“Can you share your concerns, sir?” Susanasked.
“First, I’m quite intrigued by the idea of the school. It’s something I’ve been contemplating for some time but had no idea how to begin. This could be myopportunity.”
“And Elizabeth?” Auntasked.
John wagged his head—a range of emotions crossing his face. “I… I… am ashamed to say, I am greatly conflicted aboutElizabeth.”
“How so,” Aunt asked. “Can’t you see she is no longer a toddler? She’s growing up fast. She’s bright and needs much closer attention if she’s to grow into the fine lady, I’m sure, you wish her tobe.”
John cupped his hands over his face. “I’ve been remiss. Remiss. I’m so sorry. Ihavecompletely shut her out of my life.” He removed his hands and they could see tears in his eyes. “And I have to say, I’m very grateful for your attention to these issues, Aunt. However, I must tell you that there are some financial considerations that may prevent me from accepting yourproposals.”
Aunt seemed shocked. “John… I had no idea. Why have you said nothing to me aboutthis?”
“It’s a recent development, and I was hoping to solve the problem quickly. I felt there was no need to tellyou.”
“Can you tell me now?” Auntasked.
“I’d rather not. There’s too much flux and too much at stake. I’ll tell you privately when I knowmore.”
He stood up. “I’m sorry I can’t move forward with your suggestions, but I must get back to worknow.”
Aunt stood and took hold of John’s arm. “John, stop, please.” He turned to her. “What if I paid for Elizabeth’s care and later on, when you’ve solved your financial issues, then you could move forward with the school. In the meantime, Susan could develop the new curriculum and prepare to start the school when you’reready.”
John seemed stunned. “You’d do that? Does Elizabeth mean that much toyou?”
“Of course, she does. I’m shocked you would ask methat.”
“I’m sorry. You must forgive me. I’m in a great deal of turmoil just now. Please move forward with your plan for Elizabeth, and when I get this financial mess straightened out I’ll reimburse you for your expenses forElizabeth.”
“I will.” She put her hand on John’s arm again. “And my dear nephew, please open your heart and spend some time with your daughter. You have shut her out so thoroughly she almost doesn’t know who you areanymore.”
John turned to Susan. “Miss Susan, welcome to the household. I’m sure Elizabeth will benefit greatly from your carefulcare.”
“Thank you. I’ll do my verybest.”
After they left the Duke, they headed upstairs toward Elizabeth’sroom.
“Aunt Clarissa, are you comfortable with this arrangement? Aren’t you an employee of theDuke’s?”
“Oh no, my dear, I came to live here after the death of my husband. I have a very nice inheritance, and not wanting to be idle, I offered to run the household. You need not worry for me. I can easily afford yourservices.”
“But as we’ll not be starting the school for a time yet, I don’t feel right accepting the full salary you promised me. After all, I’ll not be running the school rightaway.”
“But you will be planning it. And that work deservescompensation.”
“You’re tookind.”
“Not really. John said he’d reimburse me later. That’s sufficient forme.”
They came to Elizabeth’s room and went inside. Charlotte was seated by the window as before. Elizabeth was seated at a table playing with blocks. Susan went directly to the center of the room and sat on the floor. She leaned forward, stretching her arms out in front of her, and began to make little barks like a puppy. Elizabeth had not had time yet to hide and was puzzled by Susan’s action. She stared at Susan, curious as to what she would donext.
Susan reached over and grabbed a ball about the size of a dinner plate and rolled it toward Elizabeth’s chair. The ball hit the chair and started to roll back. Susan reached for it when it returned and rolled it back toward the chair. This time Elizabeth caught the ball with her foot and kicked it back toSusan.
After several such exchanges, Elizabeth climbed off the chair and sat on the floor opposite Susan. Now, when Susan had the ball, she would roll the ball toward other objects in the room, in such a way, that the ball would bank off the object and roll toward Elizabeth from another direction. This made the girl laugh. But she didn’t know how to bank the ball like Susan did, so she just rolled the ball directly back toSusan.
Finally, when the ball came to Susan, she held on to the ball and leaned forward and whispered, “My name is Susan. Will you be myfriend?”
Elizabeth stared at her wide-eyed for a moment. Then she said, “I’m Elizabeth, will you bemine?”
