It had been difficult for Elizabeth to concentrate on her studies the next morning. She was looking forward to their journey to the school and she kept asking if it was time to go yet.

Susan was much relieved when it finally was time to go. She bundled Elizabeth up as it was a blustery October day.

John had arranged for a closed carriage to take them to Hollyoak. Elizabeth was so excited she could barely sit still as the carriage got underway. She looked out the window and pointed to a field of grazing sheep. She carried on a running conversation with herself as she commented on what she was seeing.

Then John said to Susan, “It’s the perfect time for this inspection because we’re going to be starting the sheering in two days and I’ll be tied up until the wool is finally shipped to market.”

“Won’t it be nice to have your own shipping station once the railway is built?” Susan asked.

“It’ll be a great added benefit. And I’ve begun to think about how else I might use that train stop. Perhaps I could invite other wool producers to form a co-op and we could ship together and lower the shipping costs for all of us.”

Susan turned to John. “Most ingenious. And what if you wanted to take a passenger train to London? Could you use the stop for that?”

“Good idea. I’ll need to find out about that.”

The carriage soon arrived at the Hollyoak house. It was about half a mile from the worker’s village, so it would be easy for the children to walk to school. The three emerged from the carriage and studied the house. It had been constructed as a simple country home. It was of brick construction with two stories and a slate roof. The front had not been landscaped yet, but Annabel’s holly bushes were clustered behind the house.

“I’m sorry it’s not very inviting,” John said. “It would look a lot better with roses, some nice bushes, and a flower garden.”

“That might be a nice project for the school children to tackle at some point,” Susan suggested.

“Can we go inside?” Elizabeth asked, pulling at John’s arm.

“We certainly can. Come.”

John led the way to the front door. He unlocked it and they went inside the empty house. It had never been furnished, and it smelled a bit musty, even though it had never been lived in.

“It needs airing out,” Susan said.

“Yes, it’s been closed up a long time. But what do you think? Would this work as your school?”

“We’ll need at least three school rooms. Some office space, perhaps a nap room for the younger children, and a working kitchen so we can make lunches. Let me just walk around and inspect the rooms.”

“I think the downstairs sitting room could work as one class room and the master bedroom upstairs as well. And perhaps the dining room, although it would need to be fitted with doors.”

Elizabeth took Susan’s hand. “Can I go see with you?”

“Of course.”

Susan and Elizabeth wandered the house, upstairs and down and finally returned to where John was examining a cupboard in the kitchen that had a loose door.

“What do you think?” John asked. “Any thoughts on what needs to be done to the house before we open as a school?”

“I think it could be used pretty much as it is. But it would be nice to have some fresh paint, don’t you think? Maybe some brighter colors would be more welcoming for the children. However, we’re also going to need some furniture—school desks, chalkboards, teacher’s desks, office furniture, school books—the usual.

“Any idea what all that might cost?”

“No idea. But I can find out.”

“Then let’s make it your next task to put together a proposal for what you’ll need and the costs. Then I think we can move forward.”

“And when do you think we might open?” she asked.

“It’s a bit late for this school year. But we could be ready to start classes next autumn, I should say.”

“What do you want to name it?” Susan asked.

“Why, the Annabel Chamberlain School, don’t you think?” John said smiling.

“It couldn’t be more perfect.”

“Will this be my school?” Elizabeth asked.

“We’ll need to decide that later,” John said. “You’re still a little too young for school yet.”

“But I want to play with other children,” Elizabeth said.

“And so you shall. In fact, we’re going to meet some children this very minute.”

“We are?” Elizabeth was excited.

John turned to Susan. “Are you ready to go?”

Susan nodded, and John ushered them outside and locked up the house. They got into the carriage and drove over to the worker’s village.

It was late afternoon and different groups of children were playing in the central square, around which the village was constructed. As the Duke’s carriage drew to a stop, curious children came running over to see who was visiting their tiny village. And as the mothers and fathers were always watchful of their children, they too came out to see who had arrived.

