Request

She soon settled into the estate and the months passed. Labhaoise thoroughly enjoyed her lessons in arithmetic, literature, writing, French, Latin, embroidery and piano. On top of that she was also taught art. With pride Caoimhne and Stephen saw her grow in confidence and all the areas she was being taught.

Stephen would still take her out on early morning horse rides which she thoroughly enjoyed. Stephen had even gifted her her own horse on her tenth birthday. There was nothing he wouldn't do to keep her happy. She was his little angel.

When he wasn't busy working on being a landlord and the accounts he enjoyed meeting them in the grounds and going on a walk with them. Caoimhne had taken it upon herself to teach Labhaoise all about nature which also had her fascination. She believed she was the perfect pupil.

The attraction between governess and master was growing stronger as months passed but Stephen was too young to act upon it and she believed she wasn't good enough for him. Why would he want her? She was just a lowly governess without a penny to her name. He'd even confided in her about Shannon. Though it broke her heart to hear how he'd been treated she'd given him his shoulder.

One afternoon on their walk while Labhaoise walked alongside them he turned to her. He made it a point to always be available when they took their afternoon walks. It was the only time he felt completely happy and he had a feeling it was because he got to be with Miss O'Donald.

"Caoimhne," he said gently.

"Yes sir," she answered.

He looked down hearing her call him sir. He hoped one day she would call him Stephen but he wasn't ready to admit his feelings for her. He hoped he would be one day. He didn't want her to be another lost opportunity.

"Labhaoise and I were wondering..." Labhaoise looked up hoping he would be finally proposing to her. They always spoke about her when they were alone and it was clear he was in love with her. "Would you like to join us in our early morning rides?"

She looked down and answered, "I don't know how to ride."

"I could teach you," he replied.

"I don't want to be any trouble."

"You wouldn't be any trouble at all. It would be a pleasure."

"Then yes sir. I would love to."

Labhaoise smiled up at them. It would only be a matter of time before he asked for her hand.