Page 35 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“Indeed, I suspect my time will not be my own in the days ahead. Mama has so many events planned, and I’ve offered to help plan a summer ball. I’d like to spend some time with the boys and show you the schoolroom. I have a surprise for the boys and Reverend Nathaniel, too.”
The schoolroom had been made into a true learning environment. Elinor had made sure there was a large globe, a small library of books, and tables to sit at.
“I didn’t want it to have desks. The boys are too little for that, in my opinion. I am hoping Freddy will enjoy learning. He is very enthusiastic so far, so the signs are good,” said Elinor.
“It’s the loveliest schoolroom. Thank you so much, Elinor,” said Arabella
She noticed that Reverend Colbrooke looked stunned at the thought that had gone into the room.
“I haven’t finished,” said Elinor in an excited tone. “Follow me. We can let the boys run around the garden for a while, and I have something to show you all.”
While the boys raced around the garden near the house playing a new game they had invented called buccaneers, Elinor led them to the far end of the garden.
“You’ll remember this place,” she said. “Well, I’ve had it transformed. Step inside … This used to be our garden pavilion, and it had fallen into disuse. Now you have a garden classroom, away from the hustle and bustle in the house.”
Arabella stared in wonderment. The wooden classroom looked like a laboratory with benches and places to examine and sketch specimens. The terrace outside had been made into a place where the boys could sit outside and work with Reverend Colbrooke.
“I know I might have gone over the top,” said Elinor. “I just want Freddy to enjoy learning. He is always happiest if he is outdoors, so a garden classroom makes sense.”
The Reverend Colbrooke stepped forward. “This is the best classroom ever. We can work here most days, and it is so close to the path to the lake. The boys will love working here. I’m going to fetch them now, and we can get started.”
“I shall assist in preparing the lesson,” Emma said enthusiastically.
“Let’s leave them and go and take tea in the garden,” suggested Elinor. “No one will find us there. I could do to escape for a while.”
Arabella began to relax as a maid brought tea to an outside table in a secluded garden area at the back of the castle. Large hedges surrounded what seemed like a perfect garden room, filled with the scent of roses and honeysuckle.
“What a beautiful place,” said Arabella, looking around in wonderment. “I could stay here and never leave.”
“It is my favourite place in summer,” confided Elinor.
“You have a fountain too. It’s perfect,” agreed Arabella. “Now tell me about this summer season that your mother is planning. You have house guests, too?”
“We’re going to be full of guests until the summer fair. The first ones arrive today,” replied Elinor.
“But you seem worried,” remarked Arabella.
“My brother Simon arrives today. My brothers have not been on speaking terms for many years.”
“That must be difficult for your mother,” mused Arabella
“It’s difficult for us all, but the reason that Robert cannot bear to see Simon is understandable.”
“I hope it resolves for your mother’s sake,” said Arabella.
“The real problem is that a woman who was Robert’s betrothed has also been invited,” explained Elinor.
Arabella put her teacup down quickly, concerned she might drop and break the fine china.
Robert had a fiancée ... Surely not?
“He is engaged to be married?” queried Arabella, hoping she had misunderstood.
“It’s a long story and not really mine to share. I can say that Robert was engaged and, as the wedding day approached, his fiancée ended their engagement and announced she was marrying another suitor.”
“Humiliating and cruel,” whispered Arabella. “And he loved her?”
“Oh, very much, and left the county for London soon afterwards as he could not bear to be here with all the memories.”
