Susan gave Katherine a hug just before she got into the trap to return to Ash.

“I’m sorry we never got our girl’s night gossip. I had no idea the Duke would insist we attend that dinner.”

“That’s all right. We’ll do it another time when there are no guests.” She began to giggle. “Weren’t they the strangest people you’ve ever seen? Are all Londoners like that?”

Susan shrugged. “Many are. But at least the Duke is a decent bloke.”

“Yes, he seems to be. He was very gracious to me.” She nudged Susan, “And very handsome, as well. How in the world can he still not be married?”

“Well, I know someone who’s certainly trying to change that,” Susan said.

“Oh, yes. The Fitzwilliam woman.”

Susan nodded.

Katherine got into the trap. “Good-bye, for now, my dear.”

“Give my love to your mamma,” Susan said as she touched Katherine’s sleeve.

Katherine snapped the reigns and headed for home.

Susan was a little sad, but she had lessons with Elizabeth, and that always cheered her up. After Susan returned to the house she was waylaid by John coming down the stairs as she was going up.

“You looked lovely last evening,” he said.

“Thank you. And thank you for including Katherine in the dinner party. You need not have done that.”

“She was your friend. Of course, I would include her.” John seemed to be looking at Susan’s neck. “Is that new?” he asked, referring to the locket. “I’ve not seen it before.”

“It’s a gift from Daniel. Katherine brought it with her.”

“Ah.” He seemed stymied for a moment. “I don’t suppose you’ve had an opportunity to put together the cost estimate for the schoolhouse yet?”

“I’ve not. So sorry, but with Katherine visiting, and the guests coming and going, I’ve not had the leisure to attempt that yet.”

“I understand. But the guests will soon be gone. We’re going shooting this afternoon, and I’m hoping one more day after that will be quite enough for all of us,” he said smiling slightly.

Susan had to smile as well. “They certainly are a colorful lot.”

John laughed. “You are being far too generous.”

“And the sheering? Nearing completion?”

“Very soon.”

Susan then asked, “Elizabeth has been asking me when she can play with the Franklin twins again. I was wondering how I might go about arranging that.”

“Ah, yes. What did you have in mind?”

“I was thinking to pick the twins up one morning. The three could play in the schoolroom, stay for lunch, play a little more and we could send them home after.”

John considered for a moment. “What about not just playing, but including lessons as well. I’ve seen how you turn learning into play. It might give you an opportunity to test your teaching methods with the actual children who will be benefiting from the school.”

“What a wonderful idea. Then perhaps we could make it a regular event—like once a week to begin with. What would you say to that?”

“Sounds perfect. Why don’t you and Elizabeth go to the village one morning and make arrangements?”

Susan smiled. “Perhaps after the guests have left.”

John nodded.

“John, there you are,” Fitz called out as she was coming down the stairs in her riding costume.

John turned to her and smiled. “Are you going riding?”

“I thought I might. Care to join me?” she asked as she stood next to him, tucking a lock of his hair behind an ear.

“I’m still needed at the sheering. Patricia rides, she might accompany you.”

Fitz pouted. “I think not. She’s not nearly as charming as you are,” she said, sliding her hand down his arm.

“Then what about Miss Susan, she rides, I believe?” He turned toward her.

“As delightful as that sounds, I have a class with Elizabeth shortly,” Susan answered desperately trying to withhold her contempt.

“Ah, yes. Of course, I quite forgot.” John then turned to Fitz again. “And Sir Andrew then? Does he ride?”

“Not horses.”

“Ladies, you must excuse me. The sheep are calling me.” He started to walk down the stairs but turned to Susan. “I’d like to stop in and see Elizabeth later this afternoon.”

“She naps at three.”

John nodded and left. Fitz slapped her riding crop against her leg and headed down the stairs, as Susan went to fetch Elizabeth.

* * *

The three men stood loading their shotguns, as the beaters were up ahead ready for the signal to begin beating the bushes to startle the birds into flying skyward.

It was an overcast afternoon with a nippy wind coming down from the north. The trees had lost most of their autumn leaves by now and the landscape was bleak and dreary.

The men loaded the guns with shot and John called out, “Begin.”

The beaters began moving through the underbrush clapping and calling out. A covey of quail flew into the air and Bentley called out “Mine,” and shot both barrels, dropping three or four birds. John’s dogs immediately headed to retrieve the game.

“Good dogs,” John praised as they returned. “Go ahead and reload,” John suggested.

“I broke a tooth from the buckshot in a damn quail once,” Sir Andrew said. “Don’t mind hunting them, but don’t much like eating them.”

“Then save the shot. Just take in the fresh air and stroll about,” Bentley said. “You can be such a wuss, Andrew.”

“Poor birdies. And you can be such a brute,” Andrew replied.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please,” John reprimanded, and then commanded the beaters, “Again.”

