They went to Elizabeth’s room where Charlotte was sitting with her until Susan came to take Elizabeth to the classroom.

“Good morning, my precious,” Susan said, greeting the girl. She then turned to Katherine. “And this is my very best friend in the whole world, Katherine.”

“Good morning, cutie,” Katherine said.

Elizabeth looked a little crestfallen, but Susan leaned in and blew noisy, wet kisses on Elizabeth’s neck. “Best friend, after you, of course.”

That made Elizabeth giggle and squirm, as she was ticklish from the kisses.

“Let’s go, pumpkin. Time for class.” Susan took her hand and they left her room and headed toward the class room.

“You don’t need to stay with me the entire morning. Feel free to go for a walk or wander the house and see the wonderful art. Or take a nap—whatever you like,” Susan said to Katherine.

“I don’t want to go walking without you, but I might go explore the house.”

“Good. And here we are.”

They went into the school room and Katherine settled in to watch as Susan both played and taught Elizabeth at the same time.

After an hour Katherine excused herself. “What time do you break for lunch?”

“One.”

“I’ll be back before then,” she said and left.

Katherine was not back by one o’clock, so Susan took Elizabeth to the breakfast room where she usually had her meals and then went looking for Katherine.

As she was passing through the entryway she saw John chatting with Katherine at the library door.

“Not out sheering?” Susan asked as she approached.

“All morning and I’m afraid I smell like a sheepfold. But since I have guests I wanted to be back for lunch. Now I need to clean up.”

“I assume Miss Katherine has introduced herself.”

“Yes, we’ve been chatting. It’s a pleasure to meet your friend. But how are you? I understand you were not well last evening. We missed you at dinner. All my guests were all so looking forward to meeting you.”

“Oh, Your Grace, I’m ashamed to say I told a little white lie. I was not really ill. I feigned illness to avoid coming to dinner.”

“Whatever for?” John asked.

“I’m not sure it’s appropriate for me to be with your guests at table.”

“What? Oh, Miss Susan, that’s not so.” He leaned in and whispered. “In fact, you’re far superior in manners and intellect to almost any of them.”

“Oh, sir…” Susan said shyly.

“What’s keeping you, John?” a voice rang out.

Miss Fitzwilliam appeared at the library door behind John. She came over and put her arm through John’s.

“Just having a conversation with Miss Wilton. I’ll be right back,” he said turning to her. “Have you two met?”

“We have,” Fitz said, icily.

“Miss Fitzwilliam visited the school room yesterday afternoon,” Susan said non-committedly.

That made John smile. He turned to Fitz, “Ah, so you like children?”

She hesitated but answered. “Yes. In their place. We were investigating the house and stumbled across the nursery.” She glared at Susan, who retained her composure. She was not about to give this woman the satisfaction of riling her.

“Let me just finish here and I’ll be right with you,” John said to Fitz. “I’m so happy to find you’re interested in my family’s history. I have several more books and maps I can show you.”

Fitz gave a syrupy smile as she withdrew her arm from John’s. “I’ll be waiting.” And she went back inside.

Susan could not help but notice that Fitz was making a play for John. Could he seriously be interested in her? But wasn’t she Sir Andrew’s companion? This was all too much for her to fathom. However, she could not deny that she was feeling a little jealous. And that was ridiculous—she had Daniel.

John turned back to Susan and Katherine.

“Are you joining us for lunch?” he asked.

“Not this afternoon. I need to work with Elizabeth some more this afternoon, and she’ll be finishing her lunch in half an hour.”

“But you will join us for dinner? —both of you, of course. It would be a pleasure to chat with you more, Miss Katherine.”

Susan seemed reluctant. She’d planned a girl’s night with the two of them gossiping and giggling, not getting dressed up and making small talk with a lot of snobs.

“I would really like you to be there, Miss Susan,” John said. And it sounded like an order, not a request.

“If that’s what you wish, Your Grace, then we shall be there.”

