‘She will relish the challenge, Sir Robert.’
‘People will think I have lost my mind when it becomes known that I am to leave it to her. We must silence the doubters.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Perhaps “equal” is not good enough.’
Miss Brown’s brows pinched together, as she looked at him.
‘I’m not sure I understand.’
‘The Pendragon name must not be made a laughing stock and Carrack Estate must grow in strength. Do you speak Latin?’
Miss Brown shook her head. ‘I can speak a little French.’
‘Nicholas was learning Latin and Greek. Evelyn must do so too . . . and French.’
‘Three languages at once. Is that really necessary?’ questioned Miss Brown.
‘She must be better than average. She must excel. Silence the doubters, Miss Brown,’ said Sir Robert, wagging his finger at her. ‘Silence the doubters.’
‘Ido not doubt her, Sir Robert.’
There was that edge again. He stopped pacing and looked at her.
‘Perhaps it’s you who is not up to the task,’ he challenged. He did not wait for a reply. He felt energised and needed to expel it. He began to pace again; aware Miss Brown watched his every move. ‘What do young men learn in college today? A fit body nourishes a fit mind and sport is recommended. I will reinstate Nicholas’s tutor as soon as possible.’
‘Mr Burrows?’ Miss Brown’s frown deepened. ‘He prides himself on educating young men, Sir Robert. I do not think he values the education of women.’
‘He will value his employment continuing.’
‘Even so, I don’t think he will bring the best out in Evelyn.’
‘You think I do not know my own child?’ blasted Sir Robert. Miss Brown’s shocked expression brought a heated flush to his cheeks. He had lost his temper in front of his wife, something he had wanted to avoid.
‘I do not think Mr Burrows is . . .’ he saw her searching for the right words ‘. . . a good match for Evelyn.’
A good match? What was she talking about? Tutors were employed for their ability to teach, not how they formed relationships with their pupils.
‘You are only saying this because you fear for your own position.’
Miss Brown raised an eyebrow. ‘I was not aware my position was in jeopardy.’
‘It is if I do not feel you can support me in this,’ he challenged.
‘It is growing harder by the minute,’ retorted Miss Brown. Miss Brown addressed his wife as if he no longer mattered. ‘Lady Pendragon, Evelyn is a sweet-natured child, eager to do well. I have no doubt that Mr Burrows is a great teacher, but he has always looked down upon the education of girls. He certainly has no respect for my position as a governess.’
‘Now I understand,’ said Sir Robert. ‘You have a personal grudge against Mr Burrows.’
‘No, I do not, sir.’
* * *
‘Mr Burrows takes great pride in his profession.’
‘I know he does—’
‘So you do not disagree with me.’
‘—but he will resent having to educate Evelyn.’
‘He educates to a high level,’ argued Sir Robert.
