Chapter 12
Finally,feeling somewhat rested and a little more at peace, John remounted his horse and started towardhome.
He had no solution, but he was not about to giveup.
As he neared the stable, he saw Susan outside in the kitchen garden with Elizabeth. She appeared to be showing Elizabeth about gardening, and it gladdened hisheart.
After handing his horse to the groom he wandered over to where Susan was kneeling beside Elizabeth in the cucumbersection.
“Planning supper?” John asked with achuckle.
Susan and Elizabeth looked up. Susan was happy to see John, but Elizabeth looked a little uncertain and she shrank back behindSusan.
John knelt down and reached out his hand to his daughter, but she didn’trespond.
Susan turned around and took Elizabeth in her arms and brought her forward to face herfather.
“Elizabeth why don’t you show your father what we just found? I think he’d like tosee.”
The child leaned down and lifted a leaf and picked up a green caterpillar and held it out toJohn.
“It’s a squishy bug,” she said proudly displaying herprize.
“Is that my dinner?” hejoked.
Elizabeth squealed. “No-o-o. You don’t eat bugs.” She jumped up anddown.
“Then it must be your dinner,” hecontinued.
“No, I don’t eat them either. You’re just beingsilly.”
“I know. I am silly aren’t I?” John said,standing.
Elizabeth went back to searching for morecaterpillars.
“How’s she doing? She certainly seems more outgoing that shewas.”
“We’re doing just fine. And I can’t tell you how happy I am to be here with her. It’s been a real joy. But when you have a chance I would love to get together with you so we can discuss your school project. It would help me greatly if I could get some idea about what you want to accomplish with the school, and what the number and age range of the students willbe.”
John’s face clouded. “That will have to wait for the time being. I’m still uncertain as to if or when we might be able to planthat.”
“Oh,” Susan said, somewhatsurprised.
“I must go. It was lovely to see you both. I guess I’ll be seeing you atsupper?”
Susan nodded, and John disappeared into thehouse.
* * *
When John got backto the library there was a letter waiting for him on his desk. He looked at the return address. It was from Sir Bentley Cavendish—and old university chum. He opened theenvelope.
2October,1830
My Dear FriendJohn,
What are you up to, you oldscoundrel?
The good wife and I are taking the Dover packet boat to Calais for a week in Paris. And we were thinking to stop by for a few days’ visit on our way home. Would that be agreeable to you, old man? Would love to catch up and drink a toast or two to oldtimes.
