“Excellent. I feel like a good workout. Can youmanage?”
“I’ll keep up,” Susaninsisted.
* * *
They mountedand set out across the fields. The sun was declining behind the western line of trees and the sky was alight with a wash of subtle wintercolors.
They rode to the far crest where John liked to stop, dismount and study his lands—with Haverford House in the fardistance.
As they stood and observed the scene before them, a herd of deer emerged from the edge of the farwoods.
“How is Simon doing?” Susanasked.
John turned to look at her. “It was touch and go. Scarlet fever. But the crisis has passed. However, he will have a longrecovery.”
“I’m happy to hear that hewillrecover.”
“I’m sure he would be happy to see you, once he’s stronger. I told him you were working here withElizabeth.”
“Was hesurprised?”
“A little. But his head has not been too clear, so I don’t know how much he reallyunderstood.”
They were silent as the sun began to set. John cast a look at Susan. Her face was lit golden by the setting sun. It warmed his heart to see her again. He realized he’d really missed seeing her while he was inLondon.
“Wasn’t today the day the twins were coming to play with Elizabeth?” heasked.
“Yes, and it went fine. They had a great time and look forward to next week. I feel it’s a modest beginning to what will eventually become theschool.”
“Have you worked on our equipment listyet?”
“Yes, I have and I’m ready to meet with you whenever youwish.”
“Good. Soon.” He looked up at the sky. “It will be dark before long, we best headback.”
John helped Susan onto the horse and, as he took hold of Susan’s waist to help her up, he felt a surge of, what he could only call passion, as she turned her head toward him and he could feel her breath on hischeek.
John quickly mounted his horse and spurred it on, as they set off across the field, scattering the deer as theyapproached.
* * *
The next morningJohn paced the library. He was still in turmoil over Simon’s illness. And now Simon was home. John had not given a lot of thought to what might come next for his brother, but he wanted to give it some serious thoughtnow.
His first impulse was to offer Simon a part of the estate, but if he did that, the totality of the estate would diminish. The whole point of primogeniture was to pass the estate on to a single heir in order to keep it intact so that the land could support the Dukedom. John knew he needed to honor that tradition for the sake of stability and his futureheirs.
Standish came into thelibrary.
“Your Grace, you wanted me to let you know when Mr. Simonawoke.”
“Yes, thankyou.”
“He has asked for food and to seeyou.”
“Standish, do you think he might be up to seeing Miss Susan and my daughter? He has not met her, youknow.”
“If you think Miss Elizabeth would be ready to meet her uncle, then I believe he would be happy to meet her. He does seem greatly improved from when he arrivedyesterday.”
“Very well, Standish. Please serve Simon his meal and tell him I shall attend on himpresently.”
