Elizabeth continued. “Needlepoint designs can be quite complex and take a lot of time and effort, combined with careful stitching to create a lovely pattern and display. Each stitch contributes to the whole and, while independent, is still part of the bigger picture that needs that single stitch to be in that place and sewn in that way. If we evaluate life, or maybe a situation in life, we can see the full picture, but there are many contributing factors that influence the way that scenario appears onthe outside. Every stitch, or action, contributes to the full picture of what’s taking place. So, if we take the principle of breaking down the scene—or the problem, or the picture, however you wish to apply it—to the simplest part, you’ll find a smaller aspect that contributes to the whole,” she finished. “This is why we study the great philosophers and thinkers. They may be writing about a particular area of study, like science or mathematics, but it all works together and often we can apply those thoughts and concepts to our lives in different ways.”
She watched as her students nodded silently. “Now before I digress more, let’s begin to read.” Elizabeth retrieved her book, opened it to their last page read, and began.
As the class progressed, they took turns reading and discussing. Before long, the class time was finished, and Elizabeth lingered to say goodbye to her students and to see if the newest member had questions.
Sure enough, the young lady waited until most of the students left and then approached Elizabeth.
“Thank you, Miss Essex, for allowing me to join your class,” she said with a sweet tone. “I’m Rebecca White.”
“A pleasure, Miss White. I was thrilled you were interested and could attend,” Elizabeth returned.
Rebecca continued, “It’s far different than any sort of study I’ve had before, and I sincerelyappreciated how you explained about applying various concepts to everyday life. It was delightful. I can hardly wait to implement your teachings.”
Elizabeth flushed at the praise. “Well, they aren’t my teachings. I’m merely introducing you to the books and great thinkers who wrote them, but thank you all the same.”
“I’d love to attend the next meeting.”
“We’d love to have you,” Elizabeth remarked, thankful the new student was going to return.
Rebecca gave a quick smile. “I’ll see you soon, Miss Essex. Thank you again.” And with that, she departed from the room, leaving Rebecca with her parchments, books, and a lingering Patricia.
“Hello, Patricia,” Elizabeth said as she placed her things back in her satchel, a smile playing at her lips as she remembered when Collin returned that very satchel.
“You’ve been smiling frequently,” Patricia said with an arch grin. “One must wonder why.”
“Am I?” Elizabeth relaxed her smile and went back to fastening her satchel.
“Yes, you are. And I won’t leave until you tell me why,” Patricia whispered intensely, her expression determined.
Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Oh, is that so?”
“Yes, it is.” Patricia placed her hands on her hips. “So, the sooner you tell me, the better off we bothwill be. We can’t exactly spend the night in the tea house.” She grinned.
“No, we can’t,” Elizabeth answered but avoided the first question. Part of her was bursting to tell her friend about Lord Penderdale, but the other part wanted to have a delicious secret, something that only she and Collin shared. Well, she, Collin, and her father.
“Did he ask to court you?” Patricia asked softly. Nonetheless, the intensity in her voice was unmistakable.
Elizabeth glanced up, blinking in surprise that Patricia had guessed it so quickly.
“He did! I knew it. I thought…when he came over…I thought I heard something of the sort, but I didn’t want to eavesdrop too much… Oh, this is so exciting!” Patricia gushed, then glanced to the door, making sure they hadn’t drawn attention.
“Wait, Lord Penderdale came over to your house today?”
Patricia nodded. “It was earlier this afternoon. He stopped by and spoke with my brother, which is not out of the ordinary.” She paused. “I was walking upstairs but I thought I heard your name mentioned so I crept closer. I couldn’t hear much, but it made me wonder if maybe the events of the night before had led to an important question…” Her words trailed off and she arched a brow suggestively.
“Well, you’d be correct in all your manyassumptions,” Elizabeth replied, unable to keep the smile from spreading across her face.
“I knew it!” Patricia said, then whispered more softly, “I knew it.”
“Clearly you did, which begs the question, why ask?” Elizabeth hitched a shoulder and then started to leave the room.
“No, don’t leave. I want to know all the details.” Patricia followed her.
“Why don’t you come over for tea tomorrow and we can talk then?” Elizabeth turned and gave her friend a meaningful glare.
Patricia pouted but nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Very good,” Elizabeth replied, then thanked the Smiths, who owned the tea shop, and started out the door. Her father would be waiting for her outside their house, anticipating her arrival, and she didn’t want to linger any longer and risk causing him concern.
