Chapter Five #2
The duchess exchanged a silent look with her husband before responding.
“James and I have discussed this. We weren’t sure when Mariel would give birth, as it could have been in the middle of the term, and we don’t want to close the school.
Too many ladies are starting this term. So, we would like it if you and Andrew could run the school until we return. ”
Lady Sommerset’s eyes rounded. “Us?” She looked to Andrew.
Christopher felt a surge of pride in his brother.
Andrew gave a nod. “We would be honored to keep the school open. Far too many intelligent women depend upon it.”
“Are you sure, Joanna? I’m not nearly as well organized as you.”
The duchess smiled at her sister. “I know, but you understand the curriculum and my philosophy. That is far more important than being organized. I doubt we’ll be gone more than a fortnight, and if you have any pressing questions, you can always send a message.
After all, the estates border each other. ”
Lady Sommerset seemed to relax a bit at that, or was it that Christopher’s brother had laid a comforting hand on her back?
She unclasped her hands and gestured toward the duke.
“What about the philosophy discussions? I can explain the reason for an art movement, but I have little knowledge in that area.”
Andrew gave a short nod. “That’s a good point. I’m afraid that wasn’t an area I paid much attention to. Maybe we should cancel those until you return.”
Philosophy? Christopher’s mind raced. The Belinda School for Curious Ladies included philosophy?
This could well be the chance he needed.
“If I may, I’d be happy to offer my services in that area.
Though my focus at Oxford was ancient texts, as you know, there were many philosophers among that set that I know very well.
Unless, of course, you have covered them already. ”
The duke immediately gave a truncated nod. “These are first-year ladies, and while we have discussed Plato’s Republic, there are many others yet to be explored with them. I had hoped to cover Aristotle, Seneca, and Plutarch. I welcome your willingness to share your knowledge.”
“Chris, don’t you need to get back to school yourself?”
At his brother’s question, Christopher hesitated. He hadn’t wanted to admit he had left permanently quite yet, but if he wished to see Lady Sophie again and prove he wasn’t the cad she must think him, he’d have to confess. “Actually, I left my post. I believe it’s time for a change.”
Andrew’s frown portended a serious conversation, but the duke spoke before anyone else.
“Then it’s settled. We thank all of you for your aid. The Belinda School is very important to us. We will take our leave of you, as I’m sure Joanna has much preparation to make.”
The duchess waved him off. “Not all that much. Just a short stop at Silver Meadows to gather my bag and we will be on our way. The maid is almost packed, and I’m sure your valet is busy as well. I, for one, am going to partake of this lovely sideboard of food that Ellie had prepared for us.”
The duke’s lips twitched as if he found his wife thoroughly entertaining, but he didn’t say anything, instead stepping up next to her to recommend various dishes.
Since he’d finished his second plate and there was no need to await Lady Sophie, Christopher rose, intending to return to his room to tell his valet he’d be leaving soon. He had no doubt that his brother would want to—
“Chris, let us go out onto the terrace. The sun shines, so I’m sure it won’t be too cold.”
It wasn’t just the tone, but the hand on his shoulder that told him his brother would not be put off. Bracing himself for what would be a difficult conversation at best, Christopher gave a nod and strode toward the entryway for his greatcoat.
Andrew followed him, not saying a word until they walked through the parlor and out the terrace doors into the crisp morning air.
Ice crystals coated everything from the dry fountain below, to the dead grass, to the tree branches beyond, the sunlight making everything sparkle.
Did Lady Sophie see nature’s beauty as well from the glass terrace?
He glanced upward, but said terrace was around the corner, on the north side of the building.
“When were you going to inform me that you quit your post?”
Christopher turned around to face his brother.
“To be honest, I hadn’t planned to tell you, as I know how protective you can be.
But have no worry. Now, I will be within sight night or day.
What better arrangement can there be?” He grinned, hoping his brother would be appeased, but not confident about it.
Andrew was definitely taken aback by the statement.
“Yes, for now, a fortnight. But then what? Do you plan to use your winnings from Harewood to buy a commission? You know you would have my support in that. I believe the duke could even help. Unless you were hoping for a parish, though I don’t think you well suited to that. ”
Christopher grimaced, unable to help himself.
The option of becoming a vicar had been thought of and dismissed years ago, along with becoming a lawyer or buying a commission.
After dismissing the typical professions for second sons, he’d investigated other options, options closer to what he’d been supposed to inherit through his mother’s father.
It was that feeling of having just missed his true legacy that had led him to the path he was now on.
“I agree with you. I don’t believe being a vicar would suit me in the least.”
“But I can see you in the military. You could even speak to Lord Blackmore about it.”
“I could, but I should probably wait until after his child is born, don’t you think?”
His brother ran his hand through his hair, a habit that made it clear he wasn’t comfortable with their conversation. “Yes. That’s true. I might know someone else who—”
The doors to the terrace opened and Lord Manning and Lord Wellsley stepped out.
Lord Wellsley shivered. “What are you doing out here, Tamworth?”
“I’m speaking with my brother. Did you need me for something?”
Manning gestured toward Wellsley. “He insisted on getting your opinion on a bust he noticed in Lord Ferncroft’s library. He’s convinced it’s Epicurus, but I say it’s Plato. Since you’re our expert on the classics, we need your opinion.”
Andrew stiffened. “You don’t have a bet on it, do you?”
Manning pulled himself up, clearly affronted. “Hardly.”
Seeing an opportunity to leave his brother, Christopher smiled. “I’d be happy to put your confusion to rest. I just hope it’s a well-done bust.” He turned to Andrew. “Brother, you’re an expert in art. Would you like to join us on this unimportant quest for the truth?”
Andrew shook his head, then turned on his heel and strode back inside.
Wellsley raised his brows. “See what marriage does to you, Manning?”
Christopher slapped him on the back. “I don’t think Manning can become any stuffier.”
“I say.”
“Come, Manning. Let’s see who this great bust is. Then, if you like, we can discuss the positives and negatives of marrying after one is thirty.” He laughed. Once more, life was going just as he wished it.