2. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Theresa Wilkes escaped the suffocating confines of Duke Street Orphanage by slipping into the mews, the scent of hay and leather enveloping her like a warm embrace. This small stable had become her sanctuary over the years, a place where she could forget her troubles and lose herself in a world of gentle nickers and soft whinnies. The old pony that resided there, a plump bay named Mr. Buttons, greeted her with a welcoming snort as he nibbled on a mouthful of hay.

"Hello, dear friend," Theresa whispered, scratching the scruffy pony's ears affectionately. Theresa often spent hours here, brushing the animal's shaggy coat until it gleamed and murmuring reassuring words into his twitching ears.

The sun filtered through the slats of the wooden walls, casting a golden glow upon the straw-strewn floor. Theresa sighed contentedly as she picked up a brush and set about Mr. Buttons' coat, her heart filled with gratitude for this hidden haven. Here, amongst the earthy scents of horse and hay, she felt a sense of belonging that eluded her within the orphanage.

In quiet moments like these, when she was alone with Mr. Buttons, she dared to dream about the future. A future filled with wide-open spaces, where she cared for magnificent horses and felt the wind in her hair as she rode across rolling meadows. But, for now, this small stable on Duke Street was enough.

With a soft pat on Mr. Buttons' flank, Theresa rose to her feet, preparing to return to the orphanage's bustling halls. As she walked towards the door, she threw a final, lingering glance back at her equine friend, the old pony flicking his ears in quiet acknowledgment.

The sound of approaching hoofbeats made Theresa freeze, before she quickly dodged behind the little pony cart to hide. She was not supposed to be in the mews, and if she was caught here, she'd be in trouble. Holding her breath, she stayed very still as one of the boys led a horse into the mews, pushing it into a stall and closing the door before hurrying out again.

"Silly fool," Theresa muttered, shaking her head. The boy hadn't even removed the horse's saddle and bridle, and there was enough room in the stall for the horse to lie down and damage its tack, which surely wouldn't please the owner. Theresa had best intervene.

Stepping out from behind the pony cart and approaching the stall, Theresa gasped as she caught sight of the elegant bay mare standing in the stall. Theresa stared, her heart quickening with awe and delight. She had never seen such a magnificent creature grace these humble grounds before.

"Hello there," Theresa whispered, her voice filled with wonder. Slowly, she approached the mare, careful not to startle the exquisite animal. Her eyes danced over the horse's sleek, muscular frame, admiring her shiny coat and large, liquid eye, turned towards Theresa with gentle curiosity.

"Where did you come from?" Theresa asked softly, her fingers itching to touch the mare's velvety coat. The horse shifted her weight, her ears flicking towards Theresa, acknowledging her presence.

With each cautious step, Theresa extended a gentle hand, offering it to the mare for inspection. The horse lowered her head, her breath warm against Theresa's palm. "You're so beautiful," she murmured, her heart swelling with affection for this new equine friend.

As if sensing Theresa's innate affinity for horses, the mare allowed her to stroke her coat, leaning into her touch. Theresa marvelled at the powerful yet gentle spirit of the animal before her, feeling an immediate connection. In this moment, the constraints of the orphanage seemed miles away, replaced by a sense of belonging and kinship that Theresa had longed for all her life.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could spend my days caring for creatures like you?" Theresa mused aloud, her voice filled with longing and hope. The mare nuzzled her hand in response, as though offering silent encouragement.

Theresa's dreams often wandered to a world filled with horses and open spaces, but such thoughts felt like a distant fantasy – an impossible dream. Yet, as she stood there with the beautiful bay mare, a glimmer of hope ignited within her. Perhaps, one day, the world beyond the orphanage walls might hold a place for her too.

Lost in her reverie with the mare, Theresa scarcely noticed the approaching footsteps until they were nearly upon her. Startled, she looked up to find Mrs. Hatton and a strikingly handsome young man standing at the entrance of the mews.

"Theresa," Mrs. Hatton said sternly, her voice cutting through the quiet sanctuary like a whip. "What are you doing here?"

Theresa's cheeks flushed crimson, and she lowered her gaze, her hands suddenly feeling clammy. "I... I was just... visiting the horses, ma'am," she stammered, acutely aware of the stranger's presence.

"Visiting the horses?" Mrs. Hatton repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You ought to know better than to loiter about when there is work to be done. Off you go."

