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Description

Delicate but useful hands buttoned the front of the sky blue gown, the decorated under-dress looked dappled and brought a charm to the outfit. Slightly rougher hands brushed and smoothed out long brown locks before quickly fashioning them into a tasteful braid. Confident with her outfit, the well dressed woman gathered her things, dismissed the maid and traveled the well known hallways to the children's study. Like always she arrived before them but the early dawn light had already flooded the eastern room, the smell of warm breskfest biscuits hit her nose, welcomed with strong smell of tea. Preparing herself a cup, a sprinkle and sugar, a dab of milk, she drank the cup quickly before busying herself with setting up the room. The three years she had spent in service to the Warren family, she had made the children's study a place of her own. Books brought in from her own father's library, mostly for her pleasure while the children took tests. Maps had been removed out of their delicate cases and hung on the wall and over empty shelves. Books that would interest young minds were brought down to lower levels, within the easy reach of her young students. Lessons from the day before still sat out in front, slates and slate pens for working mathematics had day old marks and with a quick clean of a near by rag had it looking almost new, but removed and put back in a supply box. Today's lesson wouldn't be spent learning numbers and sum but instead reading and sound of words, perhaps a little spelling.

Shouts from outside the room had a warm smile on her young face and the doors swung open and two children both red of hair burst in eager to greet their governess. Their voices light and playful. "Mistress Helen! Good day!" Called the boy, giving her a respectful bow, she returned a small curtsy to befit the noble son that he was, the young girl two years his junior gave a curtsy as well but didn't say anything. "Well hello my little lord and lady, have you both eaten?" She asked them pleasantly, their nanny still waiting around, awaiting Helen's dismissal. "We have not Miss Helen, can we have some of those sweet biscuits?" The young boy asked, his eyes sparkling and bright as he looked back to his nanny who shook her head. "Your lord father, has forbid sweets his early it will spoil your supper. You may have some plan biscuits and perhaps some fruit." The stern nanny answered them as Helen nodded in approval, the small girl still hadn't utter much, a fairly shy little girl. The young boy gave a pout but didn't argue, instead taking his seat and his sister sitting beside him.

"No worries Charlie, I have some sugar from my own breakfast that we can sprinkle on your busicits if you promise to behave and read aloud if I ask." Helen said to him which brightened his day, the little girl giggled and wiggled slightly in her seat. "May we have sweet milk as well?" Came the gentle and soft voice of the little girl, with a warm smile Helen nodded and sat in front of the little girl a book, hand her brother a different one. "Yes you may but first why don't be work on our readings for today? Charlie, I'd like you to read the first chapter of that book and write down your thought. You may go sit by the window because Ella is going to read aloud for me." Charlie nodded a very polite child, he gathered up his book and some parchment and pen to match. Once he was settled in his new spot, soft mumbling could be heard from him as he read to himself, his words barely above a whisper.

Isabella looked almost identical to her brother, but her skin more fair and lacking the freckles across her nose like Charlie. Everything little Ella did was soft and well thought out, but she was a determined girl and quick to understand new things. "Now read aloud and if you stumble make sure to sound out the words." The instructs were simple, the Duke and Duchess had clever children a dream for any governess. Both children had a love for learning, Charlie loved to learn about history and wars, fairly typical young lord. Ella enjoyed tales of heroes and princesses and poetry she had grown to love, while they were both young and enjoyed to play outside. Helen had made to be a favorite of the young ones by allowing lessons to be taught outside in the summer days, but as it dark and grey and slightly chilled it was best to stay inside.

Their nanny returned but by then the children were lost in their studies and Helen hated to but she got them to stop and actually eat something, both had forgotten about adding sugar to their biscuits, Charlie was reading a book about the duchy's history, Ella was reading allowed a poetry book, struggling only on larger words. The morning past by quickly, Helen busied herself with correct their work on sums and part way as Charlie finished, he handed her the paper and asked if he would be allowed to keep reading the book, with a pleased looked on her face Helen agreed if he promised to keep the book safe and well cared for. He returned to the window with a small snack brought up by the nanny, Ella finished her readings allowed and wanted to draw, the girl had great talent and Helen provided her the sketch pad and charcoal to do so. The children's study was quiet, Helen had provided Ella with other sketch books to copy and make some of her own. The first part of the day, which happened only to be roughly three hours of school studies had spanned into most of the evening. Helen didn't make them stay but they did of their own free will, it wasn't until the Duchess presence did they stop.