“Excellent,” he said and went back into the library.

“I didn’t bring anything to wear for a formal dinner,” Katherine said with a hint of desperation.

“Oh, dear… and I doubt I have anything that would fit you,” Susan said. “Maybe Aunt Clarissa might have an idea.”

“I suppose I could drive home and bring something back.”

“Oh no, that’s too far, and we will miss out on our walk after the afternoon class.”

Katherine pouted her bottom lip. “I shouldn’t have come while the Duke had guests. I’m just in the way.”

“Nonsense. We’ll figure something out.”

* * *

Katherine was not smiling. She had on a dress Aunt Clarissa had found at the back of her armoire. It was outdated, and its shape was reminiscent of a sack of potatoes.

“Hmm,” Susan said introspectively.

“That bad?” Katherine moaned.

“A nip here and a tuck there and you’ll look just like a princess,” Susan said, suddenly sounding cheery and bright.

Katherine turned and looked at herself in the standing mirror.

“Oh-h-h. I don’t think so.” She looked deflated.

Susan went over to her sewing basket and returned with a pin cushion. She immediately began pinning the dress and in ten minutes Katherine turned back to the mirror and smiled.

“Well, now that’s not too bad.”

“Take it off and I’ll alter it. And did you bring any jewelry? If not I can find you a nice necklace to go with that.”

That reminded Katherine. “Oh, oh, oh… your gift from Daniel. I forgot to give that to you. Let me get it.”

She went to her bag and pawed through it until she pulled out a small wrapped box, and handed it to Susan.

“There.”

Susan opened it and found a beautiful simple locket, and inside of that was a lock of Daniel’s golden hair.

“What is it? Katherine asked.

Susan handed it to Katherine to examine.

“How sweet. I know he wanted to have a miniature portrait done but there wasn’t time.”

“I treasure it. And will wear it this very evening.” She turned to the mirror and put it around her neck.

Susan felt a warm glow when she thought of Daniel. What a sweet man. And he was so sincere. She treasured his friendship, and she was grateful for his interest in her. But where was that spark? —that charge of surging energy she felt when she was touched by John? Perhaps it was nothing. She had a dear man in her life and she was grateful.

* * *

Champagne was being served in the drawing room. Standish and a footman were keeping the glasses filled as the guests, dressed in their finest, chatted with John and Aunt Clarissa.

John was engaged in conversation with Bentley and Patricia. Fitz stood to one side eyeing John, and Sir Andrew was on the other side eyeing the footman.

As Susan and Katherine came into the room John turned to them. Susan was dressed in one of her ball gowns and Katherine had managed to make it with Aunt Clarissa’s altered dress. It was outdated, but it was formal, and it somewhat fit.

“Ah, there you are. Come have some wine and join us. Everyone, this is Elizabeth’s nanny and tutor, Miss Susan Wilton, and her friend, Katherine Howe who is her guest for a day or two.”

The guests looked over but did not respond, except for Patricia who nodded and said, “Pleased to meet you both.”

Susan and Katherine went to receive a glass of champagne and then went over to where John and Clarissa were standing. As they approached Fitz moved in closer to John.

“Did you enjoy your stroll in the park?” John asked Katherine. “I saw you and Susan with Elizabeth. I was just coming back from afternoon sheering.”

“We did. It’s such a lovely estate. You must be very proud of it,” Katherine said.

“Very much so.”

“Susan says the railway will be coming through here. Is that something you welcome?”

“It is.”

Fitz said, “His grandfather designed the park. I find it just breathtaking. Such lovely vistas and fine walks. What an honor it would be to be mistress of such a lovely home.”

Susan groaned inwardly. How could this woman be so obvious? Did John not see what she was trying to do?”

She turned to Sir Andrew. “I’m curious, Sir Andrew, do you live in London or in the country?”

“Mayfair. One needs to live centrally, and be active in certain circles in my profession.”

“Oh, and what would that be?” Susan asked.

