“Are you going to read to me some more?” Elizabeth asked. “You stopped.”
Susan looked at Elizabeth. “I did, didn’t I? How rude I am. But your dear Aunt and I needed to chat for a moment.”
“I should be going down. It’s the farewell dinner and I’ll be expected.”
“I know you’re going to miss me,” Susan teased.
“You have no idea. The last thing I need is to see Miss Fitz pawing at poor John. And Mr. Comerford and his mousy wife trumpeting their shabby credentials.”
Susan laughed. “Be brave, dear Clarissa.”
* * *
The next morning the servants were gathered in front of the house to accept the guest’s gratuities as they were leaving. The carriage was pulled up and the footmen were loading the luggage.
Miss Fitz had held back as the others were leaving and pulled John aside. Susan was just coming from the kitchen with Elizabeth’s breakfast tray since she was still displaying cold symptoms. She couldn’t help herself and, seeing the two of them together, she stopped and stepped back into the shadows. However, she could still overhear the conversation.
“My dearest John, thank you for such a lovely visit. I can’t tell you how much it has meant for me to get to know you.”
“It was all my pleasure,” John said.
“Your lovely home… the absolutely fascinating history of your family. It has taken me into another world. And I should so love to return very soon so that I might take up your instruction once again.”
“You wish to return?” John asked.
Fitz smiled sweetly, “Don’t you wish me to? This visit has been so rushed. I thought it might be nice if we had more time to get to know one another without all the distractions. We could spend more time… alone… together.”
Sir Andrew called loudly from outside, “Fitz, are you coming or not? It would be nice to get home before Christmas.”
“I’ll be there. Hold your horses,” she shouted back. Then she turned, once again, to John, and looked up at him with pleading eyes and placed both of her hands on his arms. “I was planning a country visit in a week or two, perhaps I might stop by and say hello.”
“Very well,” John said, taking her by the arm and leading her to the door and outside.
Susan, who’d practically been holding her breath, scurried up the stairs to take Elizabeth her breakfast.
* * *
Elizabeth’s illness was short lived, and Susan arranged for a covered carriage to take the two of them to the village to seek out the Franklin twins.
The day of their outing, Elizabeth was so excited she hardly touched her breakfast, and Susan needed to insist she finish it before they could leave.
“Might I go with you?” Clarissa asked, appearing in the breakfast room, already dressed for an outing.
“Of course. What interests you about our little jaunt?” Susan asked.
“Oh, I just need to get out. I spend far too much time inside.”
“You’re always welcome to come walking with me in the mornings,” Susan said.
“Yes, but my knees wouldn’t welcome that,” she said laughing.
“Do you know why we’re going to the village?”
“John told me. He’s very pleased with your involvement in the village school.”
Susan nodded. “That’s good. There’s still a lot to do, but at least we have a plan.”
“I’m finished. Can we go now?” Elizabeth asked, as she scooted off her chair and took Susan’s hand.
“We need to get you bundled up. It’s cold outside, and we don’t want your cold coming back, now do we?” Susan turned to Clarissa. “Shall we meet in the entryway? I’ve had the carriage pulled up in front.”
“Ten minutes?” Clarissa asked.
“Sounds about right.”
Once in the carriage, they set out for the village. There had been a frost overnight and the fields were covered in a white frost, except where the sun had risen above the trees and burned it off.
Elizabeth was glued to the carriage window. Susan and Clarissa were lost in their own thoughts, and then Clarissa asked, “It was lovely meeting your friend, Katherine. She’s a jolly sort.”
Susan smiled. “Yes, she is.”
“And did I understand that she’s the sister of your captain friend?”
“Yes, Captain Daniel.”
“It must be difficult not seeing him for months on end.”
Susan turned her head to one side. “And that’s at the root of our dilemma. We’re trying to work out how a marriage like that might work. Mind you, we’re not officially engaged. He’s asked me, but I’ve not agreed yet.”
“And you’ve not been home to see your family since you’ve been at Haverford, have you?”
“No. And I must do that. I get so caught up with Elizabeth I forget about my other obligations. Thank you for reminding me. I must make arrangements to spend a few days at home soon.”
“I can watch Elizabeth for you. A few days away from lessons won’t hurt her.”
