3. Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Richard Bell stepped out of his carriage outside the imposing brick walls of the orphanage. He glanced at his three daughters, their eyes wide with curiosity as they took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Clara, Anna, and Eliza were dressed impeccably in well-made dresses and bonnets, each adorned with delicate lace trimmings that caught the sunlight, casting intricate shadows on their eager faces. As they alighted from the carriage, Richard couldn't help but notice how their attire contrasted sharply with the plain, coarse clothes worn by the orphans that peeked curiously through the windows.

"Come along, my dears," Richard said gently, taking Eliza's small hand in his while Clara and Anna clung to the skirts of his greatcoat. Together, they entered the orphanage, the heavy door creaking shut behind them, sealing them into the dimly lit interior.

"Mr. Bell, welcome," Mrs. Hatton greeted them with a stiff nod as the family entered her office. "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"

"Indeed, thank you," Richard replied, his blue eyes scanning the room before settling on the young woman standing beside Mrs. Hatton.

"And good morning to you too, young ladies." A surprisingly warm smile crossed Mrs. Hatton's face as she leaned down to greet Richard's daughters. "I'm Mrs. Hatton. It's very nice to meet you."

Only Clara was bold enough to reply. "Good morning," she said in a small voice, dropping a neat little curtsy. Anna and Eliza attempted to mimic their older sister, and Richard smiled lovingly at all three of them.

"If you will come this way, our first candidate is waiting in the music room. She is quite an accomplished musician and I would like her to demonstrate her playing to you."

They followed Mrs. Hatton into another room, where a young woman rose from her seat at a pianoforte.

"Allow me to introduce Miss Helen Milnes, one of our most accomplished young ladies," Mrs. Hatton said with an air of pride. Richard studied the pretty blonde before him, noting her poised stance and the confident tilt of her chin.

"Miss Milnes," he acknowledged with a polite nod. "We are searching for a governess to teach my daughters. Might you be interested in such a position?"

"Oui, Monsieur," Helen replied, her French accent flawless. "I would be honoured."

"Tell us about your accomplishments," Richard prompted, glancing down at his daughters, who were staring wide-eyed.

"En plus de parler fran?ais, I also excel at embroidery, as you can see," Helen said with a modest smile, gesturing to the delicate flowers stitched on her collar. "I can also play the piano and sing quite well, if I may say so myself. I have been teaching at a local school - St. Matthew's Academy."

"Would you mind giving us a demonstration?" Richard asked, gesturing towards the pianoforte. An older instrument, he noted, but well maintained.

"Of course," Helen agreed, moving gracefully to the instrument. She played a soft, lilting melody and sang the accompaniment in a sweet voice, her fingers dancing over the keys with practised ease. Clara and Anna watched with wide eyes, clearly impressed by her talent. Even little Eliza seemed captivated briefly before her attention wavered, her gaze drawn once more to the toy horse she clutched tightly in her hand.

"Thank you, Miss Milnes," Richard said as the last notes faded away. "Your accomplishments are indeed impressive."

"Merci beaucoup, Monsieur," Helen replied, dipping her head gracefully.

"Miss Milnes, if I may ask," Richard began, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the poised young woman before him. "What are your thoughts on horses?"

For a brief moment, surprise flickered across Helen's delicate features, her eyes widening ever so slightly. She quickly composed herself, offering a slight smile that seemed to mask a hint of unease. "Well, sir, I must admit that I have had little to do with them," she said tactfully, her voice laced with the faintest tremor.

"I see," Richard responded, nodding slowly as he glanced down at his daughters, who seemed to share in his disappointment. His mind whirred with contemplation, wondering how crucial a love for horses would be when it came to teaching and nurturing his girls.

"Thank you, Helen. Come along, then," Mrs. Hatton said briskly, gesturing for the family to follow as she led them down the dimly lit corridor. "You'll now meet Miss Josephine Pashley."

As they entered another modest room, they were greeted by the sight of a striking young woman with shining black hair that cascaded past her shoulders. Her dark eyes sparkled with warmth and intelligence, and she offered a bright smile as she rose from her seat.

"Mr. Bell, allow me to introduce you to Miss Josephine Pashley," Mrs. Hatton said, her voice taking on a formal tone.

"Enchanted," Richard replied, nodding politely while observing the undeniable charm exuding from the beautiful governess candidate.

"Miss Josephine is quite an accomplished artist," Mrs. Hatton added, motioning toward a small table covered in sketchbooks and charcoal pencils.

"Would you like to see?" Josephine asked, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Clara, Anna, and Eliza.

The three girls nodded eagerly, and Josephine deftly flipped through one of her sketchbooks, selecting a fresh page. Within moments, she had captured Clara's bright eyes, Anna's shy smile, and Eliza's unruly dark curls, the charcoal seeming to dance beneath her skilled fingers.

"Wow!" Eliza breathed, her own small hands clasped tightly around her toy horse as she stared in awe at the portraits taking shape on the page.