This time a brace of pheasants flew skyward, and both John and Bentley shot at the same time, taking them both down.

“Good shooting, old man,” Bentley said, beaming like a schoolboy.

The dogs retrieved the birds again.

“Load,” John said.

“That woman, what’s her name? The nanny. Smart looking, but not very friendly. Why do you keep her?” Bentley asked.

“She’s an excellent teacher and is working wonders with my daughter. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak of her in that way.”

Bentley looked at John. “Old man, I believe you have a thing for her.”

John looked over—a little shaken. “Not at all. Why would you say that?”

“I’ve seen you staring at her. Quite a looker, I do agree, but are you sure? The nanny? Isn’t that a terrible cliché?”

“It’s your imagination, I quite assure you.”

“Bentley, you’re a pompous bore. I think she’s very charming,” Sir Andrew said.

“What would you know?” Bentley barked. “She’s hardly your type, wouldn’t you say?”

“Still. She was very kind to me and took a keen interest in my poetry.”

“Rubbish. All of it’s just rubbish.”

“I’ll not have quarreling. Please let’s just shoot or go back,” John demanded.

“How many more do we need for supper?” Bentley asked.

“Two more pheasants or a dozen more quail.”

“Then let’s shoot.”

* * *

Elizabeth seemed to be coming down with a cold, so Susan put her to bed early and decided to stay and read to her instead of going down to dinner. She sent John word Elizabeth was ill and not to come to the school room as he’d planned, and she knew he would understand.

Before going down to dinner, Clarissa stopped by Elizabeth’s room.

“Are you off to dinner?” Susan asked.

“I am.” She smiled. “Lucky you for being able to stay behind.”

Susan sat back in her chair and asked, “How can these people be John’s friends? They are so very different.”

“Only one was an early friend. But even friends change and John is no longer in touch with his university crowd. And since he became Duke his whole focus has been on Haverford. And, of course, Annabel’s death was a terrible blow and there is no doubt that changed him significantly.”

“I can’t imagine losing someone like that. It must have been a terrible trial.”

“Such grief! Of course, I lost my husband too, but we’d been married a long time and his passing was slow. I became used to the inevitability by the end. But when one dies so young and unexpectedly—it can be truly devastating.”

“But you had no children to share that with.”

“No, I didn’t. But John has been very dear to me—almost like a child. I care for him so much. And, of course, there’s the dear Elizabeth.”

“Has he ever said if he would consider marrying again?” Susan asked.

Clarissa thought about that. “I can’t remember him ever saying. But he is still so young, with his whole life before him. I would certainly urge it if he ever consulted me on the matter.”

“Miss Fitzwilliam seems to have her eyes on him,” Susan said softly. She looked up to Clarissa. “Has he said anything to you about her?”

Clarissa shook her head. “Not a thing. But I can’t imagine he would be attracted to her. True, she is quite beautiful, but in a rather obvious and not very subtle way.”

“I’ve seen him smile at her quite often.”

“Smiling is not necessarily desiring,” Clarissa added.

Susan nodded. “Ah, well. It’s none of my business.”

Clarissa studied Susan, and then said, “It could be.”

Susan looked up a little startled. “What do you mean by that?”

“Only that you care for Elizabeth, and you are now an integral part of his family’s life. Anything that affects him is going to necessarily affect you as well.”

“Are you going to read to me some more?” Elizabeth asked. “You stopped.”

Susan looked at Elizabeth. “I did, didn’t I? How rude I am. But your dear Aunt and I needed to chat for a moment.”

“I should be going down. It’s the farewell dinner and I’ll be expected.”

“I know you’re going to miss me,” Susan teased.

“You have no idea. The last thing I need is to see Miss Fitz pawing at poor John. And Mr. Comerford and his mousy wife trumpeting their shabby credentials.”

Susan laughed. “Be brave, dear Clarissa.”

* * *

The next morning the servants were gathered in front of the house to accept the guest’s gratuities as they were leaving. The carriage was pulled up and the footmen were loading the luggage.

Miss Fitz had held back as the others were leaving and pulled John aside. Susan was just coming from the kitchen with Elizabeth’s breakfast tray since she was still displaying cold symptoms. She couldn’t help herself and, seeing the two of them together, she stopped and stepped back into the shadows. However, she could still overhear the conversation.

“My dearest John, thank you for such a lovely visit. I can’t tell you how much it has meant for me to get to know you.”

“It was all my pleasure,” John said.

“Your lovely home… the absolutely fascinating history of your family. It has taken me into another world. And I should so love to return very soon so that I might take up your instruction once again.”

“You wish to return?” John asked.

Fitz smiled sweetly, “Don’t you wish me to? This visit has been so rushed. I thought it might be nice if we had more time to get to know one another without all the distractions. We could spend more time… alone… together.”

Sir Andrew called loudly from outside, “Fitz, are you coming or not? It would be nice to get home before Christmas.”