"Children!! Come to mommy ! I brought you sweets!" The Duchess's loud voice startled Helen for a moment she looked up from her book, it one of her favorites, written in another language she enjoyed the challenge of reading it without translating it first and no matter how many times she read it she still struggled from time to time. The sound of their mother the children jumped out of their seats and ran for the door as the Duchess strolled in. Rising to her feet, Helen bobbed a low and respectful curtsy to the woman, her eyes downcast. The children didn't bother with formalities with their mother and rushed to her arms. The nanny opened her mouth to remind the Duchess of her husband's request that the children don't have to many sweets, but the damage was done. Both Charlie and Ella were begging their mother for sweets as she struggled to give them out fast enough. "You know Mistress Helen you shouldn't keep the children inside all the time. I'll have to talk with my husband about too much studying." Her words were curt and she didn't even bother to look at Helen. Carefully Helen stood up taller and came to closer, not to close, the Duchess gave her an uneasy feeling. "The lord Duke likes educated people. Why not teach your children all they are willing to learn. I did not make them stay their lessons were over an hour ago. It's too cold for horse lessons and the sword master isn't here. Why not allow them to read and enjoy the wonders of knowledge." Her words were spoken by a true lover of knowledge as was careful not to sound rude. "Knowledge only fits scholars and councilmen. My children will be lords and ladies, they can hire people to add sums and read charts." The duchess was harsh with her words and from the wide eyes of the children, Helen picked it a best time to back off. With a nod of her head she stepped back, giving the appearance that the duchess had won. "Fair enough, but I have been hired by your lord husband to teach the children. I will remind them that tomorrow we will meet the same time for practice with writing. Good evening my lady." Helen curtsied as the children gave her a return farewell gesture, the duchess glared and directed the children with a wave of her hand and order to the nanny. Helen was left without students in an empty study and started the task of returning the thing to their proper place, but kept her book out.

Early evening melted into late night, the servants came and lit the lamps, dinner was brought to her, it was common for her to eat in the children's study instead of in the hall with the Duke and his family. It wasn't until a yawn came from her mouth did she realize how late it was. With a frantic pace about her, she quickly turned off all the lights and put away little things, pens and ink bottles. Closing the door to the study, she held in her hand the book she was reading from earlier in the day and headed for her bed, it was a decent walk away but she had traveled many times in the dark. She was alone, save for the servants bringing linens to the Duchess, a very picky sleeper. Helen paused for a moment and made a trip down to the kitchen, get a cup of sleep time tea and return to her room, when a broad chest was coming toward her. Dropping into a low curtsy, Helen held the book behind her back and sense him as he stopped to look at her. The duke was a large man, standing well over 6 feet high and colored with dark hair, his eyes stern and wise. On top of his large appearance he was well dressed, his suit a style or two behind, but it was well cared for. Tailored to his height and size, he never looked under dressed. Few words had been spoken between him and Helen since she was hired. They didn't see a need to talk, he perhaps asked her to teach the children something or asked if she needed more supplied, but over the past three years she had hardly grown used to being around him without the children's present, it was strange to be alone and in darkened hallway for that matter.

"You are out late." His words were steady and well suited to his large frame, deep and powerful sounding. "I beg your pardon m'lord, I lost track of time while I was reading." She spoke allowed, answering a unsaid question, her eyes down to avoid his gaze. "Must be a good book, now let me see." He put his hand out, waiting for her to hand the book over. With a faint nod she removed the book from behind her back and placed it in his hand, title side up a plain blue ribbon as a mark. "Wow Mistress Helen, I didn't know you could read Ulma" His words warmed her cheek as she blushed. "Il mio signore non mi basta leggere lo parlo anche" Her words were crisp and fluent and sparked a small smile as he handed back her book. "Molto ben fatto, è stato un po 'di tempo da quando ho sentito parla pure. Bella lingua non è vero?" He replied to her, his words a little less fluent, it was clear he didn't practice often but she didn't correct him, instead she nodded in agreement. "I won't keep you up to late, good night Mistress Helen" The duke gave a small bow and turned to leave, Helen dropped to a low curtsy and nodded, taking her book back and starting to head toward her room. "Helen, if you ever wish to read more books in ulma, please by all mean let me know. I have a special part of my library filled with books you are welcome to any time." She paused as he called out to her, hardly hearing what he said, but she did have the common sense to turn and curtsy to him for the permission, surprise he hadn't used his formalities like he normally does, a slight shock to her. He didn't bow again but turned and head toward his rooms, Helen picked up pace and found her room in the dark. It was small but had a bed and closest for the few gowns she owned, a basin to wash up and a connection to a large bathe that would be shared by female guest if any were present. Stripping down to her shift and into pulling over her head a nightgown, she settled into her sleep, smiling to herself as she realized the tea was forgotten. It was some time until she drifted to sleep, muttering words in ulma for some time.

