Arrival
A month later they were in the library preparing themselves for the arrival of the governess. Stephen had chosen one fresh out of school who he hoped was the kind of person he wanted to leave Labhaoise in the care of. He wouldn't let his niece be bullied or dominated. He wanted her to be treated with tender loving care. It was only two months after she'd lost her father.
Soon enough Caoimhne O'Donald arrived and the housekeeper ushered her up to the library to meet her new master and pupil. She wondered what they were both like. She hoped they were nice and friendly. All she'd ever known was hardship except for her best friend who had died of consumption when they were ten.
Mrs O'Carroll knocked on the door and Stephen answered, "Yes."
"Sir, the governess has arrived," she answered.
"Well, usher her in then. What are you waiting for?"
Mrs O'Carroll opened the door and gave Caoimhne a little nudge into the library. She went in shyly and saw a tall, dark handsome man with a moustache and a young, blonde girl beside him with curls cascading down her shoulders.
Stephen couldn't believe his eyes when he saw a beautiful young woman standing there with eyes like deep blue pools ready to jump in, the most beautiful brown long hair, a Grecian profile and lips you just couldn't resist. He had to gain control of himself. She was the governess.
"You are Mr Chase?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered firmly, "and this is my niece Labhaoise Neeson who I have the pleasure of being guardian to."
She nodded and smiled at the young girl who ran up to give her a hug and exclaimed, "You're finally here."
"I see you have been anticipating my arrival," she smiled back.
"I love Uncle Stephen very much but he's not a very good teacher."
She smiled shyly up at her master and he smiled back. He was relieved and knew she would treat his niece well.