“I’ll be there. Hold your horses,” she shouted back. Then she turned, once again, to John, and looked up at him with pleading eyes and placed both of her hands on his arms. “I was planning a country visit in a week or two, perhaps I might stop by and say hello.”

“Very well,” John said, taking her by the arm and leading her to the door and outside.

Susan, who’d practically been holding her breath, scurried up the stairs to take Elizabeth her breakfast.

* * *

Elizabeth’s illness was short lived, and Susan arranged for a covered carriage to take the two of them to the village to seek out the Franklin twins.

The day of their outing, Elizabeth was so excited she hardly touched her breakfast, and Susan needed to insist she finish it before they could leave.

“Might I go with you?” Clarissa asked, appearing in the breakfast room, already dressed for an outing.

“Of course. What interests you about our little jaunt?” Susan asked.

“Oh, I just need to get out. I spend far too much time inside.”

“You’re always welcome to come walking with me in the mornings,” Susan said.

“Yes, but my knees wouldn’t welcome that,” she said laughing.

“Do you know why we’re going to the village?”

“John told me. He’s very pleased with your involvement in the village school.”

Susan nodded. “That’s good. There’s still a lot to do, but at least we have a plan.”

“I’m finished. Can we go now?” Elizabeth asked, as she scooted off her chair and took Susan’s hand.

“We need to get you bundled up. It’s cold outside, and we don’t want your cold coming back, now do we?” Susan turned to Clarissa. “Shall we meet in the entryway? I’ve had the carriage pulled up in front.”

“Ten minutes?” Clarissa asked.

“Sounds about right.”

Once in the carriage, they set out for the village. There had been a frost overnight and the fields were covered in a white frost, except where the sun had risen above the trees and burned it off.

Elizabeth was glued to the carriage window. Susan and Clarissa were lost in their own thoughts, and then Clarissa asked, “It was lovely meeting your friend, Katherine. She’s a jolly sort.”

Susan smiled. “Yes, she is.”

“And did I understand that she’s the sister of your captain friend?”

“Yes, Captain Daniel.”

“It must be difficult not seeing him for months on end.”

Susan turned her head to one side. “And that’s at the root of our dilemma. We’re trying to work out how a marriage like that might work. Mind you, we’re not officially engaged. He’s asked me, but I’ve not agreed yet.”

“And you’ve not been home to see your family since you’ve been at Haverford, have you?”

“No. And I must do that. I get so caught up with Elizabeth I forget about my other obligations. Thank you for reminding me. I must make arrangements to spend a few days at home soon.”

“I can watch Elizabeth for you. A few days away from lessons won’t hurt her.”

The coach arrived in the village and, once again, the inhabitants came out to investigate. However, since it was a cold day, no children were playing in the square.

As they got out of the coach, they were approached by several of the mothers.

“Can you direct us to the Franklin house, please? Susan asked the most commanding looking mother.

“Over there,” she said, pointing to a house just down the street from the square. “The one with the blue door.”

“You were with the Duke when he was here last, t’wernt ya?”

“Yes, and I remember you too,” Susan said.

“And you be what to the Duke? Housekeeper?”

“No, I’m going to be the school mistress to the new school when we get up and running. Don’t you remember?”

“Aye. Now I do. And can’t come soon enough. Let me tell ya. So much here needs doin’ here in the village.”

“I’m unaware,” Susan said. “What exactly needs doing? I’ll be happy to pass your concerns along to the Duke.”

The women laughed. “Oh, he knows. Just won’t do nothin’ ‘bout it.”

Susan was shocked. That didn’t sound like the man she knew.

“Tell me, I’d like to know. Perhaps I can help.”

“You a wizard? You got magic powers?” the mother asked.

Susan chuckled. “Not exactly. But there is power and magic in words. Maybe I can speak to him.”

“Do you think we’ve not done that?”

“But I’m working closely with him on the school. He might take another listen if I present your concerns.”

Clarissa stepped forward. “Excuse me, Susan. Elizabeth is getting antsy, might you like to take Elizabeth to the Franklins, and I will note what these ladies have to say.” She turned to the women. “I promise to note your concerns accurately.”

“That be fine,” the mother said.

“Excellent idea, Clarissa.” She turned to the women. “I hope you don’t mind. I promise we will talk to the Duke.”

The women nodded.

Susan took Elizabeth by the hand and led her to the Franklin house.

The three children were so happy to see each other again, and Susan discussed with their mother about the plan to bring the twins once a week to Haverford for play and instruction. The mother agreed and arrangements were made to start the next Friday.

Returning home in the carriage, Susan asked, “Did the mothers have a lot to say?”

“Oh, my. They brought up some serious issues. The wells, the roofing, the streets, sanitation. I think you and I should make a list and sit down with John together and talk to him about all of this.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”