Page 130 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 27

“Well, here we are,”John said, standing with Susan and Simon before what would become the schoolhouse. John was holding a set of plans he’d had drawn up for the work to be done. He handed them toSimon.

“They’re yours now. Are you ready to begin therenovation?”

“I’ve been to the village and I’ve recruited some men to do the work. I asked them to start today. They should be here anymoment.”

“Any estimate on how long it might take?” Susanasked.

“Maybe three months,” Simonreplied.

“Will that be enough time for you to get the school outfitted and set up before we open the school’s doors next autumn?” John askedSusan.

“Should be enough time,” shesaid.

Simon rubbed his face. “I ah… well, I was wanting to ask… Fitz asked me to inquire if you might consider her for a teachingposition.”

Susan and John looked at eachother.

“Fitz wants to teach at the school?” Susan asked indisbelief.

“She does. She wants to keep busy. She wants to be of use to the family and she wants to be nearme.”

“Does she have any experience as a teacher?” Johnasked.

Simon shook his head. “No. But she’s willing to learn. And Susan, you said you have a new method of teaching. What other teachers could you find that could teach your new way without training them. Couldn’t you train her just aswell?”

“But it takes more than just training to be a good teacher. There needs to be an affinity with children. It requires patience and caring, and understanding. Do you honestly believe Fitz has those qualities?” Susan asked a littleharshly.

Simon hung his head. “Perhaps she could develop them,” he suggestedhopefully.

“Simon, those are innate qualities, not just something you can easilydevelop.”

“Please, at least give her a try. There’s time before the school opens. Let her work with you and see if she can be of service. If not, let me know and I promise to redirect her. But please, give her achance.”

John turned to Susan. “What do you think? Can we give her a chance to proveherself?”

Susan sighed. “Very well, I’ll speak to her, and sound her out. If I see any possibility at all, I’ll give her achance.”

“That’s all I ask,” Simon saidgratefully.

Susan saw a number of men approaching. “Are those yourworkers?

“They are,” Simon said waving to the men to jointhem.

“Then let’s get started,” John said. “Susan, you want to say a few words to themen?”

“I’d liketo.”

As the workers arrived, Simon gathered them together and turned to Susan. “You have something tosay?”

Susan stood on the steps of the house and said, “I hope you are all as excited as I am to begin work on your new school. I know you’ve all been anxiously waiting a long time for this, and now the time has come. His Grace, Mr. Simon Chamberlain, and I are all committed to making this school the very best possible for your children, and come next autumn these doors will open and a new era for you and your children will begin. I wish you all the very best in your work on renovating this building. And if you or your families have any concerns or suggestions about the school, please let me know. And I thank each and every one of you for your help in making this dream areality.”

After the speech, Simon took the workers inside to start work. Susan was about to follow, but John stopped her by taking hold of herarm.

“I’m so sorry about my reaction the other day. I was so surprised and shocked by your news of Daniel. Please forgive me. I don’t want to rush or pressure you into making adecision.”

Susan looked at him gratefully. “Thank you. I appreciate yourconsideration.”