As most of the men were out with the sheep, the women stood at their doorsteps, arms folded, observing—reluctant to intrude upon the Duke unless he spoke to them first.

The Duke, Susan, and his daughter got out of the carriage. Susan had not been here before and she was a little shocked by the obvious poverty of the village inhabitants.

Several of the younger children came over to greet Elizabeth, and she seemed to be delighted.

“How many children will the school be serving?” Susan asked John, as she surveyed the playing children.

“Perhaps fifty or so.”

“Can I play scotch hop?” Elizabeth asked Susan, tugging at her skirt. “They want me to play with them.” She indicated a group of young girls just a little older than she was, urging her to join them.

“Certainly, but don’t go out of sight.”

Elizabeth ran with the other children to where the scotch hop boxes were drawn in the dust of the road.

John turned to Susan. “I should speak to some of the parents. I want to let them know about the school. Come with me so I can introduce you as the headmistress.”

Susan had to laugh. “Oh, yes, I guess I am. I hadn’t thought of myself as that, but I will be, won’t I?”

“Indeed, but also a teacher, I presume.”

“Yes. Certainly a teacher as well.”

John went over to the nearest mother standing at her doorstep. As she approached several other neighboring women joined them.

“How can we help you, Your Grace?” The eldest woman asked.

“I’ve come to tell you about the plans for the school. I’m happy to report that the project is finally moving ahead and I want to introduce you to the Head Teacher, Miss Susan Wilton. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask her.”

“Good afternoon,” Susan said. “And I would like to ask you questions as well. I want to find out exactly what you need from the school. So speak up, please.”

Susan and the mothers engaged in a lively conversation about the school as John wandered back to the carriage and scanned the square to find where Elizabeth was playing and to keep an eye on her.

Shortly Susan returned and addressed John. “Most interesting. And most useful. Thank you for introducing me to those mothers. It’s given me a lot to think about in designing the curriculum.”

“Good.”

Susan looked up at John and observed him watching his daughter. She was delighted he was taking an interest in her and felt an urge to put her arm through his but thought better of it. It wouldn’t be appropriate at Haverford, and most certainly would not be so here in front of the villagers.

John turned to Susan, and asked, “Did you get all the information you need for now? I was thinking we should return home.”

“Yes, if you like. But Elizabeth does seem to be enjoying herself. I hate to take her away when she’s having so much fun.”

“We can arrange for her to play again soon.”

“Very well, I’ll go fetch her.”

Susan went to the group of playing girls.

“Elizabeth, it’s time for us to go home, dear.”

Elizabeth looked up. “Ah, do I have to? I’m having such a lot of fun.”

“We can do this again soon.”

Elizabeth grabbed the hand of a girl her age and brought her over to Susan.

“This is my new friend, Sara, and she has a twin brother, Patrick. Can they come to play with me sometime?”

“That might be possible. We’ll need to speak to your father about that.” Susan squatted down and took Sara’s hand. “Hello, Miss Sara, I’m Miss Wilton. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she said shyly, pulling at her dress and tilting her head.

“And what’s your last name?”

“Franklin.”

“Then Sara Franklin, Elizabeth needs to go home now, but we’ll try and arrange for her to play with you again very soon.”

“Good. I’ve got to go back now. Good-bye.” Sara said and scampered off.

* * *

Elizabeth was exhausted by the time they got back to Haverford. She was stretched out across the carriage seat where Susan was sitting, her head resting on Susan’s lap.

“Elizabeth really enjoyed herself this afternoon. And I’d like to make arrangements to have the Franklin twins come to play, as she is quite taken with Sara.”

“Isn’t it too far for them to walk here?” John asked.

“Yes, we’d have to arrange transportation for them. Or I could pick them up in the trap.”

“That’s not your responsibility.”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“You need to be with Elizabeth.” John seemed agitated by the idea.

“Is it the fact that they are workers’ children? I thought you were open to having them play with Elizabeth?” Susan said a little sternly.

