His Wicked Embrace by Adrienne Basso Page A

hers.
    â€œAfter you have finished your breakfast, children,” Isabella began in a soft voice, “you may show me around the manor. I don’t think I have ever been in such a large house before.”
    Catherine and Ian exchanged quiet glances, then nodded in agreement. “I don’t want any more porridge, do you?” Catherine questioned her younger brother. When the little boy agreed that he too was finished, they stood up and moved away from the table. Carefully picking up their plates, they began walking toward the door.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Isabella asked, curious at their odd behavior.
    â€œWe are carrying our dishes into the kitchen,” Catherine answered.
    â€œI see,” Isabella replied, although in truth she had no idea what was going on. She had never seen any of her charges lift a dish from the table, dirty or otherwise. There were always a bevy of servants to attend to every domestic need. “I am sure the kitchen staff appreciates your assistance, children.”
    â€œWhat is a kitchen staff?” Ian whispered to his sister as he followed close behind her.
    Catherine shrugged her shoulders and replied in a loud whisper, “I don’t know. I guess she means Mrs. Amberly. Or maybe Maggie and Fran.”
    Deciding to follow the children’s lead, Isabella picked up her cutlery and dirty dishes and trailed dutifully behind Catherine and Ian. The kitchen was empty. The children walked without hesitation to the large, scarred oak table in the center of the room and placed their dishes upon it. Isabella imitated their actions.
    â€œWhat about the rest of the dirty dishes on the table? Do you usually clear all of them?”
    â€œNo,” Catherine answered. “Just our own plates.”
    â€œAll right. If you are finished in here, you may take me on a brief exploration of the house,” Isabella requested in a cheerful voice.
    Again Ian and Catherine exchanged meaningful glances, but they did not protest.
    â€œWhat do you want to see?” Catherine asked.
    â€œPerhaps we can start with the schoolroom,” Isabella suggested.
    â€œWhat is a schoolroom?” Ian whispered to his sister.
    With an effort Isabella managed to refrain from answering Ian. Since the boy addressed his question to his older sister, Isabella did not feel it was prudent to offer an explanation. She knew that she needed to gain the children’s trust and confidence before she could effectively establish a relationship with them, and Isabella instinctively sensed that they would not react well to her sudden interference. Catherine and Ian appeared to be extremely close and dependent upon each other, and any unrequested information thrust upon them by the new governess could be perceived as a threat to their sibling relationship.
    â€œWe don’t have a schoolroom, Miss Browning,” Catherine declared bluntly.
    â€œOh, I am fairly certain a house this size has a schoolroom, Catherine,” Isabella countered gently. “I imagine your father used it when he was a young boy. I am sure if we search together, we shall find it.”
    Catherine seemed dubious, but willing to try. “I know where Father’s study is,” she volunteered. “It is across the great hall and three doors over.”
    â€œI too have been in your father’s study,” Isabella said, pleased that Catherine appeared to know a few of her numbers. “Although I am not certain I could find my way to it on my own.” She smiled encouragingly. “Generally the schoolroom is located on the upper levels of the house. Shall we climb to the top and search there first?”
    At Catherine’s acquiescent nod, the trio set out on their quest. As they climbed the numerous steps, Isabella could not help but notice the dusty furniture, abundant cobwebs, tarnished brass wall sconces, worn and stained flooring, and areas of soot-blackened walls. It was obvious The Grange had