Chapter 20
Although Susan’sthoughts were with Simon and John, she felt it might be a good idea to go visit her parents while John was in London. There would be nothing more the two of them could do on the school planning until he returned, and there was nothing Susan or Clarissa could do to help John or Simon fromHaverford.
“Can I go with you?” Elizabeth asked after Susan told her she wasleaving.
Susan had never considered that but thought it might be a good idea. It was time for Elizabeth to begin going out in the world. She needed to widen her horizons and discover what lay outside of HaverfordEstate.
“Let me speak to Aunt Clarissa about that. And if she agrees, then Iagree.”
Elizabeth clapped. “Yes. Yes. I want to go. And will we see Miss Katherine aswell?”
“I expect so. She livesnearby.”
After it was decided she could go, it was impossible to get Elizabeth to attend to her studies. All she could concentrate on was the adventure. Finally, Susan gave up and suggested they go for a walk by thelake.
It was a blustery early November day. Newly fallen leaves were scudding along the path and, even though it was cloudy, the sun would break through occasionally and send beams of light to enliven thelandscape.
They came to the edge of the lake and started walking around the perimeter. The margin of the lake was frozen but there was still open water in the middle where a spring fed thelake.
“Can I learn to swim?” Elizabethasked.
“Of course, you can. But it would be a bit chilly at themoment.”
“I know that. I’m notsilly.”
“Next summer. Maybe you could have lessons with Sara and Patrick. Would you likethat?”
“Ohyes.”
Sara skipped on ahead and picked up a stick to poke at the ice. Susan caught up with her and they continued walking. A breeze was picking up and it was starting to get colder. Susan suggested they head back to the warm fire in the schoolroom.
Elizabeth looked up at Susan and took her hand. “Did you know my mommy?” sheasked.
Susan looked down ather.
“No. I never mether.”
“I think about what she must have beenlike.”
“You should talk to Aunt Clarissa about that. She knew her verywell.”
“You know; I miss her even though I never knew her. Is thatstrange?”
“Not atall.”
“I think about you as my mommysometimes.”
“Yes, dear. I know you do. And you know I love you. But your mommy should have a very special place in your heart just forher.”
“Cook said we’d have scones for tea today. Isn’t that nice?” And Elizabeth skipped onahead.
* * *
Susan arrangedfor the carriage to take her and Elizabeth to her home and return to pick them up in three days. That seemed to be quite enough time to visit with her family and to have a good gossip withKatherine.
Susan had sent a note ahead announcing her visit, and she was surprised to find not only her mother and father but also her sister and brother’s families waiting for her aswell.
“O-o-o, isn’t she adorable!” Mamma gushed, when she beheld Elizabeth, squeezing her little head between her hands and giving her face numerous kisses until Elizabeth wiggledfree.
