The Unobtainable One

This is the first romance story ever written by Marcia Lynn McClure. Back in 1992, it was a Christmas gift to a dear friend, and until now has only been available exclusively through a Captivating Kisses membership. Get a peek inside the beginnings of Marcia Lynn McClure's adventures in romance by reading The Obtainable One.

CHAPTER ONE  

Standing before the colossal oak doors, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress, she heard the chase move away. Swallowing with difficulty, she lifted the heavy brass knocker and let it fall. Once more and she could hear the echo of approaching footsteps coming from within.

When, by mail, Annette Jordan had accepted the position of governess at The Oaks, she had not expected such a grand manor as this. The name was, indeed, deceiving for this was nearly a castle in her estimation. The origin of the name was obvious for the massive house sat on top of a hill and was surrounded entirely by grand, black, ancient oaks. They were truly magnificent and seemed to whisper among themselves, sharing secrets of the past.

She had never seen anything much outside the village in which she'd grown up until entering the girls' school at the insistence of a distant cousin. Annette sighed heavily with relief, thinking of the horrid establishment she had left only two days before.

A tall, well groomed butler opened the doors swiftly and stood glaring down at her. Annette was not necessarily small, five feet and perhaps six inches. Thus, she judged the man to be nearly six feet and five inches. He raised one graying eyebrow as he looked at her, studying her from head to toe. Any small amount of self confidence which Annette may have possessed prior to meeting the disapproving glare of the man retreated as his eyes narrowed in staring at her. She guessed at what he must be thinking.

Annette had often been told that she was a very lovely young woman. Her hair was nut brown, wavy and long. Her eyes were also a positive attribute, being golden green and feline shaped. But when she saw her own reflection in the looking glass, all that reflected itself there was a skinny, plain sort of girl who appeared all too adolescent.

"Surely, ma'am...you cannot possibly be Annette Jordan...his Lordship's new governess?" the gangly man stated more than asked.

Annette felt her knees begin to buckle at his intimidating remark, but locked them tightly and straightening her back almost snobbishly responded, "Yes, sir. I am. I believe Mrs. Briggs is expecting me."

The slightest hint of an amused smile hid in his eyes as he asked her to follow him. His manner was very aloof and he had a permeating air of dominating masculinity about him that Annette found an unusual characteristic in a manservant.

The vast expanse of the interior of the manor was overwhelming to Annette Jordan. She decided then and there that she much preferred small, cozy cottages to this enormous space. It was superbly furnished, however. That fact could not be ignored.

"Lord Gareth will not be pleased." It was the Butler , talking more to himself than to her, but it drew her attention. "I cannot fathom what Mrs. Briggs was thinking when she offered the position to the likes of you. More likely she wasn't thinking at all. No doubt she will be severely reprimanded by His Lordship...but, I'm certain he will allow you time to find another position before he sends you away."

"What? Why will he be disagreeable to my coming here?" she asked. Panic began to set in! She couldn't find another position! She had tried for months!

The man turned and faced her. "You're much too young to be an experienced governess, for one. And for two, Lord Gareth detests beautiful women! He thinks them shallow and empty headed."

Annette was instantly vexed and what little confidence was left within her leaped to her defense. "First of all, sir...youth does not denote inexperience! And two, sir, it is bigoted to categorize beautiful women as empty headed! And third, sir, if you think me beautiful, you don't get out in the world enough!"

He grinned after a moment, raised the other graying brow and spoke, "Well, perhaps I have misjudged you, Miss Jordan. Lord Gareth will not be so easily convinced, however."

"Down, Roger!" a woman's voice intruded suddenly. It giggled and Annette turned to see a short, plumpish woman of perhaps forty years approaching. "My dear!" she jingled, taking Annette's hands in hers. "I'm Loretta Briggs, Lord Gareth's household manager."

"Head maid," Roger muttered with a grin.

"Down and hush, Roger," the woman reprimanded. "How glad I am that you have arrived. You may go Roger." Mrs. Briggs led Annette then toward a spiral staircase and began to scale it. "Just ignore Roger, dear. He's an old billy goat."

Annette's anxiety began to fade slightly as the woman talked nonchalantly to her.

"Oh my! I am so glad that you are here at last! I've ever so much to do and 'Drea gets terribly bored when her brother isn't at home! You'll love our little 'Drea! She's outspoken...often says too much...but then, she is a typical six year old! She's well behaved, though! No problems there! She's not one of these neglected, impish children that many governesses find when they enter a new household."

"I'm relieved to hear that," Annette said quietly, smiling relievedly.

"Oh, she's a vision! An absolute vision! The living image of her late mother...poor soul." Mrs. Briggs' smile faded and she shook her head.

"What happened to her mother?" Annette blurted out.

