Page 58 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“We’ve got a book with drawings of the different types of fish. Fish and other creatures that live in the lake are our next big project,” said Freddy.
“And Nathaniel says we can learn about King Arthur, the sword Excalibur, and other mysterious creatures that live underwater,” added Henry.
Robert took a deep breath and decided it would be churlish to keep the child from his other uncle. “You should ask Uncle Simon about the myths and legends. He was always fascinated by those stories. I think there are some books in the library he can show you. In fact, I remember he made a series of tiny books himself, all about the fish in the lake.”
He heard footsteps crunching on last year's fallen leaves, which still covered the path, and looked around. He half expected to see his brother, but no, his heart raced a little faster at the sight of the figure emerging from the wood onto the lakeshore.
“I brought you a basket of biscuits and some other goodies,” came her voice. “And some fresh lemonade.”
“Mama, mama,” called Henry, racing to greet his mother and Aunt Emma. “We’ve been finishing the boat. We just can’t decide on a name. I want to call it Excalibur, and Freddy wants to call it Trafalgar.”
He knew the moment she saw he was there. Her eyes widened, and a gentle smile formed on her lips.
That colour suits her; the green bonnet and dress brings out the colour of those mysterious eyes.
He bowed in greeting, “Lady Farrington, Miss Thraxton.”
They curtseyed in response, and the conversation about naming the boat continued.
“What about Avalon?” suggested Robert. “That’s the name of the island where the sword Excalibur was made.”
The boys conferred for a moment and nodded. “We like Avalon. The good ship Avalon.”
“I’m going to paint the name on the boat,” said Freddy. “I like Avalon. I’m not sure I can spell Excalibur or Trafalgar, and we have an island in the middle of our lake. We’ve got our own Avalon.”
The Reverend Colbrooke came to join them. “I’ve been searching for other places we can study. I startled a roe deer over there,” he told them. “I think if we watch quietly later on, maybe she will return to the lake to drink.”
“We had an idea while walking down here,” said Arabella. “It was Aunt Emma’s idea, and I think you will like it. Tell them, Emma.”
“We could have a treasure hunt with clues for you to follow. The clues could be placed all around the lake,” Emma replied excitedly.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” said Nathaniel. “It can be part of our project as there will be reading, deduction, and following a trail. You can both write about it afterwards.”
“I thought maybe we might work on the clues together,” suggested Emma, smiling at Nathaniel, who readily agreed.
“After the first treasure hunt, you could devise a different one for us grown-ups to follow. We could make it part of a picnic and invite Grandmama,” suggested Robert.
“Can we dress up as pirates, Mama?” asked Henry. “We ought to be historically accurate.”
“Pirates, pirates,” shouted Freddy. “I’m Fearsome Fiery Jack.” And he raced off wielding a pretend sword in the air. Henry ran after him, “I’m Henry Morgan, the terrible. Henry is a pirate name.”
“That’s caught their attention,” said Nathaniel. “We’d better start planning.” He got out his notebook, and Emma went to join him.
“Shall we take a turn around the lake?” Robert suggested, offering his arm to Arabella.
“Of course. It looks so beautiful today. I love how the sun gives the lake that shimmering, silver surface. You could almost imagine Lady Vivienne emerging from the lake with the sword Excalibur. This lake project is doing wonders for Henry’s imagination. “
“And Freddy’s too. I believe we are lucky to have the Reverend Colbrooke. Most tutors would have had the boys inside throughout the summer, and Freddy would have learned to sit and endure learning until he could get outdoors again. “
“He’s certainly got their enthusiasm for this project. Henry talks of little else.”
“Does he swim?” asked Robert.
“No, his father, Edward, had planned to teach him.” He saw the momentary look of sadness cross her face.
“Freddy doesn’t swim either. I’m planning to teach him over the summer. Would Henry like to join us?
“I believe you would find it hard to stop him.” She laughed. “My only worry is that he will want to dive to the bottom of the lake to search for enchanted creatures.”
