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‘All of this for me.’
‘Perhaps you underestimate yourself.’
A shadow flitted across her face. ‘I don’t think so.’
She dropped her gaze to the table again, staring at it in silence as the maid returned with a tray, clearing away the bowls and replacing them with plates of roast beef, potatoes, carrots and steaming hot gravy.
‘About your ward...’ She looked up again once the maid had gone.
‘What about him?’ He tensed immediately.
‘You should know that my former pupils were both girls.’
‘So?’ He wasn’t sure what she was getting at.
‘I’m not used to teaching boys.’
‘Weren’t there any in the family you worked for?’
She started as if he’d just said something shocking, fork suspended halfway to her mouth.
‘Ianthe?’
‘There was.’ Her voice sounded oddly tremulous. ‘But he was older. You know, most boys are sent away to school.’
‘So I’ve heard, but I prefer to keep Matthew with me.’
‘It might be better for his education.’
Robert knit his brows together suspiciously. ‘Do you want me to send him away?’
‘No! Of course not.’
‘Good. He’s had enough upheaval in his life.’
‘Then I’ll do my best. I just thought you should know that my experience is...limited.’
He relaxed slightly. ‘I’m sure you’ll do a good job, Ianthe. Better than anything I could do anyway. I’ve had one of the bedrooms on the first floor turned into a schoolroom. It faces east with a view of the sea. It should be very pleasant there in the mornings.’
‘That was very thoughtful. Is there anything in particular you want me to teach him?’
Robert shrugged. ‘I haven’t thought too much about it. I’ve been teaching him reading and numbers at the yard, but I’d like you to round out his education with the things I can’t teach.’
‘Languages?’
‘Do you know any?’
‘German and Italian, and I can read Latin. A little Greek, too.’
‘Just a little?’ He lifted his eyebrows, impressed.
‘I like words, whatever the language.’ She smiled shyly. ‘Even when they’re not poetry.’
‘I had no idea of your talents. Perhaps we should forget about Matthew and have you come to work at the yard instead.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I deal with traders from all over Europe. It might be useful to have a translator.’
