Page 18 of The Royal Governess
“You got that right.” Lexi slipped out of her hoodie and tied it around her waist. “Our city doesn’t begin to warm up until July.”
“I hope you can get my father to open up the wi-fi.” He shook his head. “Sometimes he treats me like a child.”
The strange thing was, I knew just how Marco felt. “Parents often feel their children are younger than they really are.”
“But why?” Gregorio spoke up.
“Yeah, why,” Lexi chimed in. “It’s stupid. Kids grow up.”
“It’s our job to protect you. Keep you safe.”
Well, they obviously didn’t believe me and it was time to change the subject. The soft summer sun fell over the garden, enriching the greenery and bringing out lush colors in the flowers around us. As we walked down the stone path, Gregorio pointed to bushes and trees, giving them names in his language.
“What a beautiful countryside.”
“Yes, yes it is.” But Gregorio sighed as he looked around. A young man of sixteen shouldn’t seem so troubled. Did all this beauty fill him with a sense of responsibility? He was far too young to worry about that.
After twenty minutes or so, we went back to class. I gave Gregorio one of the anthologies I’d sent ahead. “For some background. I’ve marked the early American literature trends. Let me know if you have any questions. We’ll look at that next week.”
At least he seemed to have a good background in algebra and geometry. Passing out sheets with simple problems, I asked them to have the homework ready for tomorrow. Lexi glowered at me. “Also, for tomorrow I'd like you to read chapter one ofThe Great Gatsby.” I’d made sure that Lexi packed her own copy and I’d brought a copy for Gregorio.
“So small.” He turned the slim book over in his hand. “Are pages missing?”
I laughed. “This small book has a lot in it. And it’s historical, capturing the years known as the ‘roaring twenties’ in America. I think you'll find it interesting.”
“Until the guy dies,” Lexie said from the corner of her mouth.
I sent my daughter a searing look. Maybe it would be easier to teach Gregorio alone. But leaving Lexi to her own devices wasn’t an option.
Just as I was wrapping up class, a knock came on the door. Milo stuck his head in, waving a crisp white envelope.
“Good morning. Is that for me?” I stepped toward him.
With barely a grunt, he delivered the envelope and disappeared.
What could this be? My name was scrawled across the envelope with authority. “I guess class is dismissed.”
Gregorio and Lexi didn’t move. Their eyes were riveted to what I had in hand. Turning my back, I opened the envelope. Marco wanted to meet with me in his first floor office following class. Fine, I had some issues I wanted to discuss. But my hands shook as I shoved the note back into the envelope, cutting a finger on the heavy vellum.
After Gregorio and Lexi took off, I packed up my books and notes and headed for the elevator. Slowly descending, the gilded cage rattled, and my thoughts clattered right along with it. After what felt like an eternity, the elevator whooshed to a stop. The outer door felt heavy as I pushed it open. Silence met me on the first floor.
Passing the library and dining room, I headed for the next open door. Standing in the recessed opening, I heard the rattle of dry pages turning. “Hello?” I stepped forward.
At the far end of the room, Marco lounged, his feet up on a massive desk. Glancing up from his newspaper, he whisked a pair of glasses from his nose and his boots hit the floor. “Come in, Profesora. Please.”
Would a time come when I’d get used to this accent? When the intonation wouldn’t sound like some foreign movie star in a film I shouldn’t be watching?
My flats slid on the stone floor as I walked forward. My tennis shoes might be a better bet in this castle, but they were so informal. The first class had gone well, and maybe I was feeling a little cocky. Suddenly it hit me that I should be curtsying. That royal dip that I’d seen in movies that the staff executed so effortlessly and that Lexi had tried––how hard could that be? Sliding my left foot behind me, I took a stab at it. However, my left foot kept going. Books flew everywhere, along with notes.
In an instant Marco was on his feet and I was on the floor. Had I ever felt this embarrassed in my life? With his hand under one elbow, I managed to stand up. “Sorry, M–Your Majesty. I’m usually not this clumsy.”
My nose should have grown a mile. The fact was, I’d had a lot of awkward moments in my life. Lexi could attest to that. But I’d never curtsied before and it probably showed. My right elbow was killing me.
“Are you all right?” Those deep brown eyes seemed to melt over me, like the chocolate on a hot fudge sundae. Right now I wanted one in the worst way.
“Oh, yes, I’m––I’m fine and dandy.” I managed to shove off from his firm chest.
Dandy?Had I really said that? At least I hadn’t broken anything. I flexed my right arm, wondering where I’d wind up if I broke a bone here. The idea of an ER located among the pastel houses seemed ludicrous.
