Lady Sommerset laughed. “I suggest you ask Lady Ferncroft. Some cooks don’t like to share.”
“I suppose you’re right.” He took his seat and began to eat, mulling over his options for seeing Lady Sophie.
It wasn’t long before light steps could be heard crossing the parlor. Christopher looked up, hoping despite the odds that maybe the lady had come down to eat. But even as hope rose, the Duchess of Northwick strode into view and stopped. Her maroon skirts swished at the sudden lack of movement, and the one black curl she always left loose upon her shoulder fell behind her.
Everyone’s conversation halted.
“What is it, Joanna?” Lady Sommerset rose, worry lines creasing her brow.
Christopher stood, as did his brother and the duke.
“It’s Mariel. It’s time.”
The duke walked around the table to his wife. “It’s too early. We must hasten to Ravenridge.”
Christopher had no idea what was happening, but it sounded important, so he remained silent.
“What about the school? Doesn’t your Hilary Term start tomorrow?” Lady Sommerset clasped her hands, her concern obvious. “Unless you plan to delay it and maybe start when Oxford does?”
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’sRepublic, 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 thoroughlyentertaining, 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.
