been so withdrawn while staying with us came into her own, no doubt enlivened by the company and we began to perceive why she was so highly regarded as a society hostess. Towards the end of the week Lady Okeleigh suggested that we should stay for a further week. The prospect of delaying our return home and with it our return to lessons filled us with delight and we were only too happy to accept her invitation.
The next morning over breakfast Lady Okeleigh asked what Lucy and I should like to do that day. Lord Okeleigh suggested a tour of the park with a picnic by the lake. To this suggestion we all assented and it was agreed that a picnic would be arranged with the housekeeper. By the time we assembled in the hall the sun was well up in a cloudless blue sky, the prefect prelude to our picnic. It was agreed that our party would walk to the lake which was about half a mile in distance from the house while the servants would follow us with the picnic hampers. It proved a pleasant stroll though the garden and across the park until we reached the lake. The water feature had been created by damming a small brook in the valley below the house. In the centre of the lake was a small island dotted with trees and standing on it was a small Grecian or Roman temple echoing the classical style of the house itself.
We arrived at the lake to find a sort of small pavilion erected with rugs, cushions and folding chairs for seating and even a small couch of which Lady Okeleigh immediately took possession. Her ladyship explained that her skin could not abide bright sunlight and she would rest in the shade of the pavilion. The servants laid out a most magnificent picnic upon tables and then we were invited to partake of this veritable feast which had miraculously been transported from the kitchens.
After we had all copiously indulged of this repast most of the party rested in the shade of the pavilion. The sun was now at its hottest. Miss Burnley and Mr Woodford appeared to have disappeared following the luncheon, no doubt taking a walk around the lake. Lord Okeleigh offered to show Lucy and I the little island in the lake. He explained that there was a small boat moored nearby in which he could row us across. I sensed that Lucy might want to be alone with her lord so I declined this offer but she all too readily assented and so that couple departed.
At this point Lady Okeleigh noticed the absence of Miss Burnley and Mr Woodford and questioned her younger son as to their whereabouts. Mr Thomas Oakleigh suggested he could go and look for the missing pair and I volunteered to accompany him. Although it was warm outside I had no desire to remain in the pavilion alone with Lady Okeleigh who after all had a retinue of servants, including the redoubtable Johnson, to care for her needs. Mr Okeleigh and I wandered along the edge of the lake and waved at Lord Okeleigh and Lucy who were rowing towards the island.
Suddenly Mr Okeleigh said in the most strange manner. "I suppose you are aware Miss Hernshaw of the relationship which exists between Miss Burnley and Mr Woodford?"
I had no idea of any relationship between these two persons and was for a moment rendered speechless.
"I can see from your expression that you know nothing of this." Mr Okeleigh continued. "Miss Burnley was formerly governess to Mr Woodford's little daughter. During her employment she formed an attachment to Mr Woodford. When Mrs Woodford discovered the affair she insisted on Miss Burnley's dismissal, although that lady was given the highest references and recommendations which is how she came to be employed by your father."
"So you fear that Mr Woodford and Miss Burnley have taken the opportunity to renew this liaison now they are under the same roof together," I asked.
"It would appear so," Mr Okeleigh replied. "I have a very good idea where we might find that pair and I intend to go there now. However, I feel this is a rather indelicate matter for a young lady such as yourself. Perhaps you should return to my mother." said Mr Okeleigh.