The guest house backs up to the gardens with the same attention to detail as the house. Summer stands in the garden, “Victor this is brilliant! I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“I’m glad you love it. I want you to feel at home here. The staff is waiting to greet us.”
The night passes in a blur of excitement, dinner, and baths. Soon, Summer finds herself alone for the first time in months. Her bedroom is down the hall from Jonah's, and it's gorgeous. A lush queen-sized canopy bed with toile bedding. Cream and gold walls compliment the decor. She has a private bath, with a claw foot tub and her own balcony, overlooking the gardens below. A small fire burns in the marble fireplace, and she sighs in contentment. She is surprised to find her trunk has already been unpacked. Her art supplies are waiting on a table near the window.
Summer steps out onto the balcony, and the cold air surprises her. Gazing down at the beautiful gardens she is excited about the future. It is a gift, one of many he has given back to her. Softly she closes her eyes and whispers a prayer of thanks for the safe journey, then asks for the same for Alex.
Victor watches Summer step from her room onto the balcony and stares at her. She is beautiful, smart, funny, and determined. He is desperate to claim her and make her his, but his respect for her has him waiting to pursue the physical side of their relationship until they are married. Hopefully, Alex will be here soon, or he will have to convince her to marry him without him here.
Tomorrow he will check on the progress of his other surprise. He just hopes it will help her heal. On many occasions, he has asked himself whether the feeling he has for her is one based on his protective instinct, but his heart tells him it is more than that. Summer returns to her room and closes the French doors, before seeking her bed.
Bed will come early for all tonight, they are all utterly exhausted from the journey. The maid knocks and enters to help her change and turn her bed down for the night. An Irish girl named Tarrah about Summer’s age, with coal black hair and green eyes. She is one of eight employees, all free, who work for Victor. The staff includes a cook, two maids, two landscapers, two coachmen, two laundresses, one nanny and soon one governess. Summer thinks of Caroline with her children and hopes she will consider their offer. She decides to include a note from her and Jonah, with his message. She jots it down on a piece of paper, and the maid watches. It is a testament to his character that his staff stayed on after the war. He pays them all a healthy wage, and his kindness earned their trust. It is just one more in the list of many things she adores about him.
“If that is all, Miss Yates?” Tarrah asks softly with a delightful Irish accent.
“Yes, thank you for your assistance.” Summer replies. Tarrah turns to leave and stops at the door.
“You’re the new governess?” Tarrah asks with a glint of interest. At Summer’s nod of yes, she rushes forward and blurts out, “Would ya be willin’ to teach me?”
“Teach you what, exactly, Tarrah?”
“I… I want to learn to read and write,” she says almost defiantly. Summer smiles at her, loving the flare of determination.
“I would be delighted to teach you. What are your days off?” They discuss Tarrah’s schedule and agree to lessons three days a week.
“I have a younger sister, Molly, if I paid, could you teach her too?”
“I would, but I need to get Mr. Yates approval. Will you need to get your parent’s permission?”
Tarrah sighs, “No, I am her guardian. Our parents died after we arrived. The sickness on board was… thick.” Summer gasps and clasps her hands.
“I’m so sorry, Tarrah. My family died on our crossing from England. I know the burden of the loss you carry.” Tarrah's eyes fill with tears, and she squeezes Summer's hands tightly in her own.
“Thank you. They fought, but the conditions on the ship were a dream compared to those of Star Island.”
“Sit with me and share my tea.” Tarrah is surprised at her generosity, but it has been so long since she shared her burden. “Tell me what Star Island is?”
“It is the state supplied destination for the destitute. We are allowed to stay until work can be found. My parents died, and I spent all of our money trying to get care for them. Our luggage was stolen, and we were forced to stay at Star Island. It was only by luck that I found work here.”
Summer stares at her, “I feel ashamed, Tarrah. My loss is no less than the thousands of others who dare this voyage. Why did your family come?”
“Ireland is in famine. At least our part is. We had enough money to make the journey and find work. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Food, shelter, work that is all we ask for. Father heard that the government promised land to those who could live on the land and work it for five years. It was his dream to own his land.” She explains with a small smile. “When he fell ill, mother was desperate to get care for him. They took our money, but they said he was too far gone.”
“Wait, I don’t understand. What was his sickness?” Summer asks sipping her tea.
“The doctor called it cholera. The treatment was expensive, and they couldn't guarantee recovery. After Mother passed, I took Peighton, my six-year-old sister and left.”
Summer stares at her in shock. She knows cholera has no cure. You either fight it off, or you die,