Description

Delicate but useful hands buttoned the front of the sky blue gown, the decorated under-dress looked dappled and brought a charm to the outfit. Slightly rougher hands brushed and smoothed out long brown locks before quickly fashioning them into a tasteful braid. Confident with her outfit, the well dressed woman gathered her things, dismissed the maid and traveled the well known hallways to the children's study. Like always she arrived before them but the early dawn light had already flooded the eastern room, the smell of warm breskfest biscuits hit her nose, welcomed with strong smell of tea. Preparing herself a cup, a sprinkle and sugar, a dab of milk, she drank the cup quickly before busying herself with setting up the room. The three years she had spent in service to the Warren family, she had made the children's study a place of her own. Books brought in from her own father's library, mostly for her pleasure while the children took tests. Maps had been removed out of their delicate cases and hung on the wall and over empty shelves. Books that would interest young minds were brought down to lower levels, within the easy reach of her young students. Lessons from the day before still sat out in front, slates and slate pens for working mathematics had day old marks and with a quick clean of a near by rag had it looking almost new, but removed and put back in a supply box. Today's lesson wouldn't be spent learning numbers and sum but instead reading and sound of words, perhaps a little spelling.

Shouts from outside the room had a warm smile on her young face and the doors swung open and two children both red of hair burst in eager to greet their governess. Their voices light and playful. "Mistress Helen! Good day!" Called the boy, giving her a respectful bow, she returned a small curtsy to befit the noble son that he was, the young girl two years his junior gave a curtsy as well but didn't say anything. "Well hello my little lord and lady, have you both eaten?" She asked them pleasantly, their nanny still waiting around, awaiting Helen's dismissal. "We have not Miss Helen, can we have some of those sweet biscuits?" The young boy asked, his eyes sparkling and bright as he looked back to his nanny who shook her head. "Your lord father, has forbid sweets his early it will spoil your supper. You may have some plan biscuits and perhaps some fruit." The stern nanny answered them as Helen nodded in approval, the small girl still hadn't utter much, a fairly shy little girl. The young boy gave a pout but didn't argue, instead taking his seat and his sister sitting beside him.

"No worries Charlie, I have some sugar from my own breakfast that we can sprinkle on your busicits if you promise to behave and read aloud if I ask." Helen said to him which brightened his day, the little girl giggled and wiggled slightly in her seat. "May we have sweet milk as well?" Came the gentle and soft voice of the little girl, with a warm smile Helen nodded and sat in front of the little girl a book, hand her brother a different one. "Yes you may but first why don't be work on our readings for today? Charlie, I'd like you to read the first chapter of that book and write down your thought. You may go sit by the window because Ella is going to read aloud for me." Charlie nodded a very polite child, he gathered up his book and some parchment and pen to match. Once he was settled in his new spot, soft mumbling could be heard from him as he read to himself, his words barely above a whisper.

Isabella looked almost identical to her brother, but her skin more fair and lacking the freckles across her nose like Charlie. Everything little Ella did was soft and well thought out, but she was a determined girl and quick to understand new things. "Now read aloud and if you stumble make sure to sound out the words." The instructs were simple, the Duke and Duchess had clever children a dream for any governess. Both children had a love for learning, Charlie loved to learn about history and wars, fairly typical young lord. Ella enjoyed tales of heroes and princesses and poetry she had grown to love, while they were both young and enjoyed to play outside. Helen had made to be a favorite of the young ones by allowing lessons to be taught outside in the summer days, but as it dark and grey and slightly chilled it was best to stay inside.

Their nanny returned but by then the children were lost in their studies and Helen hated to but she got them to stop and actually eat something, both had forgotten about adding sugar to their biscuits, Charlie was reading a book about the duchy's history, Ella was reading allowed a poetry book, struggling only on larger words. The morning past by quickly, Helen busied herself with correct their work on sums and part way as Charlie finished, he handed her the paper and asked if he would be allowed to keep reading the book, with a pleased looked on her face Helen agreed if he promised to keep the book safe and well cared for. He returned to the window with a small snack brought up by the nanny, Ella finished her readings allowed and wanted to draw, the girl had great talent and Helen provided her the sketch pad and charcoal to do so. The children's study was quiet, Helen had provided Ella with other sketch books to copy and make some of her own. The first part of the day, which happened only to be roughly three hours of school studies had spanned into most of the evening. Helen didn't make them stay but they did of their own free will, it wasn't until the Duchess presence did they stop.