“I’m a poet. I have several published volumes. Perhaps you’ve heard of them… Ode to a Field of Daffodils or The Firmament of My Beloved’s Brow?”

“Alas, I have not,” Susan said. “And where might I find copies of your works?”

“Alas, they are not widely available as I am self-published. But I shall be happy to send you copies.”

“I would appreciate that very much.”

Sir Andrew beamed.

Bentley spoke up. “John, old man, what about a shoot tomorrow afternoon? The weather looks to be fair. I fancy it won’t rain. Maybe we could bag some pheasants for tomorrow’s dinner.”

“Yes, I can arrange that. Do you shoot Sir Andrew?”

“Only pool, I’m afraid. Never been one for outdoor sport, don’t ya know. Which is not to say I’ve not bagged one or two birds in my time.”

“Pool, it shall be then. After dinner,” John said.

Standish announced. “My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, dinner is soon to be served. If you would follow me, please.”

John turned to Susan and Katherine, “Might I escort you?”

Fitz maneuvered herself between John and Susan and prepared to take his arm.

“Yes, you may,” she said.

However, Clarissa, seeing the play, turned to Fitz and, taking her hand, led her aside, and stood back to admire her gown. “What a stunning creation. Is it couture?”

Fitz took a quick glance back at John, only to see him take Susan and Katherine by the arm and lead them toward the dining room. But there was nothing she could do without being outrageously rude to Aunt Clarissa, and she said, “Why, yes it is. It’s one of my Paris purchases. Lovely, don’t you think?”

“And you fill it out so nicely,” Clarissa said, responding to Miss Fitzwilliam’s prominent cleavage.

Fitz shot a glance at Sir Andrew, pleading with him by a nod to accompany her to the dining room. He came over and stood between Fitz and Clarissa, and taking their arms led them away saying, “I think I have died and gone to heaven with two such celestial beauties on my arm.”

Fitz whispered, “Oh, shut up, you fool.”

* * *

With the Duke at the head of the table, Aunt Clarissa was seated to his right and Fitz to his left. John noticed that Susan was seated between his aunt and Patricia further down the table.

John glanced Susan’s way, as the wine was being served, and smiled. He greatly appreciated her simplicity and pleasing demeanor. But his glance was interrupted by Fitz, placing her hand on his arm.

“Do you get up to London often?” she asked, playing with a loose thread from John’s cuff.

“I’m afraid not. I find my duties here leave me little time for leisure activities.”

Fitz pouted and twisted a curl of hair around her finger. “What a pity. I should so like to show you the wonders of London. I’m sure you would be thrilled by its many splendors.”

“The splendors I respond to are the mist on the lake in the morning before the sun has risen. The color of the sky, just after the sun has set. The smell of my horse after a good ride, and even the sound a new lamb makes when he first stands.”

Fitz looked at him as though he’d just sprouted a second head.

“Yes, I suppose those things have their charms too.”

“I assure you they do.”

“I say,” Bentley said from the other end of the table, “jolly good plonk, old man. It seems you keep a good cellar.”

John lifted his glass and toasted Bentley.

The butler and the footmen began serving dinner and conversations were mostly between the nearest table companions.

* * *

Katherine was sitting opposite Susan and she leaned forward over the soup and asked softly, “Which spoon?”

Susan pointed to the correct one.

Patricia, who was seated to Susan’s right turned and asked, “Do you frequent The Row often?”

“I beg your pardon?” Susan said, not understanding. “The Row?”

“Rotten Row… Hyde Park.”

Susan shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

“You don’t ride?” Patricia asked in astonishment.

“I don’t live in London, Mrs. Comerford.”

Patricia looked at her, bewildered. “Oh, I thought you did.”

“No, ma’am I’m a school teacher. I live here and teach Elizabeth, the Duke’s daughter.”

“I could have sworn I saw you riding the Row just last Thursday with Sir Malcom. No? Are you certain?”

“Quite certain, Mrs. Comerford. It must have been someone else.”

