Page 88 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

“John told me. He’s very pleased with your involvement in the villageschool.”

Susan nodded. “That’s good. There’s still a lot to do, but at least we have aplan.”

“I’m finished. Can we go now?” Elizabeth asked, as she scooted off her chair and took Susan’shand.

“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 infront.”

“Ten minutes?” Clarissaasked.

“Sounds aboutright.”

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 itoff.

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 jollysort.”

Susan smiled. “Yes, sheis.”

“And did I understand that she’s the sister of your captainfriend?”

“Yes, CaptainDaniel.”

“It must be difficult not seeing him for months onend.”

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 agreedyet.”

“And you’ve not been home to see your family since you’ve been at Haverford, haveyou?”

“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 homesoon.”

“I can watch Elizabeth for you. A few days away from lessons won’t hurther.”

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 thesquare.

As they got out of the coach, they were approached by several of themothers.

“Can you direct us to the Franklin house, please? Susan asked the most commanding lookingmother.

“Over there,” she said, pointing to a house just down the street from the square. “The one with the bluedoor.”

“You were with the Duke when he was here last,t’werntya?”

“Yes, and I remember you too,” Susansaid.

“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 youremember?”

“Aye. Now I do. And can’t come soon enough. Let me tellya.So much here needsdoin’here in thevillage.”

“I’m unaware,” Susan said. “What exactly needs doing? I’ll be happy to pass your concerns along to theDuke.”

The women laughed. “Oh, he knows. Just won’t donothin’ ‘boutit.”

Susan was shocked. That didn’t sound like the man sheknew.

“Tell me, I’d like to know. Perhaps I canhelp.”

“You a wizard? You got magic powers?” the motherasked.