Page 39 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
Collectively, they decided to take a small break from the tour. Michael led them to the old parlor of the building. It was a bit dusty from disuse, but the cherry-wood furniture was still sturdy and serviceable and, with a bit of cleaning and a coat of wax, it would likely look as good as new. The other two women took up twin chairs directly across from the old sofa. Michael sat on the sofa, happy to sit for a minute, but wishing they had brought servants to call for tea.
Lydia, sat next to him, her eyes alight with passion.
“We could turn this room right here into a room for those who wished to learn painting, rather than music,” she said. “The window over there is just perfect for early day lighting, and this whole wall could be lined with canvases and easels.”
Lady Mary linked her arm through Lydia’s, beaming at her friend.
“And that wall over there would be perfect for a blackboard,” she said, pointing to the wall on the right end of the room.
Lydia looked toward it, nodding eagerly.
“Yes, that is perfect,” she said. “Oh, it was like this room was made for such a classroom.”
Michael pretended to survey the room as the women were, amazed at how Lydia’s excitement was making him feel. It was akin to watching a child get something they’ve long wanted and hearing them talk about all the things they are going to do with it. It made Michael smile, despite his terrible discomfort.
Miss Bryony looked around thoughtfully.
“I believe that just from what we’ve seen so far, we will have plenty of rooms,” she said. “And perhaps, even a few to spare.”
Lydia nodded, drawing Michael in with the dreamy smile on her face.
“We will certainly have the space,” she said. “Now, we must discuss the curriculum we plan to have.”
Lady Mary thought for a moment.
“Well, we need reading and writing, to be sure,” she said. “As well as arithmetic and etiquette.”
Lydia nodded, giving Michael a warm, secret smile.
“And history, too, of course,” she said.
Michael felt himself flush with heat. It was heartwarming that his wife wanted to incorporate something in her own school that was so dear to his heart. She was making it harder by the minute to not fall all the way in love with her.
Miss Bryony nodded.
“I would like to personally instruct a class on writing,” she said. “Not penmanship, of course. I mean writing stories and books. I believe that everyone has a bit of writer in them. And I think we could have so many more great authors, if only more people felt confident enough to write.
Lydia’s eyes brightened, and she nodded.
“That is a wonderful idea,” she said. “We plan to teach art and music here, after all. Why shouldn’t we encourage more people to explore talents in writing books?”
Michaels listened with fascination as his wife continued discussing the curriculum with her friends. Michael found himself captivated by her intelligence, and it pained him to think of how he had deceived her to secure their marriage. He had treated her like she wasn’t smart enough to figure out that their marriage wasn’t what it was supposed to be. Worse still, he had just thought to dismiss and ignore her, with no concern for her feelings on the matter. He was no longer sure whether he could do that, however.
Lady Mary turned to her friends, a worried expression on her face.
“But can we do all of this with just the four of us?” she asked. “Miss Carrick is a wonderful teacher, to be sure. But even with our help, I feel like we need at least a little more help.”
Lydia nodded, but Michael saw doubt flicker on her face. It made his heart ache instantly, and he waited to see what she would say.
“I believe it will be a challenge,” she said with a determined smile. “But I think that we can do it. Perhaps, we can try it for a month or so and then see if we need any extra help.”
Michael’s heart ached. He could see the concern on his wife’s face, despite how set she seemed on holding onto the joy of her project. Even though she was clearly not sad, and she seemed fairly sure that hers was a good plan, he found that he didn’t want to see any amount of trouble in her eyes. He gave her a warm smile and glanced at the other two women.
“I would like to offer more assistance, if I may,” he said. “I will hire another teacher for the school, and help you organise the opening event.”
Lydia put a hand to her mouth, looking at Michael with wide, excited eyes once more.
“Are you sure, Michael?” she asked. “You have already put so much money into this. I feel terrible asking for even more.”