John wagged his hand. “I have to say I’m still ambivalent about that. I’m sorry. I know I was supposed to put together a list of neighbors with children for you. But I’ll think about it.”

When they arrived back at the house, John carried Elizabeth up to her room and laid her on her bed. Susan removed her shoes and pulled back the bed covers to slip her underneath.

“She missed her nap,” Susan said, pulling the covers back up. “I’ll let her sleep for now and make sure she has her supper when she wakes up.”

“Thank you for your help today. I look forward to working with you on the school. I can see by the way you are with Elizabeth that you are an excellent teacher.”

He reached out and put his hand on Susan’s arm. And once again she felt that charge of energy surge between them.

“Thank you. And I hope I live up to your expectations with the school as well.”

“I’m sure you will.”

John smiled and looked into her eyes and lingered until she needed to turn away.

“I’ll see you at supper,” she said before turning back to check on Elizabeth.

“Until then.”

Then John left. Susan made sure Elizabeth was sound asleep before going to her own room. As she entered, she was pleased to find a letter from Daniel on her desk. She went to the window seat and snuggled in and opened the letter.

My Dearest Susan,

What a delight it was to see you on my brief shore leave. But alas, it is time for me to leave again. I know you have responsibilities with your charge, but I had hoped I might see you again before I left. But it was not to be so.

Those rascal American cousins of ours are acting up again and there is talk of a new war. However, my next assignment appears to be a routine voyage to Jamaica. There are pirates operating in the region again, so we are to go hunt us a few. Am hoping for a jolly chase and a successful and quick sail home.

I had time to find a little token of my affection for you. Something other than a ribbon from my hat. And I have left it with Katherine. Know it expresses my sincerest love for you.

I so long to see you again and I pray you wish me a fair wind both going and coming home.

All my deepest affection,

Daniel

P.S. Katherine asks me to tell you she wishes to come visit you soon and will send you a note when she can propose some times.

Inside the letter was a dried autumn leaf she remembered him picking up during their walk by the river.

Susan sat in the window seat contemplating the letter while gazing outside at the fading afternoon light. She folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.

It was nearing suppertime and she needed to check in on Elizabeth and see if she was stirring yet. She must be hungry by now after her vigorous playtime this afternoon.

As Susan left her room, she saw Clarissa walking down the hallway.

“Is it suppertime already?” Susan asked.

“Nearly. But I’m just headed to the laundry to check on today’s washing. I need to keep on top of those maids, you know. And how was your outing?”

Susan told Clarissa about Elizabeth’s new friends and how suitable the house was for the school. She also said that John seemed reluctant to allow Elizabeth to play with the village children.

“What do you think about that?” Susan asked.

“It seems like an excellent idea to me, but I’m not His Grace. He’s in a different positon than we are, and he has standards to uphold.” Clarissa leaned in and whispered. “It’s bred into them, you know. A little bit of snobbery is in the blood.”

Susan laughed. “But I think he wants to change that.”

“Don’t push it. Drop subtle hints, but let him think it’s his idea. Understand what I mean?”

Susan nodded.

“Then I shall see you at supper, my dear.” And Clarissa moved on.

Susan went to Elizabeth’s room to check on her. The girl was already up and sitting at her table practicing the letters Susan was starting to teach her.

“I’m having a hard time with my b’s. They look just like the h’s,” Elizabeth said.

“That’s fine. It just takes practice. Are you hungry? Are you ready for your supper?”

“In just a minute. I want to practice the m’s and n’s first.”

As Susan waited, she stared out the window. However, something was nagging at her. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She had been happy to get Daniel’s letter, but she couldn’t get John out of her mind. There was something about him that had struck her in the carriage ride home. It was the slope of his neck as he was turned looking out the window, and the way the light played on it. It profoundly moved her and she didn’t know why. She felt ridiculous, but she couldn’t shake the image from her mind or the way that it made her feel. She had to laugh. She was, truly, becoming silly.