"Yes, ma'am," Theresa replied meekly, her heart racing as she realised how much trouble she might be in.

The young man, whom Theresa had not yet dared to look at directly, cleared his throat gently. "Please, Mrs. Hatton, it's quite all right. It seems my mare has taken quite a liking to the young lady."

Theresa risked a glance at him then, her eyes widening at the sight of his dark hair and clear blue eyes. He smiled warmly at her, and she felt a flutter in her chest that she couldn't quite identify. She longed to ask the gentleman about his beautiful horse, but she knew better than to speak out of turn.

"Away with you now," Mrs. Hatton said curtly, and Theresa bobbed a curtsy and fled. She couldn't quite resist, however, lingering around the side of the stable to see if she could perhaps overhear the name of the handsome gentleman who owned the beautiful bay mare. The hushed voices of Mrs. Hatton and the gentleman carried through the warped wooden walls, their words tantalisingly soft and indistinct.

"Belle Haven," she mouthed the name of the estate as the gentleman spoke it. It sounded like paradise, visions of stately mansions and rolling green pastures filling her mind. Surely one of her friends would be chosen for this rare opportunity – a chance to escape the dull confines of Duke Street and enter a world of elegance and beauty. A place where horses like the beautiful bay mare could thrive.

"Mrs. Hatton," the young man said, "I couldn't help but notice that Theresa's name was not among those you suggested for the governess position. May I ask why?"

Theresa felt as if the wind had been knocked from her lungs, her eyes widening in shock. Did he truly mean her? But why? She had no experience and was far too young; surely there were others far more suited to a position as governess.

"Mr. Bell, while it is true that Theresa has a good heart and a keen mind, she is only nineteen years of age. Here at the orphanage, we do not send our young ladies to permanent placements until they have reached at least twenty years and have completed some day work in London to gain experience." Mrs. Hatton spoke firmly, and Theresa felt her sudden hope draining away.

Mr. Bell, however, was not easily dissuaded. Before the conversation had concluded, he had convinced Mrs. Hatton to allow Theresa to be interviewed with the other candidates.

Theresa's thoughts raced, shock and disbelief swirling through her mind. By some unexpected twist of fate, she had been granted a chance – however slim – at a different life. She pressed her hand to her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart beneath her fingers as hope and resignation warred within her.

She knew better than to let herself dream too boldly, but for the first time in her life, Theresa allowed herself to entertain the notion that a life beyond the grey streets of London might be in her future.

The sound of hoofbeats fading away signalled the departure of Mr. Bell, and the heavy door closing marked Mrs. Hatton's return inside the orphanage. Theresa slipped back inside the mews to think, the emotional whirlwind of the past few minutes still coursing through her veins.

"Theresa!" a hushed voice called out to her suddenly, snapping her from her thoughts. She turned to find Molly, a younger girl who, like herself, loved horses, emerging from a pile of hay in which she had been hiding, no doubt in an effort to escape from her chores. The girl's eyes were wide with excitement, her cheeks flushed pink from the thrill of eavesdropping on the conversation between Mr. Bell and Mrs. Hatton.

"Did you hear that, Theresa?" Molly whispered excitedly, scarcely able to contain her enthusiasm as she joined her friend by the wall. "Mr. Bell breeds horses! And he might even consider you as a governess for his daughters!"

"Shh!" Theresa cautioned with a grin, her eyes darting around the mews to ensure no one else was within earshot. She could hardly believe it herself – the very idea seemed too marvellous, too improbable to be real.

Molly's energy was infectious, and soon the two girls found themselves giggling helplessly at the thought of their shared dream: being surrounded by magnificent horses, perhaps even assisting in their care at the grand estate of Belle Haven.

"Can you imagine, Molly?" Theresa asked, her eyes shining with wonder. "To work for a man who loves horses as much as we do? It would be like a fairy tale come true."

"Indeed," Molly agreed, her voice filled with longing. "And to think, you might actually have a chance at it! Oh, I wish I were older so I could apply too."

Theresa bit her lip, watching Molly's eyes dance with excitement. She hated to dampen her friend's spirits, but it was essential to keep their feet on the ground.

"Remember, Molly," she said softly, "it's not just Richard's horse that needs to like me. It's the man himself and his daughters. I'm sure there are many other girls who would be more suitable as a governess."

Molly's face fell a little, but she nodded in understanding. "I know," she sighed, "but it's still fun to imagine, isn't it?"