"Indeed," Richard agreed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest as he watched his daughters' delighted reactions. "You have quite a talent, Miss Josephine."

"Thank you, Mr. Bell," Josephine replied with a modest curtsy, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. "It is always a joy to bring happiness through art."

Richard couldn't help but feel that they were closer now to finding the right match for his girls, yet one crucial question remained unasked. As he glanced back at Helen, who lingered in the doorway with a polite smile, he knew that a love for horses might indeed prove to be the deciding factor. And so, with a determined nod, he turned back to Josephine, eager to learn the truth about her feelings toward the magnificent creatures that held such a special place in his heart.

"Miss Josephine, I must ask," Richard said, "what are your thoughts on horses?"

Josephine glanced up from her sketchbook, her dark eyes meeting his with a forthright gaze. "Oh, Mr. Bell," she said, not hesitating for a moment, "I find them to be great smelly creatures, if I'm being honest. I do hope you'll engage a riding instructor for your daughters if that is what you wish, as I prefer not to be closer to horses than inside the back of a closed carriage."

Richard's smile faded slightly at her answer, but he nodded in understanding. He knew that not everyone shared his passion for horses, and it would be unfair to expect that from their potential governess. Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at Josephine's blunt admission, even while appreciating her honesty.

As Mrs. Hatton dismissed Josephine before leaving the room to fetch Theresa, Richard drew Clara, Anna, and Eliza to one side, his voice low and earnest. "What do you girls think of Miss Josephine and Miss Helen?" he asked, searching their faces for any sign of preference.

The girls exchanged thoughtful glances, their expressions clouded with uncertainty. It was clear that neither candidate had made a strong impression upon them just yet.

"Miss Helen sings quite nicely, Papa," Clara ventured, her tone cautious as she spoke of the young woman's accomplishments. "She could teach us French and embroidery too."

Anna nodded, adding, "Yes, she seems kind enough. I think we could learn a lot from her."

Richard watched his daughters' faces, noting their polite but hardly enthusiastic expressions. His gaze fell upon Eliza, who had been quiet thus far. "What about you, Eliza?" he asked gently. "Do you have any thoughts on the matter?"

Eliza's face brightened at being included in the conversation. "I liked Miss Josephine's drawing!" she exclaimed, her excitement evident. "She made me look like a princess!"

Richard smiled at his youngest daughter's enthusiasm, his heart warmed by the small sparks of joy she found in life. "Indeed, her artistry is quite impressive," he agreed, remembering the expertly rendered sketches that had so captivated his children during the interview.

"Both ladies have their merits," Richard mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he considered the girls' opinions. "But neither seems to share our love for horses, which is an important part of our lives at Belle Haven."

The three sisters exchanged glances, their young minds grappling with the weight of the decision before them.

"Let's keep an open mind until we meet Theresa," Richard advised, sensing their hesitation. "We must choose the best fit for our family, someone who can not only educate you girls but also understand what makes our home special."

"Of course, Papa," Clara replied, her eyes shining with trust. "We want to make the right choice."

"Indeed," Richard murmured, his thoughts already turning towards the final candidate for the position of governess. He knew that finding someone who would not only teach his daughters but also share in their passion for horses was no easy task, but he remained hopeful that they would soon find the perfect addition to their family.

The door opened once again, and Mrs. Hatton ushered Theresa into the room. Compared to the previous two candidates, there was an unassuming quality about her. Her plump figure and plain brown hair and eyes contrasted sharply with the elegance and more conventional prettiness of Miss Helen and Miss Josephine.

"Mr. Bell, this is Theresa Wilkes," Mrs. Hatton introduced with a hint of reservation in her voice. "Theresa, why don't you tell Mr. Bell what you can do?"

Theresa hesitated, fiddling with the hem of her dress as she met Richard's gaze. "Well, sir, I must admit that I'm not particularly skilled at any one thing," she began, her voice soft but steady. "I can read and write, and I know my mathematics, but I am only proficient enough at playing the piano to accompany myself in a song or two."

She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "As for drawing, I can manage a basic flower sketch, and my sewing skills are limited to plain stitches. I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity to develop any talents beyond the basics required of a governess."

Richard studied her for a moment, noting the earnest expression in her warm brown eyes. There was something refreshing about her honesty, a sharp departure from the polished artifice he'd encountered thus far. Beneath her self-effacing exterior, he sensed a quiet strength and resilience that intrigued him.

"Theresa," he said gently, "it is commendable that you are honest about your abilities. While it is true that we are seeking a governess who can provide our daughters with a well-rounded education, it is also important that they have a teacher who is genuine and sincere."

He glanced at his daughters, who were watching Theresa with curiosity. Though she lacked the outward beauty and accomplishments of the previous candidates, there was an undeniable warmth to her that seemed to draw them in.

"Thank you, sir," Theresa replied, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "I may not have much to offer in terms of accomplishments, but I promise to do my best for your daughters and to always be truthful with you."

