Louise walked through the manor's garden, hoping to find a quiet spot where she could gather her thoughts. As Louise walked, she spotted Lady Helena approaching.
"Miss Louise, may I have a word?" Lady Helena asked. Louise bowed her head respectfully. "Of course, my lady. How may I be of assistance?"
Lady Helena seemed to hesitate for a moment, then she said, "I wanted to apologize for my niece Katherine's rude behaviour earlier. She has had difficulties with governesses in the past," Lady Helena explained. "Please give her time, I know she will warm up to you."
Louise nodded, her expression stoic. "I understand, my lady. I have experience dealing with challenging students in the past. I am confident that Katherine and I will find common ground."
Lady Helena smiled before she continued, "My husband and I are moving abroad soon. Before, I was the one tutoring Katherine, but now we desperately need your help to teach her."
Louise replied, "Do not worry, I assure you I will teach and care for Katherine." Lady Helena thanked her sincerely. Then she whispered into Louise's ear, "Walk further into the gardens, that is where you will find Katherine now." Louise thanked her as Lady Helena walked away.
Louise continued walking onwards, then she spotted Katherine in the distance, sitting on a stone bench beneath a large oak tree. The girl had a book open in her lap, but she wasn't paying attention to it. Instead, she was staring off into the distance, her expression a mix of anger and frustration.
Louise slowly approached the girl, her footsteps barely making a sound on the soft grass. As she drew nearer, she studied Katherine's profile, trying to discern some hint of the emotions raging beneath the surface. The girl's posture was rigid, her shoulders tense, and there was a tautness in her jaw that betrayed her inner anger.
"Good afternoon, Miss Katherine," she said. "It's a lovely day for reading outdoors, isn't it?" She paused, waiting for a reaction. Katherine didn't acknowledge her presence at first, but after a few moments, she finally turned her head to glance at Louise.
"I suppose so," she replied noncommittally, her voice matching Louise's own monotone. She gestured to the book in her lap.
"I understand your reluctance to accept a new governess," Louise said, her tone gentle but firm. "Change can be difficult, and it's only natural to feel apprehensive about it. But I hope in time you will come to see me not just as an instructor, but as a friend."
"Hmph," Katherine huffed, standing up from the bench. "Grandmama may force me to accept you, but that doesn't mean I have to like you." She folded her arms across her chest, her expression defiant. "And I certainly don't see why I should."
Louise smiled for the first time since she arrived at the manor. "That is fair. I only ask that you give me a chance before passing judgement."
Katherine considered this for a moment before sighing. "Very well, I will permit you to be my governess if I must. But do not expect us to become friends." Her tone was still cold, but there was a hint of reluctant acceptance beneath the surface.
"Thank you, that is all I ask," Louise replied. "I look forward to getting to know you better, Miss Katherine."
Katherine gave a curt nod, then turned and walked back toward the manor. Louise watched her depart, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. As the girl disappeared around the corner, Louise took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She knew that earning Katherine's trust would not be an easy task, but she was determined to try.
It was the first day of Katherine's lessons with Louise. Louise entered Katherine's study; her expression neutral as she took in the girl's posture. Katherine sat at her desk, her back straight, her hands folded neatly in front of her. She glanced up at Louise as she closed the door behind her but did not speak.
"Good morning, Miss Katherine. Are you ready to begin today's lesson?" Louise inquired. As she spoke, she took a step forward, her long dress swirling gracefully around her ankles. The morning light filtered through the study's window, casting a warm glow over the wooden floorboards and the rows of leather-bound books that lined the walls.
Katherine looked up from her desk with a scowl. "I suppose so," she replied, her voice as monotone as Louise's. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a single dusty window and a few flickering candles. The study was sparsely furnished, with a large desk taking up most of the space. Katherine's books and papers were neatly arranged on the desk, her quill and inkpot waiting patiently for her attention.
Louise chose to ignore the girl's rude tone and proceeded with the day's scheduled lessons. She cleared her throat and walked to the centre of the room, standing in front of Katherine's desk. "Today, we shall focus on the art of composition. I have brought several of your previous essays for us to review and discuss." She paused, glancing down at the papers in her hand, then looked up again at Katherine. "I trust you have been practicing your penmanship."
As Louise spoke, Katherine seemed distracted and disinterested. After some time, Katherine suddenly slammed her book shut. "Why are you really here?" she demanded, glaring at Louise.
Taken aback, Louise paused. "I am here to be your governess, as requested by your grandmother." She spoke calmly, maintaining her emotionless tone. "My presence is to help you with your studies, ensure you receive an appropriate education, and prepare you for the future."
"Hmph. That's what they all say," Katherine said bitterly. "But I know the truth - you're just trying to get close to my father like all the others." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but there was a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface. "Well, you can try all you want, but I'll never allow it!"
Louise's expression softened with understanding. She took a seat across from Katherine. "I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been, having your trust betrayed so many times. But I promise you, I am here for you. Not for your father, or your grandmother, but for you." Her voice was gentle, but firm. "I want to help you grow, to see you succeed in whatever path you choose. That is the only reason I am here."
Katherine did not look convinced. "How can, I be sure? You probably just want to get your hands on my father's money like all the rest."
"Miss Katherine, while I understand your scepticism, I can honestly say your father and his finances are of no interest to me," Louise said gently. "I am here for you and you alone - to provide the education and guidance you require at this stage in your life. Your well-being is my only priority."
Katherine looked at Louise sceptically, trying to read the sincerity in her eyes. "So, you truly have no aspirations towards my father? You swear it?" she asked, her voice still tinged with doubt.
Louise met her gaze directly. "You have my word. I aim only to serve as your governess, and hopefully, in time, your friend."
After a long moment, Katherine's expression softened, and she extended her hand to Louise. "Very well," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I suppose I can trust you... this time." She paused, taking a deep breath. "But if you ever betray that trust, I'll make sure you regret it."
Louise smiled and shook Katherine's hand. "I understand, and I appreciate your trust. I promise to always be honest and respectful with you. Now, shall we get started on our lessons?" She gestured towards the papers on the desk, her expression once again calm and professional.
Louise felt a small sense of progress had been made. Perhaps in time, Katherine would come to trust her more fully. For now, she was content to work with the girl, helping her develop her skills and preparing her for whatever future lay ahead. They spent the remainder of the afternoon delving into the art of composition, discussing the nuances of style and tone, and practicing their penmanship. Despite Katherine's initial resistance, she found herself becoming more engaged in the lessons as the day wore on.
Over the following weeks, Louise and Katherine settled into a routine. Lessons went smoothly, with Katherine proving to be a bright and dedicated student when she put her mind to it. Slowly, the girl's icy exterior began to melt.
One afternoon, after Louise praised Katherine for her excellent progress in arithmetic, the girl let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Miss Louise," she muttered, looking up at her governess with a small, grateful smile. "I must admit, you have proven yourself a fine governess." Katherine's voice was barely above a whisper.
Louise was touched by the sincerity in Katherine's voice. "You are most welcome, Miss Katherine. It brings me joy to see you thriving in your studies."
Katherine glanced down, uncharacteristically shy for a moment. "Might I also say, I consider you a friend, as well as a governess."
"And I you," Louise replied warmly.