Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Trenton Village, November, 1817

“Oh, my,” breathed Selene, biting her lip, as she gazed around the village square of Trenton, which was decked out with evergreens, flickering candles and many stalls. “It is so beautiful…”

She kept gaping, taking it all in. It was the very first Christmas celebration of the season in the village, even though it wasn’t yet December. The small village of Trenton liked to start the season early, and with a bang.

There were roasting chestnut stalls, plenty of spicy mulled wine, pork pies, and cake. The villagers were starting to gather around the central bonfire as well, throwing logs onto it, which hissed and crackled merrily, throwing orange sparks into the air that danced like fireflies in the darkness.

It promised to be a very merry evening, indeed. It was just a pity that she was attending it alone this year as her parents were away for the season.

“Selene Bomind!” The voice was feminine and cheery, laced heavily with the local dialect. “As I live and breathe, it has been an age since I have seen you, child! You are all grown up now!”

Selene turned around, startled, gazing into the plump, kind face of Mrs. Martha Kittles, who was the housekeeper at a huge local estate called Trenton House, the estate of the Duke of Trenton.

Selene didn’t know Mrs. Kittles very well—the woman was friendly with her parents, but due to her position at the manor house, they didn’t see her very often. Mrs. Kittles was a busy woman with a lot of responsibilities.

“Mrs. Kittles,” said Selene, smiling. “How lovely to see you! You have a night off from the big house, then?”

“I do,” declared the woman, raising a glass of mead that she was holding into the air. “And I intend to make the most of it.” She paused, taking a long sip. “Aye, that’s better! I always like a warm glass of mead on a cold night. How are your parents, child?”

“They are both well,” replied Selene, her smile widening. “They are away, visiting my Aunt Una, in Devon, and will likely spend Christmas there, for my dear aunt is unwell, and needs help to tend her animals.”

Mrs. Kittles frowned. “Oh, that is not good to hear. Why did you not go with them to spend the season in Devon? Why have you been left alone, child?”

Selene laughed. “I am twenty now, Mrs. Kittles. I am a child no longer and am quite capable of staying alone at the cottage.” She shrugged. “I do not mind being alone, and my aunt only has one spare room.” She hesitated.

“And I am still actively looking for a position, although there is not much being advertised so close to Christmas…”

Mrs. Kittles frowned. “Your last position with the Lang family did not work out, then?”

Selene grimaced. “They decided that they did not need a nursemaid any longer,” she stated, shrugging her shoulders again. “I think they could no longer afford me, and Mrs. Lang has decided to look after young Nellie herself.”

“I have heard talk they are doing it rough,” said Mrs. Kittles. She was silent for a moment, looking at Selene carefully, in a scrutinizing way. “You have turned into a beautiful, clever young woman, Selene. Your father’s efforts to educate you well have clearly paid off. Are you still bookish?”

Selene laughed again. “Yes! If I were able to, I would sit and read all day long. Pa says he can no longer afford my book habit.”

“Have you ever considered becoming a governess?” Mrs. Kittles kept staring at her thoughtfully. “If you are looking for a new position, I can tell you that we are currently interviewing for a governess at the big house, if you are interested.”

Selene’s smile froze on her face. She knew that the woman meant well, but the talk surrounding Trenton House was always active, and it wasn’t good. The Duke of Trenton was secretly named the Iron Duke by the villagers, on account of the fact he was such a harsh, cold man.

And apparently, there had been an endless parade of governesses there, as the duke’s daughter, Lady Lenore, was a spoilt miss who drove them away with her dreadful tantrums. They rarely lasted more than a month.

“I am in charge of interviewing for the position,” continued Mrs. Kittles, in a thoughtful voice. “And I can tell you that I would recommend you highly for the position, Selene. You would only need to get final approval from His Grace.” She paused. “It is a highly paid position. You would be getting twice the normal monthly salary that is due to a governess.”

Selene, who had opened her mouth to refuse the offer, in the kindliest way, shut it again, her mind spinning rapidly.

Twice the normal monthly salary. I would be able to supplement Pa’s meager income. I could almost support the entire household. Lord knows, we need the money desperately.

“Twice the salary?” she asked slowly. “Really?”

Mrs. Kittles nodded. “Aye. I won’t lie—the little lady is a bit of a handful, which is why the duke is offering such a good salary.” She rolled her eyes. “But you are a clever, spirited girl, Selene, and I think you might just have the courage and skill to handle her. And the salary would be a real help for your poor parents.”

Selene hesitated. She didn’t know if she had the housekeeper’s faith in her skills. She had never held a governess position before, and even though she was well-educated for her class, she wasn’t used to dealing with high-born nobles at all. She had never even set foot inside a grand house.

Her parents had once been in service at another local grand house, Garton Manor, which was how they knew Mrs. Kittles, but that had been before she was born. They had never taken her there.

Could I do it? Could I become a governess to a spirited, badly behaved young lady, and be able to deal with her harsh, cold father as well? Could I learn to become a governess in a grand house?

She pursed her lips. Mrs. Kittles was gazing at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. What was she going to tell her?

Selene, you are being foolish. Your family needs the income, and you would be earning twice the normal governess’s salary. You can learn to become a governess. You can only try. There might never be another opportunity like this.

“I am so pleased you have such faith in me, Mrs. Kittles,” she responded eventually, her heart skipping a beat. “I would very much like to interview for the position.”