Mrs. Briggs stopped at the top of the staircase and began wringing her apron. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke. "Oh...it was terrible! Tragic! Simply horrifying to us all!" she began. "Lord and Lady Barrett were lost at sea two years this past summer. And Lord Gareth! He is the present Lord Barrett, you understand...poor Gareth nearly died of grief himself!"

Annette was puzzled and ventured, "I don't understand. Isn't Andrea the child of the current Lordship?"

"Oh no, dear!" Mrs. Briggs continued. "Lord Gareth Barrett is Miss Andrea's elder brother! Twenty years between them, if you can imagine. But...they're frighteningly attached to each other all the same! It has always been that way with them. Even before the loss of their dear, dear parents."

Annette was comforted knowing that the siblings had one another. She had no one after her parents had died of the fever. She was sent away to a fine finishing school by a distant cousin. She never heard from the cousin and so, here she was...Governess at The Oaks.

"Here are your chambers, Miss Jordan ." Mrs. Briggs opened a door to the most beautiful sleeping chamber Annette could ever have imagined! The room was quite inappropriately decorated in pink and white with lace draperies and fountains of lace spilling from the canopy of the bed! She adored it! Mrs. Briggs chuckled. "Andrea helped in the decor, miss. I hope you will be able to sleep in this...this...child's dream."

Annette involuntarily clapped her hands together and squealed, "It's charming! I love it! How completely feminine!"

Mrs. Briggs sighed and smiled. "Oh thank goodness! I feared you would refuse it at the first glimpse!"

Then, the most enchanting child that Annette had ever seen appeared from behind the door. Raven black ringlets cascaded from her head, over her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes were a sky blue and seemed somehow translucent! Her lips and cheeks were so perfectly berry red that Annette thought her painted at first, so full of color was she. The girl curtsied and skipped toward the new governess.

"You're smiling!" her voice sang. "Do I please you then, miss?"

Annette knelt to level her gaze with the child's and answered honestly, "I have never seen such a pretty and ladylike young girl!"

At that, the child spilled into chatter. "I look like my mama. She was beautiful, like you, miss. Do you think I may be beautiful when I am grown? Mama and Papa were lost at sea. But I have my dearest brother, Gareth, to raise me! He is very handsome, like a prince or some pretend men I've heard about from Greece . Are your parents still living? You are very much younger than other governesses I have seen. Gareth will breathe fire and brimstone when he sees you! He will be so angry, but Mrs. Briggs says you are the best that applied and I asked for a younger governess, for I do so fear those white haired old women that are wrinkled up like a prune and probably less sweet!"

"Hush, 'Drea!" Mrs. Briggs finally interrupted. "Miss Jordan is, no doubt, greatly fatigued from her journey. Let us allow her some time to rest. You can chatter her head right off later. We'll leave you, Miss Jordan . I'll have Bonnie ring you thirty minutes before dinner." She left, tugging at Andrea and shutting the door behind them.

Annette rested for several hours, but could only doze for a few minutes at a time. Her nerves were a tangle of knots.

Finally, she heard a soft knocking at the chamber door and assumed that it was someone coming to wake her. But the door opened and Andrea padded in quietly.

"Oh! Miss! I know you are resting, but it is only two hours until dinner and I do so want to go for a walk with you. Won't you take me?" she pleaded. "I can show you our lovely gardens!"

Annette sat up and smiled. "Of course, Andrea. I'd love a walk."

Annette readied herself and they left the house. She was elated when the tiny girl clasped her hand firmly and smiled up at her. Andrea showed the entire house grounds to her newly acquired governess. Such gardens of beauty and perfection could not be described in mere words, Annette concluded.

Then Andrea led her into the family cemetery some distance from the main house. Annette followed her, somewhat uncomfortably, into an enormous mausoleum.

Andrea dropped her high pitched chatter to a quiet, respectful sounding whisper. "Mama's and Papa's names are engraved here, Miss Jordan ." She caressed the names engraved on two large tombs. "But they aren't here, of course. They're in heaven. Brother Gareth says that Mama would rather have saved a starving fish anyway."

Annette stifled a nervous giggle.

"Here is where Gareth and his wife will rest, eventually...if I can ever get him a wife!" the child whispered, rolling her eyes in a signal of exasperation.

Annette smiled, amused by her wit.

"He always tells me that I'm the only woman he needs in his life." The child giggled and continued, "Isn't that cute of him, Miss Jordan? He says that kissing me goodnight is like kissing a rose petal...but that kissing other women is like intentionally sticking your lips to the ice on a frozen pond! Though, he does admit that Mama was sweet to kiss. I don't remember very well and it makes me sad."

She turned and skipped out into the gardens again. Annette followed, breathing deeply of the intoxicating fragrance of gardenia.

