* * *
Susan was settlingin very well at Haverford. She loved her quarters and was establishing a fine relationship with Elizabeth who was already opening up more and more under Susan’ssupervision.
Susan was an early riser and she began taking walks in the mornings before breakfast. She started by exploring the paths and trails closest to the house but was soon venturing farther afield, finding little used paths and quiet glades in the surrounding woods. It delighted her no end and now that autumn was more fully advanced, she delighted in tramping through the fields and forest admiring the autumn colors and fallingleaves.
One early October morning, soon after the first frost, Susan was traveling back toward the house when she was surprised to see John up ahead with his two dogs. He was stopped just off the path where the dogs appeared to have discovered something. Susan came to where he was standing, but he had not caught sight of heryet.
“Your Grace, outearly?”
John turned to her. “Oh, Miss Susan, I didn’t see you. Are you enjoying astroll?”
“I am.” She pointed to the dogs. “What did theyfind?”
“I have no idea. They’ve caught some sort of scent, but there appears to be nothingthere.”
“Our dogs would often roll in a pile of leaves for no apparent reason. We never understood thateither.”
The dogs began to rub their necks and heads in onespot.
“There… they’ve caught a scent and are trying to cover themselves init.”
“Why would they dothat?”
“They probably want to track it and it helps them do that. But not today.” He slapped his hand on his leg. “Come. Let’s go. Come on,” he shouted and the dogs cameover.
They started walking back toward the house. Susan looked over at the Duke, and he turned and caught her staring athim.
“How are things with Elizabeth? Is she responding to your instruction?” heasked.
“My, what a bright child. I’m so happy to report she’s doing very well. You must stop by some morning and see how much she’s opened up and learned already. She’s quite taken with learning her letters and I expect she’ll be able to start basic writing verysoon.”
“Splendid. I’ll try and come bysometime.”
They walked on in silence. Susan could feel the warmth emanating from his body. She was surprised that it made her feel so comfortable and safe. She was tempted to put her arm through his, but it was totally inappropriate and sherefrained.
As they approached the house the Duke turned toher.
“Miss Susan, I often find it pleasant to walk in the mornings as you seem to do. Perhaps we could walk together. Just let me know at dinner when you’ll be walking and we can arrange to meet the next morning. If that pleases you, ofcourse.”
“That would be most agreeable, YourGrace.”
He paused for a moment then said, “You only need call me Your Grace in front of others. When we are alone, you may still call meJohn.”
* * *
John was visitingthe cottages in the small village where his workers lived. He was looking for his chief shepherd, RobertArnold.
John rode up to the cottage and dismounted. Robert came to the door before heknocked.
“Sir, out for a ride?” Robertasked.
“Came to see you. I know it’s your day off, but I need aword.”
“Come in, Misses will make a cup oftea.”
“Not necessary. And do you think we could take awalk?”
“Certainly. One moment formecoat and I’ll be rightwith’e.”