Mrs. Kittles’ face was suddenly wreathed in smiles. “That’s the girl!” Her voice suddenly turned business like. “Come to the house at ten sharp tomorrow morning. I am interviewing for the entire morning. You need to come around to the back of the house and use the servant’s entrance.”

“Thank you,” breathed Selene, as terror struck her heart. What on earth had she just done?

“I will let you enjoy the party,” said Mrs. Kittles, raising her glass of mead in the air. “I will see you at ten tomorrow, my girl.”

Selene nodded, as the housekeeper gave a jaunty wave, taking off briskly toward the bonfire. Her head was spinning, and a cold sweat had broken out on the back of her neck.

“Selene! There you are!”

She jumped, turning around. One of her very best friends in the world, Miss Emma Wellington, the local vicar’s daughter, bounded toward her, grabbing her arm. They embraced.

“You look like you have seen a ghost, Selene,” said Emma, gazing at her closely. “You were in such a good mood and looking forward to the party. What is going on? Have you suddenly become afraid of being alone in the cottage with your parents away?”

Selene managed to laugh. “No, I am not afraid.” She hesitated. “Emma, I just spoke with Mrs. Kittles, who is housekeeper at Trenton House. She wants me to apply for the position of governess there… and I accepted.”

Emma’s jaw dropped. “Really? They are looking for another new governess?” She shook her head. “I suppose it is not surprising. The last one has been there for a month. They rarely last any longer than that.”

“I am scared, Emma,” she admitted, her heart lurching. “The Iron Duke is such a cold, dreadful man. He is known for his harshness toward everyone.”

“There is a reason for that,” interjected Emma, her eyes wide. “Have you heard the story of what happened to his late wife?”

Selene frowned. “No.”

Emma sighed dramatically. “She died giving birth to their only child on Christmas Day,” she breathed, shaking her head. “He tried everything to save her and loved her desperately. Apparently, he wasn’t half as bad before she died. It really ruined him. He turned into such a curmudgeon after that.”

Selene’s eyes widened. “How truly dreadful. I never knew.”

Emma sighed again. “Yes. He never recovered from his tragedy.” She stared at Selene. “This could be the break you have been looking for, Selene. Your family needs the income. Although it would be a hard position. They say the young lady is a terror. She drives away all her governesses. You would have your work cut out for you.”

Selene took a deep breath. “Well, I am only interviewing for the position—I have not got it yet. And beggars cannot be choosers, as you say.” her heart flipping, gazing at the stars.

“Pa has never recovered from his injury and can’t work as much as he used to. You know that. We really do need the income. It is worth a try.”

“Yes, of course it is,” agreed Emma, linking arms with her, smiling at her kindly. “But that is tomorrow. Tonight is for celebration.” She giggled. “Perhaps we could take a look at all the handsome young men in the village… and wonder what it would be like to kiss them… and perhaps even lie with them”

Selene’s eyes widened in shock, but Emma’s giggle was infectious, so she couldn’t help joining in.

“Emma, you are audacious,” she declared, slapping her friend’s wrist, in a mocking way. “You are the vicar’s daughter. You are not supposed to be thinking about handsome young men and how nice it would be to do… things with them.”

Emma giggled harder, shooting her a sly glance. “I might be the vicar’s daughter, but I am not totally blind,” she laughed. “It is only natural, Selene. It is what young men and women do together when passion alights, you know”

Selene laughed. “Oh, you need to behave!” Her cheeks were pink, thinking about handsome young men and kissing them. She had never kissed anyone. She grew warm thinking about it, but no young man, handsome or otherwise, had ever really piqued her interest. Still, what would it be like?

“Look at him,” whispered Emma, pointing to a young farmer’s laborer, who was as tall as a tree trunk, with muscles like iron. “I would like to feel those rock-hard muscles when he put his arms around me and squeezed me. I might just swoon with ecstasy.” She shivered.

They giggled a little more, before becoming serious again.

“And do you want me to help you collect the gifts for the orphans from the villagers?” asked Emma. “Should we start doing it now, while the night is still young, and the villagers not in their cups?”

Selene laughed. “Yes, I think it would be a good idea! You have such a kind heart, Emma.”

“I am not as kind as you, my dear,” said Emma, staring at her. “You are the one who had the idea to collect Christmas gifts for the orphanage. You are kindness incarnate. A true saint.”

Selene rolled her eyes, feeling herself flush. “Hardly. I have terrible habits. I can be irritable, too opinionated, and never know when to hold my tongue.”

“Or, to put it another way, you are quick, clever, and do not suffer fools gladly,” countered Emma, smiling at her. “Just because you speak your mind does not take away from your intrinsic kindness, my dear. Do not confuse the two.”

Selene gazed at her friend, her heart filling with love. As the vicar’s daughter, Emma was above her in status. But that had never been a barrier between them. They had gotten along from the moment they met when they were girls, and the friendship had only strengthened over the years. Selene didn’t know what she would do without her.

“Have I told you lately how much I value you?” asked Selene, trying to keep her voice light. “Because I really do, you know.”

Emma laughed. “You always do! Now, let us go and start collecting these gifts, and then we can have a glass of mead together, and eat some roasted chestnuts, and dance around the bonfire!”

Selene laughed as Emma dragged her away. Her friend was right—tomorrow would take care of itself. She was only applying for a position. And if she ended up working and living in the Iron Duke’s household, well, then she would tackle that when the time came. Right now, she had other things to think about.