What the Duke Wants(28)
“We shall see. I’ll give you an hour after breakfast to ready yourselves. Wear sturdy shoes. While we will be given the convenience of his grace’s carriage, we will also be walking quite a bit.”
“Yes, Miss Lottie.” The girls nodded.
Breakfast was finished in record time and soon they were making their way to the city.
The air was thick with moisture and heavily scented with salt. They crossed the Avon River and clipped their way into the bustling city.
“Where are we to go first?” Bethanny asked excitedly.
“I asked the coachman to drive us around a bit. There’s a few places I’d like to show you. Just because were taking a break from your usual studies, doesn’t mean we’re skipping our lessons entirely.”
The girls groaned but it was halfhearted, they were far too delighted to take in all the sights.
As for Carlotta, her heart pinched yet soared at seeing someplace so familiar. Bath was the closest and largest city to Garden Gate. She couldn’t count the times she visited. There were a few shops she’d have to avoid for risk of being recognized, as far as beyond that, she was quite certain she would blend in.
“Girls, look to your right. That is the Abby. It was once a Norman church that was built up on a pre-existing foundation. As you can see, most of the buildings are a golden brown color. That’s the bath stone, quarried locally. You’ll also see your fair share of limestone.” Carlotta spoke in her best governess voice, watching her charges eyes widen as they studied the flying buttresses and piercing parapets of the golden colored Abby.
“It’s quite fascinating,” Beatrix stated. “History and architecture is far more interesting when you can actually see it.”
“Yes,” Berty agreed. “Now where are we going?”
“Next, we’ll go through the Circus. Its design was inspired by the Roman Colosseum, but differs in one unique way. While the Colosseum was intended to be seen from the outside, the Circus was intended to be viewed from the inside. It’s built in a circular shape with three entrances. Upon entering, you’ll notice that the fa?ade of the building is exactly the same no matter where you look.”
“How do you know so much about this, Miss Lottie?” Berty asked, her nose scrunched up as she asked.
“I grew up not too far from here,” Carlotta answered honestly. She had no need to hide that information from the girls.
“You did? Where?”
“Perhaps I’ll take you there to visit sometime, but not today. Now, let’s talk about the Crescent.”
Carlotta spoke about all the different buildings, their stone and history, until they came to Sydney Park.
“How beautiful!” Berty exclaimed as they alighted from the carriage. Carlotta waited for the footman accompanying them to carry the picnic hamper. Ducks called as they made their way to a grassy spot near the river.
“Look at the ducks!” Beatrix called out, waving her hand for her sisters to join her at the edge of the river. Carlotta noticed how they were very careful not to get their shoes muddy.
“Here, try this.” Carlotta reached into the hamper and pulled out a biscuit. She broke off a piece and handed a portion to each girl. “Toss it in.”
The girls obeyed then squealed with delight when the ducks splashed and quacked, trying to get the free food before their comrades did.
“They must not like each other,” Bethanny teased. Her beautiful face lighting up in a smile.
Carlotta tilted her head slightly, studying the young lady. She was not much younger than herself. With soft chestnut hair and beautifully deep eyes, Bethanny would draw the attention of many suitors. But not just yet, and for that, Carlotta was thankful, as she imagined the duke should be also. The young woman needed time to mend, to find herself after the painful loss of her parents. Time would help her heal, and then she’d have the strength to take London by storm.
After their lunch, they wandered Pultney Bridge and the shops that lined it. Careful to avoid the particular shops that could potentially recognize her, Carlotta steered her charges to different venues.
On their way back to Greenford Waters, Berty fell asleep, her sweet body resting against Carlotta as she rested peacefully.
“Thank you,” Bethanny said quietly, her eyes sliding over to her sister’s sleeping form.
“For?” Carlotta whispered.
“For today. I—I’ve had a governess before, Miss Lottie. Believe me when I say that none of them ever treated me as you do. For that I’m thankful.”
“Of course… I’m happy to. But I don’t think I’m any different from another governess.” Carlotta spoke humbly.
“Yes, yes you are,” Bethanny whispered, looking to Beatrix.
“Miss Lottie, our other governesses taught us well, just as you do. It’s more of the way you are when you are not teaching us,” Beatrix explained.
“Oh? And how is that?”
“You treat us as family.”
Chapter Seven
“Charles, are you ready yet? I do think you take longer to depart than a green debutante. If I hadn’t been suspicious that you fancied this governess of yours, I’d be convinced now.” Lady Southridge spoke dryly as she waited in the library and Charles gave his footmen final instructions.