She studied him in astonishment, slowly shaking her head. “Who are you, and what have you done with my friend Colin Hutton?”
The following day, Georgiana and Colin, along with Emily and her husband, James, set out for the Sidmouth School. Sarah remained at home reviewing the books with Mr. Gwilt, who had taken over the bookkeeping tasks during Sarah’s absence.Mamma remained as well, engrossed in the novelSense and Sensibility.
The early December day was sunny and mild, so they might have walked were they not burdened down with their offerings.
The hooded cabriolet James used to travel to and from Killerton seated only two and had insufficient room for all the gifts, so they borrowed the Huttons’ larger carriage. Taggart, the Huttons’ footman and sometimes coachman, sat at the reins, ready to drive them. They filled its interior with their bundles and barely managed to squeeze in themselves.
They traveled up Fore Street, through the eastern town, and toward the mill until they reached the school, located near the River Sid and next to the poor house. The simple two-story building and yard were enclosed by a brick wall.
When they arrived, Colin helped the ladies alight, while James handed around the bundles. He then sent Taggart home, saying they would walk back after their gifts had been delivered. He opened the gate for them and together they crossed the yard, Colin skirting the muddy patches to spare his polished shoes.
The front of the school held two doors, one with a stone plaque markedGirls, the otherBoys. James held open the girls’ door for them, but looking at the plaques, Colin made a comical face, wagged a finger, and entered through the boys’ door.
Georgie shook her head. Boyish indeed.
Inside, Mr. Ward welcomed them into the large schoolroom, where his pupils were assembled.
The children were sitting on low benches, looking up at the visitors expectantly. A few grinned shyly at them. The children knew Georgie well, and Emily and James had come to play with or read to them several times before. Some of the boys, however, looked askance at newcomer Colin in his fine clothes and stylish D’Orsay top hat with upturned brim, while a few girls stared at him with barely concealed admiration.
The children politely waited their turns yet were clearly eager and appreciative as the visitors distributed the gifts under the benevolent eye of Mr. Ward. Colin’s gloves, which proved toolarge for any of the pupils, were gratefully received by the humble schoolmaster.
The boys—along with sport-loving Cora—oohed and aahed over the games Colin had brought, as well as the bat, cricket ball, and new foot-ball, stroking each almost reverently.
Colin appeared overwhelmed and even sheepish at their effusive gratitude.
He leaned near Georgiana and whispered, “Next time I’ll bring more.”
“This is your first visit here, is it not?”
“Yes. Though not my last.”
Georgie nodded. “Glad to hear it. You shall no doubt fall in love with these youngsters, as I have.”
“Are you not a youngster yourself?”
She sniffed and lifted her chin. “I am not. I will have you know I am now seventeen.”
“Goodness. As ancient as that?” He winked.
When the gift giving was over, Mr. Ward released the children for a short recess to enjoy the gifts. The girls and a few boys elected to remain indoors to play spillikins or dominoes. James and Emily remained inside with them.
Meanwhile, the other boys and Cora headed outside.
Georgiana turned to Colin. “Come on,” she urged, and he followed her without complaint.
A game began in the yard, and Georgie was quick to enter the fray.
Many feet had worn the yard’s patchy grass to dirt in places. It had not yet snowed, but they’d had mizzle in recent days, so the yard was a bit muddy. Soon the ball was muddy as well. Georgie hoped Colin would not refuse to play for fear of spoiling his fine clothes.
She kicked the ball to him. “Join us. I’ll be on one side, you the other.”
Colin gingerly picked up the muddy ball, then instantly dropped it. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping off his gloves.
“Come on!” Cora shouted her encouragement.
Georgie sighed in disappointment, and one of the mouthier boys grumbled under his breath, “What a coxcomb.”
“One moment.” Colin returned the handkerchief, then pulled off his gloves and frock coat, laying them over the gate. He placed his hat atop the wall.
