Mary spoke up. “Mathematics?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Indeed, geometry to be specific, along with algebra and logic.”
Mary beamed, clearly proud of her correct answer.
Acknowledging Mary’s smile with one of her own, Elizabeth continued. “The next rule he lays out is to reduce every problem to its simplest parts.” Elizabeth swallowed hard as she considered this. Wasn’t this the very thing she should apply to her own life? Break down the issue into its smallest parts and better understand them. She’d beenapproaching it all wrong, trying to see and solve the bigger picture, but it was too big. That was the problem. She had to break it down, study it in pieces, and piece those smaller parts together to get that bigger picture. Then she’d understand it further, deeper.
“This is especially helpful in mathematics since some problems require us to dissect the issue to find the solution,” she said after a moment’s reflection. “But it is also a methodology applicable to life. One we can implement when faced with a large problem that seems too big to surmount. We can break it down, find its simplest parts, and address them individually.”
Elizabeth moved on to the next point. “Finally, we come to the third rule: Be orderly in your thoughts. Go from simplest to most difficult when solving a problem. This should seem like common sense, but how often do we dismiss the small issues in light of the larger ones, thinking them more important?” She grinned, watching the ladies nod in understanding.
Patricia spoke up. “It’s true. I never thought of it that way though.”
“That’s exactly the goal—to think differently, wider, broader, and understand things better because we have learned how to learn. That may sound redundant, but part of education is understanding how to digest the information, filter it in our mind, and use it property. Turns out, thatdoesn’t always happen naturally. We have to train ourselves to do it.”
Elizabeth shifted her papers and set them aside. Withdrawing her book from the bag, she took a seat and settled in to read. “I’ll take my turn first, and then we’ll go around the room as usual.” She opened the book and began to read.
After everyone had taken her turn, Elizabeth dismissed the class. She collected the book and parchments and placed them back in her satchel and turned to face Patricia, who had come to stand beside her.
“I think my brother and your friend, Lord Penderdale, could use your information on problem-solving. I don’t think they are doing mathematics, but whatever they’re doing, it’s not been successful, if my brother’s glum countenance is any indication.” She leaned against the wall. “They left this afternoon and came back just as I was headed out the door. Michael was cross, and Lord Penderdale’s handsome face was twisted in frustration as well. Though he was still handsome. Is that breeding? Or just luck?” she mused.
Elizabeth laughed. “I wouldn’t know since I don’t find him terribly handsome.” Her gut twisted at the half-truth she had just told, but if she interpreted attractiveness as an inward attribute, then she was being honest. If it was purely outward, then she was a liar. Because Lord Penderdale was not hard to look at, not at all.
“You’re daft if you think him anything less than an Adonis.”
“I hope he never hears you say that. His already grand opinion of himself will only grow,” Elizabeth replied dryly.
“I doubt he’s still at my house. You want to come over for a bit?” Patricia invited.
Elizabeth considered it. She didn’t have much to tend to at home, but she was hesitant. She didn’t want to encourage Michael, which could likely happen if she showed up at their house. Her heart was undecided on the man, and that should be her answer. Thinking of her recent lesson, she decided to put it into practice. “I’ll follow you home.”
Don’t believe anything you can’t prove yourself.Descartes was referring to mathematics, but she could use the concept on a wider scope, couldn’t she? She was fairly certain that Michael fancied her, but he’d never said it, and she’d never asked. This could all be for naught, and perhaps he was merely being very kind to her as Patricia’s friend. With that consideration, some of the tension she’d started to harbor in her chest began to unwind. Once she was there, perhaps she’d simply ask Patricia. But that would also be indirect and not as accurate. Sighing, she collected her things and followed her friend out the door and toward her home.
“You’ve gone quiet,” Patricia mused as she matched Elizabeth’s stride.
Elizabeth twisted her lips. “Just thinking about the three rules we spoke about during class and debating how well they will work when applied to other situations.”
Patricia blew out a long-suffering breath. “Do you ever stop thinking? Wait, no, let me rephrase that.” She paused. “Do you ever stop being so academic? Not everything or everyone can be analyzed and studied.”
Elizabeth regarded her friend. “I understand that, but I also find much of human nature fascinating. What’s wrong with wishing to understand it further?”
Patricia eyed her and afterward turned back toward the street. “Nothing, I suppose, but it isn’t a relaxed demeanor that you portray, so it doesn’t seem much fun, that’s all.”
“I’m fun,” Elizabeth stated flatly, then realized her answer proved her wrong. She softened her tone. “I do many interesting things that don’t relate to academics.”
“Like?” Patricia asked, her lips pursed as if withholding a smile.
Elizabeth glared as she answered. “I tend to bees, I can ride well, and my pianoforte is improving.”
“I didn’t say you weren’t accomplished, but it wouldn’t harm you to find more reasons to laugh. That is all I’m saying,” Patricia countered and promptly changed the subject. “My brother will be happy you’re coming over.”
Elizabeth groaned. “You can’t be certain of that.”
Patricia broke into a loud giggle. “Oh, I’m certain.”
“He’s said nothing to me; therefore it’s not a certainty at all.”
“Why would he say anything to you and risk your rejection before he’s befriended you? For being brilliant, you’re quite obtuse regarding men,” Patricia stated in a wry tone.
