Chapter 9
“I’m so happy,”Aunt Clarissa said, as she came over and took Susan’s hands. “I know this is going to make a big difference in our little girl’s life. Thank you. Thankyou.”
Clarissa had been sitting under a portico at the back of the house, overlooking thepark.
Susan smiled and nodded. “And what do we do now about the Duke? Have you spoken to him about any of ourplans?”
“I mentioned I’d been speaking with you about several projects for the household that I had in mind. He seemed willing to listen. And when I got your note saying you were accepting the position and was coming today, I said we would stop by to discuss with him what I wasplanning.”
“So you’ve not told him that I would be taking care of Elizabeth?” Susan asked with a slightly worriedexpression.
“Not yet. I thought it best if we told him together, in case he had anyquestions.”
“I think you’re being a little naughty,” Susan said smiling. “Might you be just a little afraid to tell him all byyourself?”
Aunt lowered her eyes. “Yes, just a littlenaughty.”
“Then let’s take a deep breath and face the dragon head on, shallwe?”
“Yes. A bravefront.”
They linked arms and headed toward the entrance to the back of thehouse.
“Where is he this morning, do you know?” Susanasked.
“I believe he’s in the library. That is where he usually spends his time unless he’s out working on the estate. But would you like to take your things to your suite first? And perhaps we could peek in on Elizabeth aswell.”
“I didn’t bring any of my things yet. I wanted to be certain the Duke approved my employment before I cut all my ties,” Susansaid.
“Ah. Yes. Probablywise.”
“And I think we should just go ahead and meet with the Duke. I don’t want to prolong this meeting any longer. And if all goes well, then I would love to seeElizabeth.”
“Very well,” Aunt said, glancing atSusan.
They went to the library door andknocked.
“Enter,” John called frominside.
They opened the door and went in. John was seated at his desk and rose as they camein.
“Aunt, Miss Susan, you wished to speak withme?”
John came from behind the desk and walked over to them. He leaned in and kissed his aunt on the cheek. “Please take a seat.” He led them to an area by a large window where there was a seating area. Aunt sat, but Susan stood next to Aunt’s chair. She felt it gave her somesupport.
“You said something about possible help with the children of the estate workers?” Johnasked.
Aunt Clarissa held up one finger. “Actually, John, there are a couple of issues we’d like to discuss. And, if you please, hear us out before yourespond.
John sat opposite Aunt and nodded for them toproceed.
Aunt carefully laid out in detail her concern for Elizabeth and how Susan would take responsibility for her care and education. Then she asked Susan to talk about the school for the workers’ children. Susan laid out her plan and spoke about a new type of curriculum that would most benefit all thechildren.
John listened and, as requested, did not speak while they were speaking. But when they were finished, he put his hands together prayer fashion and tapped against his chin in thought—his eyes lookingdown.
Neither Aunt nor Susan could tell what he was thinking, or what he felt. Finally, he lookedup.
“That is quite a proposal. And I have to say I have mixed thoughts and feelings aboutthis.”