The coach arrived in the village and, once again, the inhabitants came out to investigate. However, since it was a cold day, no children were playing in the square.
As they got out of the coach, they were approached by several of the mothers.
“Can you direct us to the Franklin house, please? Susan asked the most commanding looking mother.
“Over there,” she said, pointing to a house just down the street from the square. “The one with the blue door.”
“You were with the Duke when he was here last, t’wernt ya?”
“Yes, and I remember you too,” Susan said.
“And you be what to the Duke? Housekeeper?”
“No, I’m going to be the school mistress to the new school when we get up and running. Don’t you remember?”
“Aye. Now I do. And can’t come soon enough. Let me tell ya. So much here needs doin’ here in the village.”
“I’m unaware,” Susan said. “What exactly needs doing? I’ll be happy to pass your concerns along to the Duke.”
The women laughed. “Oh, he knows. Just won’t do nothin’ ‘bout it.”
Susan was shocked. That didn’t sound like the man she knew.
“Tell me, I’d like to know. Perhaps I can help.”
“You a wizard? You got magic powers?” the mother asked.
Susan chuckled. “Not exactly. But there is power and magic in words. Maybe I can speak to him.”
“Do you think we’ve not done that?”
“But I’m working closely with him on the school. He might take another listen if I present your concerns.”
Clarissa stepped forward. “Excuse me, Susan. Elizabeth is getting antsy, might you like to take Elizabeth to the Franklins, and I will note what these ladies have to say.” She turned to the women. “I promise to note your concerns accurately.”
“That be fine,” the mother said.
“Excellent idea, Clarissa.” She turned to the women. “I hope you don’t mind. I promise we will talk to the Duke.”
The women nodded.
Susan took Elizabeth by the hand and led her to the Franklin house.
The three children were so happy to see each other again, and Susan discussed with their mother about the plan to bring the twins once a week to Haverford for play and instruction. The mother agreed and arrangements were made to start the next Friday.
Returning home in the carriage, Susan asked, “Did the mothers have a lot to say?”
“Oh, my. They brought up some serious issues. The wells, the roofing, the streets, sanitation. I think you and I should make a list and sit down with John together and talk to him about all of this.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Chapter 19
The sheering was completed and John was conferring with Standish in the library about a staff issue when a horseman rode up, got off his horse, and strode up to the front door and knocked.
“Excuse me, Your Grace.
I must answer the door.”
“Yes,” John said.
Standish left and returned a moment later. “Your Grace, it’s a messenger from London. He says he needs to speak with you urgently.”
“Show him in.”
The burley rider came inside with the hat in his hand. “The Duke of Lennox?” The man asked.
“I am.”
“Sir, I have a message from a gentleman by the name of Sir Casper Reynolds.”
“I know no one of that name.”
“Here Sir, he asked me to deliver this to you and asked me to wait for a response.”
“Very well,” John said. “You may sit if you like while I read.”
“Thank you, sir, it’s been a long ride.”
John looked up. Standish was still at the door. “Standish, offer the man some refreshment.”
“Your Grace,” he said, nodding, and gestured for the man to follow him.
J0hn opened the letter. It read:
30 October, 1830
Sir Casper Reynolds
No. 10 Brook’s Way
London
Your Grace,
You don’t know me, but I am a neighbor of your brother, Simon. It was recently brought to my attention by his closest neighbor, a lady, that he is seriously ill. This neighbor asked if I could look in on him, and in doing so, found him to be feverish and nearly delusional.
I took it upon myself to call my doctor to attend to him, as I was told your brother did not have the resources to call one for himself.
My doctor informs me that he has contracted a severe fever and needs serious and immediate attention and monitoring. In one of his calmer moments your brother mentioned you, and I am taking it upon myself to inform you of the situation.
It appears he has no one else he can turn to at this desperate time and I implore you to do what you can to help him.
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Sir Casper Reynolds
P.S. Your brother’s address is number 6 Brook’s Way.
John was shocked. He instantly regretted not having made more of an effort to locate his brother previously. But this was no time for regret. He must act immediately.
He dashed out of the library and ran to the kitchen where he suspected Standish would have taken the messenger for refreshment. And, indeed, it was so.
“Standish, please order my horse, I must go immediately to London. My brother is very ill.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
John turned to the messenger. “My man, please inform Sir Casper that I shall be leaving immediately for London, and I will contact him when I arrive.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And I’m ashamed to say I don’t know London that well. Can you tell me how I might find Brook’s Way?”
