“Aye, I’d like that,” hereplied.
Susan turned to John. “And we’ll take our leaves now. And thank you for your kindwelcome.”
“Miss Susan, Squire.” John nodded tothem.
“Thankyefor the libation,” Papa said as he followed Susan out of thelibrary.
John, alone again, found himself in a new kind of turmoil. Ever since Annabel’s death, he’d never looked at a woman with any romantic interest. And now, suddenly, he found himself not only looking but also admiring another woman. What did this mean, he asked himself? Was he being untrue to his great love? Or was he healing? He had no idea. And it frightened him—just alittle.
And the fact that the Squire had brought up his brother also concerned him. He’d been so wrapped up in his own troubles he’d forgotten his concern for finding and reuniting with Simon. But perhaps this was not the best time to be searching for him. John had but one main concern just now and that was to save the Hollyoakhouse.
* * *
Susan loved her new quarters.They were so much larger than the room she’d had at home and she could see herself spending many happy hourshere.
“Papa, you best be getting back to Mamma. You know how she worries, and I don’t want you traveling in the wagon afterdark.”
Papa gave Susan a long hug and Susan began to feel herself tearingup.
“Please take good care of yourselves and give my love to Louisa. I didn’t have time to say good-bye to her. And let me know if you ever need me for anything,” Susansaid.
“Bye lass,” Papa said and left, quickly wiping at hiseyes.
After Susan sorted out her luggage she decided to unpack later but first, she wanted to see Aunt Clarissa and Elizabeth. She left her suite and went to Aunt’s door andknocked.
“Come in,” she calledout.
Susan went inside and found Aunt at her writingtable.
“Sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to let you know I’ve arrived and am ready to start myduties.”
“Oh, Susan, we’re so happy to have youhere.”
“And I’d very much like to see Elizabeth, if I may. Would it be convenient to see her now? I know it’s a bit late in the afternoon but I promised I’d be back in a day or two and I don’t want her to think I’ve forgotten abouther.”
“Certainly. Let’s go there rightnow.”
Aunt rose and she and Susan headed toward Elizabeth’sroom.
“Perhaps tomorrow morning you could acquaint me with my duties and Elizabeth’s schedule. I don’t want to disrupt her routine too much at first. Later, if there are changes to be made I can incorporate them little by little. It’s very difficult for a child to absorb too much change toofast.”
Aunt put her hand on Susan’s arm. “I completely trust your skills and instinct. And if you ever need my assistance with anything please come tome.”
They arrived at Elizabeth’s door and went inside. The child looked up, and seeing Susan, rushed over to her and threw her arms around Susan’slegs.
“You’re back,” sheexclaimed.
“Just like I said I would. Are you happy to see me?” Susan asked as she kneeled down and took Elizabeth by the shoulders. “Now then, it’s going to be your dinner time very soon, and then bath and bed. Does that sound aboutright?”
“Yes, Miss Wilton,” Elizabethsaid.
“Oh, please call me Miss Susan. I’d preferthat.”
“But Aunt Clarissa said I must call you MissWilton.”
Susan looked up at Aunt to see how firm she was on that. Aunt nodded that it wasfine.
“Miss Susan will be just fine, Elizabeth. Now, why don’t you show me what you were playingwith?”