“How extraordinary, I could have sworn it was you. Are you absolutely certain it wasn’t you?”

“As certain as one can possibly be,” Susan said smiling and amused by this clueless woman.

“My, my,” Patricia said and then turned to speak with her husband at the foot of the table.

How bizarre can things get? Susan wondered. She never in her life had encountered such strange folks. But then she remembered the folks she’d met in Bath, and thought again.

Aunt Clarissa had been speaking with the Duke and Miss Fitz, but she turned to Susan and asked quietly, “How are you doing? Are you finding this as strange a group as I do?”

Susan looked at her and smiled. “Need you ask?”

Clarissa laughed. “We’ll talk later.”

Susan looked across the table and saw Katherine conversing with Sir Andrew.

“Like this,” he was saying as he held up his right hand as though he were holding a teacup—his pinky in the air.

Katherine did the same.

“No, no, no… Like this,” he insisted, arching his little finger, just so.

Katherine tried to mimic his exact arch.

“Almost. But it’s not just the position, it’s the attitude. See?” He demonstrated again and held his head slightly tilted back. “It’s in the neck.” And he waved his finger at the curve of his neck.

Katherine tried but he was not satisfied and sighed. “I guess one is just born with it,” he said and turned away.

Katherine looked over at Susan and shrugged with a giggle.

Standish and the footmen served the rest of the dinner and Susan and Katherine were able to converse together without further interruption during the rest of the meal.

At the conclusion, Clarissa stood and announced, “Ladies, shall we retire to the drawing room, and leave the gentlemen to their cognac and cigars? For those who smoke…” She nodded to John who she knew did not.

The ladies rose and followed Clarissa out of the dining room. Susan glanced back and saw Miss Fitzwilliam reluctantly leaving the Duke, trailing her hand along John’s sleeve as she finally left.

* * *

After the ladies left, Bentley tapped Sir Andrew’s arm and nodded.

Sir Andrew nodded back and stood, addressing John, “I am in the mood for neither cognac nor a cigar this evening. I believe coffee is being served in the drawing room, and the idea of coffee this evening suits me to a T, so to speak.” He laughed at his little joke. “So, if you’ll excuse me, I think I shall join the ladies.”

John nodded and Sir Andrew left the dining room.

“So, it’s just you and me, Windmill,” John chuckled.

“Good lord, you still remember that old school name?” Bentley asked. “I thought I had outrun that for good years ago.”

Standish poured each gentleman a cognac.

“And how’s the law treating you?” John asked.

“Fair. Fair.” Bentley said but shifted in his chair. “John, I’ve been meaning to ask…” He hesitated.

“Yes? Speak up.”

“I had some investments in copper—South Africa, you know. But I’m afraid they went a bit south. But I was a little foolhardy and used the shares as collateral for a loan. But as the shares are bust, well… I’m sure you understand.”

“That’s rough,” John said, guessing what was coming next.

“So, I was wondering, old man, if you could spot me five hundred or so. Just until my gold shares mature, you understand. No more than six months top.”

John twirled the cognac in his glass. “Would that I could. But I’ve just come through a rough spot myself. Was about to lose the house I built for Annabel due to a loan being called in, but the railway was coming through and they bought up the right of way through the estate and that saved me… but only just.”

“Well then, you must be flush now. So can you help an old friend out?”

“I’m sorry Bentley, but that’s impossible. Another cognac?” he asked and motioned to Standish to serve his friend again.

“But, old man, I’m really desperate.”

“Then how did you afford a trip to Paris? That must have cost a fair penny.”

Bentley hung his head, “Andrew and Fiona paid for it.”

“I see. Then your stop to visit me was for more than just a social visit to an old friend?”

“I was hoping…”

“I’m sorry. Truly, I am, having just gone through the experience myself. If a hundred would help I could probably swing that.”

Bentley looked at him with tired eyes. “Thank you, old man. The wife will appreciate it, too.”