The Governess- 18

Jane and Victoria were seated in easy chairs by the fireside in the small
drawing room. They had eaten dinner together with Diane and Veronica in the
small dining room. Jane had explained her intentions to the gathering, talking
for almost and hour. She had patiently answered both Diane’s and Veronica’s
eager questions as well as ascertaining from the girl’s the exact events leading
up to Richard’s admission to the household. Jane had been very impressed with
Diane’s easy manner and openness, her summing up of the boy’s emotions were both
incisive and accurate. Veronica too, she thought certainly understood the subtle
nuances that were required in dealing with the boy. Victoria leaned forward in
her chair and rang the bell cord on the wall by the fireplace. “I usually drink
wine in the evening, would you like to join me. I have some excellent clarets as
well as a fine selection of Southern and Northern Rhone’s. One of my favourites
is a burgundy from the Cote de Nuits, a La Tache which I think you might like.
My late husband was a firm disciple of the growers from Vosne Romanee and
purchased futures for many years before he died. Our cellars here are
absolutely perfect in all respects, even to a temperature of fifty-five degree’s
and as it is a hobby of mine I take pleasure in having wines that Fortnum’s are
having to pay four times the price for.” Jane laughed, she knew the wines her
Ladyship was talking of very well, and indeed their high prices. Wendy knocked
and entered at her Ladyships beckoning. “Wendy dear, would you fetch a bottle of
La Tache from the cellar, take it from any of the racks from row D.” Wendy
bobbed to Jane before answering her Mistress. “Yes Miss.. shall I bring the
Italian glasses with it?” Lady Rawlings smiled. “Yes Thankyou I think that would
be an excellent idea.” Jane looked at Victoria as Wendy left the room. “I am
impressed, she seems to know your cellar well and what glasses you might
require. Her Ladyship sat back in her chair, crossing her tanned legs. She
unbuttoned the pleat of her dress, leaving her legs bare almost to her panties.
“I do like to get comfortable in the evening, it’s so cosy in here that I
sometimes stretch out by the fire and listen to the Radio or just read.” Jane
looked over at Veronica’s bare legs. Her body was quite magnificent, her muscle
tone perfect, even for a girl ten years younger. Victoria was well aware of
Jane’s examination of her legs. She uncrossed them and stretched them out in
front of her, slowly smoothing her hand over her thigh. “You really have
beautiful legs, why don’t you pop you clothes off and come and lay over my knee.
I would love to have another look at that bare bottom of yours.” Victoria
smiled, I would love to, but instead I thought I might come and have a look at
how you have settled into your rooms. The West Wing has the most beautiful views
and is the only suite of rooms that has it’s own study, apart from Diane’s.”
Jane smiled knowingly. “I think that would be an even better idea. I really do
love the rooms, the bathroom is amazingly opulent and I love the Louis
furniture. Are you sure I am not taking up some of your living space?
“Of course not, my own suite is even larger and I assure you no less decadent.
We had most of the Manor refurbished over two years ago. I think I realised then
that I didn’t want a house that was constantly full of tradesmen and always in
need of repair. So the whole house was rewired as well as new plumbing. I had it
done while we went to our Villa in France. I don’t think I could have stood the
upheaval. Rather than have local tradesmen in the house I engaged Harrods new
property services. They sent a designer and an architect so that there was
continuity throughout the design scheme. I must say they did a beautiful job.
You ought to see Diane’s rooms if you think yours are luxurious. She really is
an imp, she picked everything herself. I remember the designer from Harrods
saying that her ideas and tastes would do justice to any of the Royal
households. She really did cost me a fortune though. We have mains gas too,
although none of the surrounding villages have. It pays to sit on the same bench
as the Director of the Gas Board.” Jane could not help laughing. “I suppose you
are financially very secure, not that I mean to pry.” Victoria’s eyes twinkled
in merriment, her red lipstick framing her even white teeth as she smiled. “You
must never think that there is any question that you cannot ask. The answer is
yes, My late husband’s family have had this land since sixteen fifty-one. I was
the sole heir when my husband died. The estate has over two thousand acres,
divided between here and the mainland, much of which is farmed by tenants. There
are several companies on the mainland of which I am the major shareholder and in
addition I own a large portfolio of properties in London. I also own a large
estate in the South of France. We have a Villa there which is built on the
coastal estate.