“It’s quite central. If you give me a pen and paper I will draw you a rough map.”
“Thank you. And I shall be right back.” He turned to cook. “Pen and paper if you please.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” she answered.
John left the kitchen and ran upstairs to his room and threw a few things into a saddle bag. Then he went to Aunt Clarissa’s room and burst inside.
“I’m sorry Aunt, but I must leave for London urgently. Simon is seriously ill. Please inform Miss Susan and Elizabeth.”
“Will you be gone long?” Clarissa asked.
“I have no idea. I must assess the situation and make whatever arrangements are necessary.”
“Is there anything you need me to do here?”
“Just manage the household and deal with any situations that might arise. I trust your judgment completely.”
John left and returned to the messenger in the kitchen.
The man was waiting for him. “Are you leaving soon, Sir?”
“Right away.”
“Then let us ride together and I will take you directly to Sir Casper. No need for a map.”
“Your horse is not tired?”
“It’s not been that long of a trip. We will be fine.”
“Excellent. Then one moment and I’ll be right back.”
John went to the library and took some money from his desk and hurried back to the messenger.
“I’m ready. Are you?”
“I am.”
“Then, let’s go.”
* * *
Susan was picking up the toys in the school room just before Elizabeth was to have her morning snack.
“Hello, my dears,” Clarissa said peeking inside.
“Oh, Clarissa, hello,” Susan replied.
“Might I have a quick word with you, Susan?”
“Of course.”
Clarissa jerked her head. “Outside, if you please.”
Susan joined Clarissa in the hallway but kept the door open a crack so she could keep an eye on Elizabeth.
Clarissa told Susan about her visit with John, and his news about Simon.
Simon? She’d not thought much about him lately, but when she heard the news she felt a shiver run through her.
“Oh…”
“Are you going to be all right?” Clarissa asked putting her hand on Susan’s shoulder.
Susan nodded. “I think so.”
“I know he was your fiancé, but that was years ago. But it’s possible to still have feelings.”
Susan thought about that. “Aside from Simon’s health, I guess my greatest concern right now is for John. I know he was troubled that he’d not been in touch with Simon. He expressed to me that he wanted to find him, but he never seemed to have the opportunity to pursue his quest.”
Susan peeked in through the crack in the door to check on Elizabeth.
“I don’t mean to take you from Elizabeth, but I just wanted to let you know.”
“Thank you,” Susan said, patting Clarissa’s arm.
“I’ll leave you, then, if you’re all right.”
“I am.”
Susan went back into the room and sat at the table where the two of them worked together. Elizabeth came over and studied Susan.
“Are you all right?” Elizabeth asked. “You look funny.”
Susan realized she was lost in her own thoughts.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve just had a little bit of unsettling news, is all.”
Elizabeth leaned in and hugged Susan. “I’ll make it all better.”
“Thank you, my dear, you always do.”
* * *
John and the messenger reached London in good time. It was early evening and already starting to get dark. And after the messenger took him to Brook’s Way he went directly to Number Six. He knocked but there was no answer. He tried the door and it opened. He went inside and looked around the small house. The house was dark with no lights, and it was not easy to find his way through the house.
The house was small, cramped and dingy. The furnishings were sparse and what there was looked worn. It was obviously a furnished rented house, which had seen better times.
There was no lit fire in the sitting room so he headed toward the kitchen and called out. “Simon. Simon, are you here?”
There was no response. He looked into the kitchen and it was dark and cold. He saw a stairway to the second floor and went up. He traversed the hall and called again. “Simon?” There was no answer but he saw light coming from underneath a door and he went over to it and opened it.
It was a bedroom, with a low burning fire, and a bed with an oil lamp on the table beside it. He walked over to the bed, his eyes adjusting to the darkness.
“Simon?
He saw his brother lying in the bed, not moving. Was he dead? John leaned down and touched Simon’s shoulder. He moved and his eyes flickered open.
“John? Brother John is that you.”
“Yes, Simon, it is.”
John sat on the edge of the bed and put his hand on Simon’s forehead. He was burning up.
“Is anyone taking care of you?” John asked.
Diaries of a Heartbroken Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 19