“Certainly. Then is it something you mightenjoy?”
“I’d very much like to think about itfirst.”
“Iunderstand.”
Simon then asked, “If I didn’t take the position would you still provide me with a living? What if I wanted to go back toLondon?”
That gave John pause for thought. “Wouldn’t that just be a repeat of the situation that got you into troublebefore?”
“Not the best idea. But for argument’s sake, what else might be available for me to do besides sheep dipping atHaverford?”
“There’s a position open for a footman,” John said with asmirk.
“Think I’ll pass onthat.”
“There is one otherthing?”
“Yes?”
“The village is in desperate need of repairs. Besides helping with the finish out construction work at the school, you might oversee the renovation of the village. There’s a lot that needs doing there. Talk to Susan about that, she’s had an earful from the mothers of the village about what needs to bedone.”
Simon stood up from the chair and went to throw another log on the fire. Then he turned to Johnagain.
“And there’s another matter I wanted to tell you,” Johnsaid.
“You’re going to marry Susan, aren’t you,” Simon saidsmiling.
“Oh no. But I have expressed my feelings toward her?” a surprised John said. “What made you saythat?”
“It’s so obvious. You two… Transparent as windowglass.”
“Really?”
Simon took a couple of steps back and put his hands in hispockets.
“John, I have something to add tothat.”
“Oh?”
“Miss Fitz and I…” he said, afraid to speak therest.
“Seriously? Fitz?Simon…”
“No, listen. I know what she is. But underneath is this vulnerable little girl. You’ve not seen it, but I have. What you see is her façade. It’s all show and bluster. But I’ve seen who she really is, and it’s tender andlovely.”
“Hmm. Are you certain aboutthat?”
“Yes.”
“And what are your intentions, might Iask?”
“Not immediately—but eventually, I’d like her to become my wife. And I want you to be patient with her. Give her a chance to drop her act and reveal her trueself.”
“That might take a leap of faith. I must say, I don’t see that, but I’m willing to be provedwrong.”
“Then leave it to me, and Iwillconvince you. Give us time. Don’t make her feel threatened. Back off making her feel she’s not welcome. Can you dothat?”
“For you, Simon, I’lltry.”
