“Perhaps. It’s too soon to tell, and that’s why I’m asking you to allow her to stay longer. We need to get to know each other better. Will you please sayyes?”
John sincerely believed that Simon would eventually see Miss Fitz for the adventurer that she was. But that might take time and he didn’t want to obstruct Simon’spursuits.
“Very well, I consent. However, you really don’t need my permission. You are family. You live here now. You are an adult and you can make your owndecisions.”
“But you are the Duke. This is your domain and you do have final say in all matters pertaining to your estate.” Simon saidpointedly.
John was disappointed. “Simon, I’d like us to get beyond that kind of thinking. I want you to feel that this is your home too. And I’d like you to find a way to integrate yourself into the fabric of our life here. I want you to find what works for you. If you want, thatis.
“Then, I’ll tell Fitz she can continue as ourguest.”
“Yes. If that’s what youwant.”
“Itis.”
They were approaching the wool shed and it was time to get down to the business of theday.
* * *
The next morning,as promised, John joined Susan in her walk. As they headed down the path John took Susan’s hand. She looked up at him andsmiled.
“Christmas will be here before we know it,” Susan said. “What festivities do youcelebrate?”
“It has been somewhat subdued these past years since Annabel died. But I was thinking Elizabeth is old enough now to appreciate Christmas more. I was hoping we might be a little more lavish thisyear?”
“Do you plan on a large party with manyguests?”
“Not that. I was thinking it should just be only family. Now that Simon is home and you are in our family’s life it should be livelier than in pastyears.”
“Does that include Miss Fitz too?” Susanasked.
John smiled. “Yes, I’m afraid it does. It seems Simon is quite taken with her and is in the process ofcourting.”
“Is she interested in him? After all, he has no title and no land. I would have thought she would be looking for far greenerpastures.”
“I think there may be a certain desperation in her search these days. And she may know that I’m planning to settle a living onSimon.”
“That’sgenerous.”
“I don’t want him to get lost again. I’m trying to induce him to settle in here at Haverford. I’m hoping he can find a niche he might enjoymanaging.”
“What about the school? He could be headmaster and it would free me up to concentrate on what I love the most—teaching.”
John looked at her. “That’s a very interesting idea. Do you think it would be enough to occupy himfully?”
“I don’t know if this is in your plan, but I was thinking we might open the school to other children outside the village. Make it more of a regional school. It might even be possible to introduce payingstudents.”
“My, that is forward thinking. Let’s discuss that idea with him and see what hesays.”
They came to a pause in the conversation. Susan enjoyed the fact that they could walk on in silence without any discomfort and or need to fill the silence withchatter.
John removed his hand from hers and put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer as they walked on, as she was shiveringslightly.
He finally said, “I believe you wanted to talk to me at some point about the villager’s concerns aboutupkeep?”
She turned to him. “Yes, but not now. I’m enjoying our stroll and just being quiet withyou.”
He smiled. “Yes, it’s pleasant, isn’tit?”