Andrea continued, "When Mrs. Briggs kisses me goodnight, it reminds me of bread and cinnamon. So, I think Gareth is fibbing to me about kissing iced over ponds. Isn't this a lovely garden?" she asked, suddenly changing the subject.

"Yes, it is! I think it's the most beautiful one on the grounds!" Annette commented.

"Yes. I think so, too," Andrea agreed. "If Gareth would learn to pretend...he'd be happy again," she added.

Obviously Andrea's life revolved around her brother and Annette's mind began forming an image of him. He must, she thought, look the masculine equal of Andrea; dark, beautiful, only constantly frowning and grumpy, except on rare occasions.

"You do love him dearly, don't you, Andrea?" Annette ventured.

Andrea stopped, took the young woman's hand in hers and said, "Oh yes, dear Miss Jordan ! Endlessly and more than absolutely anything! And so will you, miss." Then she turned and skipped off toward the house.

Annette stood unable to move momentarily. The child's last words had sent a shiver through her being and something akin to fear began creeping into her body.

"Endlessly and more than absolutely anything! And so will you, miss." The words echoed through her head, but she pushed them away and followed Andrea quickly, for she sensed it was near to the dinner hour.

Andrea and Annette dined that evening in the kitchen with Roger, Bonnie, Mrs. Briggs and Mrs. Whitney the cook.

"Your responsibilities, Miss Jordan ..." Mrs. Briggs smiled while addressing the new governess, "will be mainly of companion and educator to Andrea. The primary things we hope you will be able to teach her require far more effort and talent than do simple academics. The life lessons, Miss Jordan ."

"To be a lady!" Andrea interjected.

Mrs. Briggs donned a reprimanding frown at the child. "Hush, 'Drea. Now, to continue. 'Drea has a studies tutor for four hours daily. During this time, you are free to do whatever you desire. But, the remainder of the day and night we will expect you to attend her."

Annette nodded. Andrea leaned over and whispered in her ear, "I have terrible nightmares, Miss Jordan . But only when Gareth is away."

Mrs. Briggs nodded, smiling sympathetically and Annette put an arm around the girl, drawing the porcelain child closer to her.

"Never you worry. I'm here, now," the young woman whispered in return.

After the meal, Annette read to Andrea for an hour or so before they retired. When they had just finished the book, Andrea asked, "Will you sing to me now, Miss Jordan ? Gareth always does when he is here!"

Annette blushed a little and asked, "He sings to you?" She found it an unimaginable revelation.

"Oh, yes!" exclaimed the child. "Mostly sailor songs and lullabies!"

Annette giggled. "Sailor songs?"

"Oh, yes! My favorite is the one about whiskey and the ocean, but Mrs. Briggs heard Gareth one night and now he won't sing that one anymore. Oh, do sing to me, Miss Jordan! Please!"

Annette was quickly discovering that this child would be an easy one to spoil. She would need to be careful. But no child ever suffered from a lullaby.

"Very well," she consented. After the song she noticed that Andrea was crying softly. "Oh, Andrea! Please...I'm sorry if I've upset you!" She gathered the girl into her arms and began smoothing the raven locks with her hand.

"That song is the happiest I've ever heard," Andrea whispered. "I love it better than the whiskey one. Now, kiss me goodnight, Miss Jordan , and I promise not to have frightful dreams."

Annette kissed her cheek and whispered, "Do you know, Andrea...that this is a magic kiss. No nightmares tonight, all right?"

Andrea smiled up at the lovely young woman and ran her tiny fingers through the loose locks of hair that had fallen from her governess's pin.

"You remind me of sugar and strawberries, Miss Jordan . I'm sure I can even smell them right now! Brother Gareth is fibbing about kisses, I'm sure of it. Goodnight." She turned over, allowing Annette to tuck her in snugly.

"Goodnight, Andrea."

After retiring to her own bed, Annette drifted off to sleep feeling happier than she had in years.

It had been hours since Annette had retired when she was awakened by voices in the corridor outside her chambers, which she had discovered earlier had an adjoining door to Andrea's. She sat up startled and listened intently. It was a man's voice and that of Mrs. Briggs.

"I told you, Loretta! An older, matured woman! A motherly image!" The man's voice was deep and angry. "Roger tells me that you've engaged a small girl! I'll see her at once to dismiss her myself!" The voice was incredibly commanding, but Mrs. Briggs interrupted.

"Gareth! Lower your voice, boy! Miss Jordan is fully capable and perfect for Andrea! An old woman would stifle the child! Be too harsh with her...not guide her...or teach her to use her mind and feelings! Besides...she's got me here to fulfill the grandmother image!"

Annette heard an angry growl like that of a bear and Mrs. Briggs exclaimed, "No! Gareth, wait!" just before the door to her chambers exploded open.