The room fell silent as Richard considered her words, weighing the merits of each candidate against the needs of his family. It was a difficult decision, one that would shape the future of their lives at Belle Haven.

"May I have a word with you, Mr. Bell?" Mrs. Hatton said then, and he nodded, looking away from Theresa.

"Eliza," Richard said gently, nodding toward his youngest daughter. "Why don't you show Miss Wilkes your new toy?" That would keep them busy for a few moments while he spoke with the matron, he thought.

With a delighted squeal, Eliza rummaged through the pocket of her pinafore before producing a small wooden horse that had been carefully carved and painted. Her eyes shone brightly as she held it up for Theresa to see, clearly proud of her prized possession.

"Isn't he lovely, Miss Wilkes?" Eliza asked eagerly, her voice brimming with excitement. "Papa bought him for me at the market last week."

"Indeed he is," Theresa agreed, her own eyes lighting up with genuine enthusiasm as she knelt down on the worn carpet beside Eliza. "May I have a closer look?"

"Of course!" Eliza replied, placing the tiny horse into Theresa's outstretched hand. As the young woman examined the toy with great care, a soft smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Does he have a name?" she asked, meeting Eliza's wide-eyed gaze with a warmth that seemed to radiate from her very soul.

"I haven't chosen one. I'm not very good at names."

"He looks a little bit like Mr. Buttons, the pony who lives in our mews. Perhaps you could call him Mr. Buttons!" Theresa suggested.

Eliza giggled. "That's a funny name. Mr. Buttons! Can you make him gallop?" Eliza asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Of course," Theresa replied, gently moving the toy horse along the carpet in an imitation of a graceful gallop, much to Eliza's delight. The giggles and joy coming from the youngest girl seemed to hold a contagious effect, as Clara and Anna looked on with growing smiles and laughter of their own.

Mrs. Hatton heaved a sigh, and Richard looked at the matron to find her watching Theresa with an expression of distinct disapproval, presumably for the informality of Theresa sitting down on the carpet to play with the children.

Richard found it a delightful scene. He didn't think he'd seen all three girls laugh like that in their whole lives, and certainly not since his mother's passing.

"Miss Wilkes," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "I must ask your opinion on a matter of great importance." He paused for a moment, allowing the anticipation to build. "What do you think of horses?"

At this question, Theresa's entire countenance transformed. Her eyes sparkled with an inner light, and her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Oh, Mr. Bell," she exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm, "I believe they are God's own creation! I have never seen a more magnificent creature than that bay mare you rode to the orphanage yesterday, and today I couldn't help but admire the stunning pair of matched blacks pulling your carriage. They are truly breathtaking creatures."

The room seemed to hold its breath as Theresa finished speaking, her eyes still sparkling with the fervour of her love for horses. Richard's daughters exchanged glances, their excitement barely contained within the strict confines of decorum. Clara's fingers twitched against her lace-edged handkerchief, while Anna's feet tapped a silent rhythm on the polished floorboards. Eliza clutched her toy horse tightly, her eyes wide and full of wonder.

"Thank you, Miss Wilkes," Mrs Hatton said, her voice cool and measured as she dismissed Theresa with a nod. The young woman curtsied and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

As soon as the latch clicked into place, Richard turned to his daughters, his brow raised in question. All three girls nodded at him, their faces shining with enthusiasm. It was a rare sight, indeed, to see them so unified in their desire.

"Mrs Hatton," Richard began, his voice firm but gentle, "I have made my decision. I would like to engage Miss Wilkes as our new governess."

"Miss Wilkes?" Mrs Hatton repeated, her eyebrows arching in surprise. "But Mr Bell, surely one of the other candidates would be more suitable?"

Richard shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "No, I believe that Theresa is the right choice for us. You see, she likes horses, and it appears my daughters like her."

"But Sir," Mrs Hatton protested, her hands fluttering anxiously at her waist, "while her sentiment towards horses may be admirable, it is hardly a qualification for a governess. What of her education, her accomplishments? Would not one of the other young ladies be better suited to guide your daughters in their studies?"

"Mrs Hatton," Richard replied, his voice firm yet still kind, "my daughters' education is important to me, of course. But what they need most now is someone who can share their passions and understand them on a deeper level. Theresa's love for horses and her genuine enthusiasm is something my daughters can connect with, and it will help them grow not only in their studies but also as individuals."

"Very well, Mr Bell," Mrs Hatton sighed, conceding defeat. "I shall make the necessary arrangements for Miss Wilkes' departure."

"Thank you, Mrs Hatton." Richard smiled warmly at the matron before turning to his daughters, his eyes alight with anticipation. "Clara, Anna, Eliza – I believe we have found someone truly special for our family."

The girls beamed back at him, their agreement as clear as the sunshine streaming through the window. And as they left the Duke Street orphanage that day, Richard knew he had made the right decision for his girls, and for the future they would all share together.