Brianna could hardly believe what she had heard. Did her mother honestly think additional training from a governess would force Brianna to comply with her demands? She loved her mother dearly, but the woman didn't understand her. Brianna always felt trapped in her own home, and she had no desire to marry a titled gentleman and become his prisoner as well.
Living that life was never something that appealed to her. There were so many duties and responsibilities that would limit her free time, a sad truth she learned from her mother. What Brianna longed for was a small cottage in the country, preferably near a body of water, where she could live out her life free from obligations. She could spend hours horseback riding, walking through the woods, and painting without any worries about neglecting her duties. Then perhaps one day she would be able to see her art in a gallery. People would come from all over to witness beauty through her eyes.
Painting was a natural part of her life that came as easy as breathing. She found all the social interactions stifled her creative flow and limited her time with her art. Once she was liberated from her mother and the constant obligations, she would be free to paint whenever she chose. This dream would be hers, if she found an untitled and undemanding husband, someone she could easily influence, and married him before her mother had an opportunity to interfere.
Realizing the room was empty, she emerged from her hiding place and exited the drawing room before anyone could uncover her deception. Once up the stairs, she slowed her pace and started for Grace's bedchamber. Her sister was more anxious than she, since the governess would spend the majority of her time in Grace's company.
"Bree, thank goodness! I started to worry you had been caught. What took you so long? Have you learned anything useful?" Grace bombarded her as soon as the door opened.
"Calm down, Grace. I didn't learn anything that would assist us in relieving ourselves of her, but I found out what Mother's plans are for me."
As Brianna told her sister what transpired in the drawing room, she could see her sister's apprehension melt away. Brianna suspected Grace's happiness was due in large part to the lack of plans for her future.
"I don't think Mother is going to give up her marriage plans for you, but ridding ourselves of this new one may give you enough of a delay to choose your own husband."
"Possibly, but I have no wish to rush into marriage. I have my own plan and a lengthy list of requirements for my future husband. Unfortunately, most of them can't be revealed by several polite conversations witnessed by others."
"I don't like the sound of that. This time your plan better not involve me. I'll happily help frighten off the governess, but I refuse to help you participate in clandestine meetings with various gentlemen."
"Is that so?" Brianna asked with a knowing look.
She knew if she required her sister's assistance, she would have it. Typically, in the beginning, Grace had refused to help with Brianna's more elaborate plans; however, once the plan was ready to be placed into action, her reservations disappeared. Brianna suspected her sister refused at first as her way of curbing her more wild nature, but in the end, her true desire always won.
"It is. Now, do you have a plan to start the removal of this governess?"
"I don't see any reason to create anything new for her so soon, so we can begin with the ghost plan. You go find Miss Ashley and tell her the fake stories about the manor being haunted. I'll then sneak into her bedchamber, hide some of her clothing, and rearrange some of her belongings."
"Perfect! This is my favorite of your plans. It's also effective."
Grace happily skipped out of the room in search of her victim. Brianna crept down the hallway and entered the bedchamber adjacent to the one assigned to the governess. Listening by the door, she waited until she heard talking. When her sister's voice began to fade down the hallway, Brianna knew this was her opportunity. The usual excitement and fear welled up inside her as the danger of being caught sank in.
Slipping inside the governess's bedchamber, she smiled to see Miss Ashley already began unpacking her belongings. As Brianna strolled through the room, she randomly moved items in a way that would be noticeable. Opening the wardrobe, she was about to remove the first gown, when she heard the sound of voices drawing near. With the prospect of imminent discovery, she climbed into the wardrobe and closed the door.
"I understand, Lady Grace," Brianna heard the governess say as she entered the room. "I was simply under the impression you had something important to show me."
"My stories are important. I wish to tell you of--"
"As I already mentioned, I would love to hear your stories. The subject matter does sound quite entertaining, but I have things I must attend to first."
"You are just trying to dispose of me, since you don't like me," Grace responded, and Brianna had to stop herself from giggling at hearing the familiar pout.
"That is nonsense. I do like you, and I promise as soon as I have settled in, I'll seek you out to hear all of your stories. I must admit, I do love a good ghost."
Then the door clicked shut and Miss Ashley let out a sigh. Brianna peeked through the crack between the doors to see Miss Ashley at the bed, pulling another gown from her trunk. Realizing how precarious her situation had become, her heart pounded erratically. Miss Ashley would soon discover her hiding in the wardrobe, and the punishment from her mother would be severe.
Brianna shrank back from the door, bracing herself for the dreaded moment. As if an immediate answer to her prayer, there was a knock at the door. Her breathing returned as the quick footsteps carried Miss Ashley further away from the wardrobe and Brianna. After some whispered words she was unable to understand, the door once again closed. Hoping Miss Ashley had left, Brianna cursed her misfortune to discover she was once again in the room with the footsteps, only this time there was more than one person present.
"You should not be here," Miss Ashley exclaimed on the other side of the door.
"I know, but I could not stay away with you being so close."
It took Brianna a second to identify that the male voice belonged to James, the footman. She had no idea what business he had with the new governess.
They were no longer talking, but she could hear a strange sound coming from within the room. Peering through the crack, she saw a sight that made her blush from her head to her toes. She was correct, it was James, and his lips were sealed against Miss Ashley's.
It was a kiss unlike any Brianna had ever seen before, and she found she could not tear her eyes from the couple. As she watched, she felt her body reacting strangely, and the desire to experience such a kiss swamped her. Remembering herself, she shifted back from the display before her. To further avoid temptation, she closed her eyes, wishing she could block out the noise as well. Unfortunately, she could not stop the scene from continuing behind her eyelids, as if she had never looked away.
There was a swishing of petticoats and material, and Brianna covered her ears, desperately trying to ignore the sounds and forget what she witnessed. The sound of a female moan broke through her defenses and brought her eyes once again to the crack in the door. If James was hurting Miss Ashley, Brianna would have no choice but to step in. But the sight before her didn't help confirm, or expel, her concern.
Miss Ashley was lying across the bed with her skirts around her midsection, and James was on top of her. From the expression on Miss Ashley's face, Brianna decided it was not pain she was feeling. The two of them were moving in a peculiar rhythmic pattern, and Brianna found herself utterly fascinated by their actions. Feeling her body become heated and strange, a wave of embarrassment washed over her. Allowing her better judgment to win out over curiosity, she looked away.
She had no idea how long she sat in the wardrobe, trying to block out the reminders of the strange act occurring in the room with her. When she could no longer stand another minute, she heard a cry, and then the bed springs creaked, indicating the release of pressure. The rustling of clothing continued, but no other odd noises could be heard.
"I have really missed you. I can't say how glad I am that you are here," James said.
"I missed you, too. Now, you better get back to work before you are discovered missing," she replied with a giggle.
"Don't lock your door tonight. I'll come to you as soon as I can."
"I'll be anxiously waiting."
There was more kissing, then footsteps, followed by the sound of the door opening then closing. Brianna was glad he was gone, but she was still stuck in an uncomfortable position. As she watched, Miss Ashley returned to the trunks and continued to unpack her belongings.