But this was a very tricky situation. Miss Susan was his employee—the teacher and nanny to his child. And she was not of his class. But when had that ever mattered to him? He was already known amongst his peers as the rogue Duke—as he had so little regard for the trappings of his rank. In many ways, he was much more like her than he was to his father, the formerDuke.
And then he remembered the great impediment—she was nearly engaged to that sea captain, and his spiritssank.
There was a knock at the door, and Miss Susanentered.
“I’m so glad you’re ready to work on the school now. Have you had an opportunity to review the list of equipment I gaveyou?”
John needed to pull himself together after hismusings.
“Yes, I have and I see no impediment to moving forward. I’ve budgeted enough for what you suggest we need topurchase.”
“Excellent. Then what do you think about making the changes to the school building that we discussedearlier?”
“I think we may want to wait until the spring to make those changes. The house can be very cold to work in during thewinter.”
Susan nodded. “Yes. That makes sense. Then would you like me to put together lesson plans for the classes? I could start onthose.”
“Yes, and let’s work together on ordering all the equipment we’ll need. It’ll take time for the items to be shipped and in some cases installed. I know the kitchen is nowhere near beingfunctional.”
Susan lit up. “Oh, John, I’m so excited about the school. I know the parents and children of the village are going to be so happy to finally have their schoolopen.”
John was so taken with her glowing enthusiasm that he got up from his desk and went over to her and took herhands.
“Susan. You don’t mind me calling you just Susan, doyou?”
Susan looked up at him with a glowing expression. “Not at all. In fact, I like it,” she said as she lowered hereyes.
“You know I hold you in very highregard.”
“Thank you, John. I am both humbled andhonored.”
“But it’s not just for your service, but for you personally aswell.
Susan looked up at him with a questioning regard. “But… John…I…”
“I know about your sea captain, but I can’t help myself. Susan, please, unless you’ve betrothed yourself to him please consider mysuit.”
“Oh, John… I…” She removed her hands from his and turned toward thewindow.
“Susan, eversince…”
There was a knock at the door and Standishappeared.
“Your Grace, your guest, Miss Fitzwilliam, has arrived and wishes to beadmitted.