"Of course," Theresa agreed, offering her a warm smile.

Just then, the door of the stable creaked open, and Mrs. Hatton appeared, her stern gaze fixed on Theresa.

"Theresa," she said crisply, "I thought I might find you here. Please come to my office at once."

Theresa glanced at Molly, her heart racing. Could this mean...? No, surely not. The chances were too slim. But she couldn't help the flicker of hope that ignited within her chest as she followed Mrs. Hatton into the orphanage and up the stairs to her office.

As they walked, Theresa's thoughts whirled. She thought of her years spent at Duke Street. She'd never dared to dream of a life beyond these walls, but now that the possibility had been presented to her, it seemed almost too good to resist. Yet she knew she mustn't allow herself false hope. Allowing her to take the job would be outside Mrs. Hatton's iron-clad rules - and what if Mr. Bell or his daughters did not find her agreeable?

The atmosphere in Mrs. Hatton's office was tense, the air heavy with anticipation. The flickering light of a single candle cast shadows upon the room, making the dark wooden furniture appear even more imposing. A neatly organised desk stood at the centre, its surface covered in papers and inkwells.

"Sit down, Theresa," Mrs. Hatton said, indicating a chair opposite her own.

Theresa took a deep breath to steady her nerves, then sat as instructed. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, fighting the urge to fidget. The matron's stern expression seemed even more pronounced in the dim light, adding to Theresa's growing apprehension.

"Theresa, I have been considering your suitability for the position of governess for Mr. Bell's daughters," Mrs. Hatton began, her tone measured and matter-of-fact. "Despite your youth, I think you could do quite well in the position, but before I allow you to meet with Mr. Bell and his daughters for an interview, there is a delicate matter that must be discussed." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "The young ladies you would be teaching... their births are considered irregular by some. In fact, there are those who might deem the circumstances scandalous. Would that be a problem for you, Theresa?"

As Theresa pondered Mrs. Hatton's question, she thought of her own beginnings. She knew all too well the sting of scandal and irregularity, for she herself was the natural daughter of a baron's mistress. Drawing from this understanding, Theresa looked into Mrs. Hatton's eyes, her voice steady as she replied, "No, ma'am. It would not be a problem for me. I believe everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow, regardless of their circumstances."

"Indeed," Mrs. Hatton said, nodding her agreement, though her expression remained unreadable. The office around them felt heavy with unspoken expectations, the ticking clock on the mantle the only sound punctuating the silence.

Theresa fiddled with the cuff of her plain, slightly worn gown, her mind clouded with doubts and uncertainties. True, she had grown fond of teaching the younger children at the orphanage, but she couldn't deny her lack of formal experience. She was only nineteen, after all, and had never stepped foot in a proper schoolroom herself. Would Mr. Bell truly consider her for such an important position?

"Are there... any other concerns you have about my suitability?" Theresa asked hesitantly. "I know that I am young and lack experience, but I promise to work hard and do my best for Mr. Bell's daughters."

Mrs. Hatton studied her for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Your dedication and kindness have not gone unnoticed, Miss Wilkes," she said finally. "However, it is ultimately up to Mr. Bell to decide if your qualities outweigh your inexperience."

Theresa nodded, her heart sinking slightly as she acknowledged the truth in Mrs. Hatton's words. She knew it was foolish to hope for such an opportunity, but she couldn't help herself. The thought of escaping the confines of the orphanage and working with horses every day was simply too alluring.

"Thank you for considering me, ma'am," Theresa said, her voice betraying a hint of sadness. "I understand if my lack of experience makes me unsuitable."

"We shall see," Mrs. Hatton replied, her eyes softening ever so slightly, "I shall allow you to interview as a candidate, though you must understand that Helen and Josephine, who I have also selected, are greatly more fit for the role in my opinion."

Theresa's heart sank. Helen and Josephine were older than she, and both experienced in teaching children of upper middle-class families, having been working at a local school for such children for the last two years. She could not possibly compete with either of them.

"You are dismissed, Theresa. Be ready to meet with Mr. Bell and his children tomorrow morning at ten," Mrs. Hatton instructed.

"Yes, ma'am." With that, Theresa rose from her seat, her emotions a mixture of hope and resignation. As she left the office, she couldn't help but wonder if fate would grant her the chance to leave Duke Street and begin a new life at Belle Haven, however unlikely it might seem that she would be the lucky one chosen.