Chapter 18
Susan gaveKatherine a hug just before she got into the trap to return toAsh.
“I’m sorry we never got our girl’s night gossip. I had no idea the Duke would insist we attend thatdinner.”
“That’s all right. We’ll do it another time when there are no guests.” She began to giggle. “Weren’t they the strangest people you’ve ever seen? Are all Londoners likethat?”
Susan shrugged. “Many are. But at least the Duke is a decentbloke.”
“Yes, he seems to be. He was very gracious to me.” She nudged Susan, “And very handsome, as well. How in the world can he still not bemarried?”
“Well, I know someone who’s certainly trying to change that,” Susansaid.
“Oh, yes. The Fitzwilliamwoman.”
Susannodded.
Katherine got into the trap. “Good-bye, for now, mydear.”
“Give my love to your mamma,” Susan said as she touched Katherine’ssleeve.
Katherine snapped the reigns and headed forhome.
Susan was a little sad, but she had lessons with Elizabeth, and that always cheered her up. After Susan returned to the house she was waylaid by John coming down the stairs as she was goingup.
“You looked lovely last evening,” hesaid.
“Thank you. And thank you for including Katherine in the dinner party. You need not have donethat.”
“She was your friend. Of course, I would include her.” John seemed to be looking at Susan’s neck. “Is that new?” he asked, referring to the locket. “I’ve not seen itbefore.”
“It’s a gift from Daniel. Katherine brought it withher.”
“Ah.” He seemed stymied for a moment. “I don’t suppose you’ve had an opportunity to put together the cost estimate for the schoolhouseyet?”
“I’ve not. So sorry, but with Katherine visiting, and the guests coming and going, I’ve not had the leisure to attempt thatyet.”
“I understand. But the guests will soon be gone. We’re going shooting this afternoon, and I’m hoping one more day after that will be quite enough for all of us,” he said smilingslightly.
Susan had to smile as well. “They certainly are a colorfullot.”
John laughed. “You are being far toogenerous.”
“And the sheering? Nearingcompletion?”
“Verysoon.”
Susan then asked, “Elizabeth has been asking me when she can play with the Franklin twins again. I was wondering how I might go about arrangingthat.”
“Ah, yes. What did you have inmind?”
“I was thinking to pick the twins up one morning. The three could play in the schoolroom, stay for lunch, play a little more and we could send them homeafter.”
John considered for a moment. “What about not just playing, but including lessons as well. I’ve seen how you turn learning into play. It might give you an opportunity to test your teaching methods with the actual children who will be benefiting from theschool.”
“What a wonderful idea. Then perhaps we could make it a regular event—like once a week to begin with. What would you say tothat?”
“Sounds perfect. Why don’t you and Elizabeth go to the village one morning and makearrangements?”