"Children!! Come to mommy ! I brought you sweets!" The Duchess's loud voice startled Helen for a moment she looked up from her book, it one of her favorites, written in another language she enjoyed the challenge of reading it without translating it first and no matter how many times she read it she still struggled from time to time. The sound of their mother the children jumped out of their seats and ran for the door as the Duchess strolled in. Rising to her feet, Helen bobbed a low and respectful curtsy to the woman, her eyes downcast. The children didn't bother with formalities with their mother and rushed to her arms. The nanny opened her mouth to remind the Duchess of her husband's request that the children don't have to many sweets, but the damage was done. Both Charlie and Ella were begging their mother for sweets as she struggled to give them out fast enough. "You know Mistress Helen you shouldn't keep the children inside all the time. I'll have to talk with my husband about too much studying." Her words were curt and she didn't even bother to look at Helen. Carefully Helen stood up taller and came to closer, not to close, the Duchess gave her an uneasy feeling. "The lord Duke likes educated people. Why not teach your children all they are willing to learn. I did not make them stay their lessons were over an hour ago. It's too cold for horse lessons and the sword master isn't here. Why not allow them to read and enjoy the wonders of knowledge." Her words were spoken by a true lover of knowledge as was careful not to sound rude. "Knowledge only fits scholars and councilmen. My children will be lords and ladies, they can hire people to add sums and read charts." The duchess was harsh with her words and from the wide eyes of the children, Helen picked it a best time to back off. With a nod of her head she stepped back, giving the appearance that the duchess had won. "Fair enough, but I have been hired by your lord husband to teach the children. I will remind them that tomorrow we will meet the same time for practice with writing. Good evening my lady." Helen curtsied as the children gave her a return farewell gesture, the duchess glared and directed the children with a wave of her hand and order to the nanny. Helen was left without students in an empty study and started the task of returning the thing to their proper place, but kept her book out.

Early evening melted into late night, the servants came and lit the lamps, dinner was brought to her, it was common for her to eat in the children's study instead of in the hall with the Duke and his family. It wasn't until a yawn came from her mouth did she realize how late it was. With a frantic pace about her, she quickly turned off all the lights and put away little things, pens and ink bottles. Closing the door to the study, she held in her hand the book she was reading from earlier in the day and headed for her bed, it was a decent walk away but she had traveled many times in the dark. She was alone, save for the servants bringing linens to the Duchess, a very picky sleeper. Helen paused for a moment and made a trip down to the kitchen, get a cup of sleep time tea and return to her room, when a broad chest was coming toward her. Dropping into a low curtsy, Helen held the book behind her back and sense him as he stopped to look at her. The duke was a large man, standing well over 6 feet high and colored with dark hair, his eyes stern and wise. On top of his large appearance he was well dressed, his suit a style or two behind, but it was well cared for. Tailored to his height and size, he never looked under dressed. Few words had been spoken between him and Helen since she was hired. They didn't see a need to talk, he perhaps asked her to teach the children something or asked if she needed more supplied, but over the past three years she had hardly grown used to being around him without the children's present, it was strange to be alone and in darkened hallway for that matter.

"You are out late." His words were steady and well suited to his large frame, deep and powerful sounding. "I beg your pardon m'lord, I lost track of time while I was reading." She spoke allowed, answering a unsaid question, her eyes down to avoid his gaze. "Must be a good book, now let me see." He put his hand out, waiting for her to hand the book over. With a faint nod she removed the book from behind her back and placed it in his hand, title side up a plain blue ribbon as a mark. "Wow Mistress Helen, I didn't know you could read Ulma" His words warmed her cheek as she blushed. "Il mio signore non mi basta leggere lo parlo anche" Her words were crisp and fluent and sparked a small smile as he handed back her book. "Molto ben fatto, è stato un po 'di tempo da quando ho sentito parla pure. Bella lingua non è vero?" He replied to her, his words a little less fluent, it was clear he didn't practice often but she didn't correct him, instead she nodded in agreement. "I won't keep you up to late, good night Mistress Helen" The duke gave a small bow and turned to leave, Helen dropped to a low curtsy and nodded, taking her book back and starting to head toward her room. "Helen, if you ever wish to read more books in ulma, please by all mean let me know. I have a special part of my library filled with books you are welcome to any time." She paused as he called out to her, hardly hearing what he said, but she did have the common sense to turn and curtsy to him for the permission, surprise he hadn't used his formalities like he normally does, a slight shock to her. He didn't bow again but turned and head toward his rooms, Helen picked up pace and found her room in the dark. It was small but had a bed and closest for the few gowns she owned, a basin to wash up and a connection to a large bathe that would be shared by female guest if any were present. Stripping down to her shift and into pulling over her head a nightgown, she settled into her sleep, smiling to herself as she realized the tea was forgotten. It was some time until she drifted to sleep, muttering words in ulma for some time.