Annette jumped from her bed and snatched her robe from the foot of it. She had always hated sleeping in a night cap so her hair hung freely around her shoulders.

"This?" the man boomed so loudly that Annette closed her eyes and winced. "This is who is supposed to direct and teach 'Drea? She can't be much older than 'Drea herself!"

The voice had moved closer and Annette dared to open her eyes. Staring down at her was the most exquisite man she had ever seen. He truly was the masculine version of Andrea. Annette tilted her head very far back in order to meet his glare. He must have been nearly as tall as Roger and his shoulders were the broadest she had ever seen! The same black hair and sky blue eyes were his as were Andrea's and his square, unshaven jaw clenched and unclenched angrily as his scowl deepened. Annette's temporary hypnosis was broken by the harsh words he spoke next.

"She's a child, Loretta! Look!" he bellowed, tugging at a strand of Annette's hair. "She doesn't even wear a night cap! And she's to train 'Drea!"

Annette slapped his hand and in surprise he released her hair. Then, summoning every bit of courage that she could she said, "Night caps leave wrinkles on a woman's forehead and forbid the hair to breath, sire. A lady's hair is in large part her crowning glory and must be treated with great care!"

He stared directly into her eyes. "She is also impertinent, Loretta." He cleared his throat and continued, "Little girl, you will pack your things this moment and leave!"

He was nearly trembling with anger, and Annette with fear, but she managed to speak. "Very well, sire. But may I remind you that singing whiskey drinking songs and telling Andrea about the women you've kissed, does not rank as the best influence perhaps either." Her entire innards were whirling around inside her body, but she had spoken calmly.

The edifice of powerful masculinity took a deep breath and bent to glare at her squarely in the face. "I am a good brother and educator to 'Drea!" he growled.

"Agreed," Annette choked out. "But everything depends on the point of view, does it not? And to others..."

"Out!" he shouted, completely enraged. "I want you out, you sassy, sugar faced..."

He was cut short by a soft voice from behind him.

"Gareth?" It was Andrea and he spun around as she came running to him. The child threw her arms around his neck as he gathered her into his embrace. Annette marveled at what a difference his enchanting smile made, flattering his already boundlessly attractive features. Only moments before he had been frowning so fiercely at her and now...he was truly captivating to gaze upon.

"How's my little cherry tart tonight?" he asked and Annette's mouth hung agape in surprise at his usage of a pet name so utterly juvenile.

"Oh, Gareth!" Andrea began. "Isn't Miss Jordan just the most wonderful thing?"

Annette noted that his dashing smile faded slightly.

Then the child cupped the handsome face of her brother between her two tiny hands and rubbing his whiskers remarked, "You haven't been cutting these again! You know how they itch me!" He smiled magnificently again and Andrea prattled on. "Miss Jordan and I went walking today. She's soooo smart, Gareth! Did you know that girls...ladies are supposed to ride their ponies with both legs on one side? And did you know that a man is to kiss my hand...not shake it? And did you know that I should wash my hands every time before I eat anything? Even an apple! But Miss Jordan says fresh off the tree ones are okay...because one is usually out in the orchard where there aren't any means for hand washing! I taught her the whiskey song," she whispered, shooting a conspiratorial glance at Mrs. Briggs. "She loved it and she laughed and laughed...and Gareth, I no longer believe what you told me about ladies being like frozen pond water. Miss Jordan reminded me of warm strawberries rolled in sugar when she kissed me goodnight. Maybe you should try kissing her Gareth!" she finally finished.

Annette would've retreated into a hole had one been available. Mrs. Briggs gave Lord Barrett a triumphant look and he turned to the governess again. All the fury and hatred were gone from his face, replaced by humility and, Annette fancied, extreme fatigue. Lord Barrett set Andrea down, kissed her tiny brow and sent her back to bed with promises of presents in the morning.

"Forgive me, Miss Jordan . It seems I have wrongly judged and slandered you terribly." He bowed rather sarcastically and then asked, "Would you reconsider and stay? 'Drea needs your guidance, obviously. I know I am not mother and father to her. Please?" Annette nodded proudly, pretending that it would be a great sacrifice on her part. He bowed again and said, "Your servant, my lady" as he left the room.

Annette collapsed onto her bed when he'd shut the door again and Mrs. Briggs clapped her hands together squealing, "I knew it! I knew it!"

Annette was completely drained, but managed to inquire, "What?"

"Uh...um..." the older woman stammered. "I knew that you would be perfect for...our little 'Drea, of course!"

          Annette watched in wonderment as the woman spun around merrily and left her to herself once more.

She tried to drift off to sleep again, but found it impossible for many hours. That face! That indecently handsome face capable of displaying such an array of emotion. The face of Lord Gareth Barrett kept appearing before her closed eyes.

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