He gave her a smug smile. “Then I’m glad I suggested it to her.”
“You did?” That he’d gone to so much trouble to help her made her feel twice as guilty about the book currently locked in her cabinet in the library at Craymore Hall.
“I did. I also wrote that list of subjects for you and gave it to her to add to. Did she give it to you?”
“No, but she plans to call tomorrow. You have a wonderful aunt.”
He looked past her to where his aunt was pointing at the Panthéon. “She is a unique woman, much like you.” He returned his gaze to hers. “When she came to live with me at Burhleigh Park, everything changed for the better.”
“Was that recently?”
“No. Her husband died in a coach accident, leaving her and baby Elsbeth alone. His nephew took over the estate and my aunt decided she preferred living with me.”
Her mind spun at this new information. “Elsbeth was a baby? Then you must have been not even half a score. I imagine your father was surprised by the sudden change in residence for his sister.”
His face became void of all emotion. “He didn’t know for months. When my aunt arrived at Burhleigh Park and discovered my father was living at his hunting estate in Scotland, she was so angry that she refused to send him a missive.” He finally relaxed, his lip quirking up. “I believe it was the dressmaker’s bill that finally got his attention.”
She tried to piece everything together. It sounded as if James had been living alone at his home with no more than servants until his aunt arrived when he was but nine or ten. But he’d said he lost his mother at the age of seven. He’d been abandoned by both parents! A lump formed in her throat at the realization.
“When she first arrived, I refused to come out of the library.” He shook his head. “I was angry and thought she would try to usurp my little kingdom. But she was patient and kind.” He looked to where the lady in question stood. “She was also very calm, unlike either of my parents. She has always had that quiet confidence about her.”
She swallowed hard to free her voice. “I think that’s why I enjoyed her the moment I met her.”
He returned his attention to her. “Have you made any progress on your plans?”
“I have.” She gave him a wide smile. “I have recruited all my students.”
His eyes widened. “That was quite quick. Did their mothers approve?”
“That was much more difficult. I would have had eight, but two mothers wouldn’t be swayed. My reputation is not the best with the parents.” She held up her hand as he opened his mouth to speak. “Not in that way. Just by the fact I’ve been out for four seasons and still have yet to marry.” She shook her head. “They don’t realize I have no plans to marry, so I distract them with a compliment about their daughter.”
His brows raised. “You sound like a worthy negotiator. Perhaps I should have you talk to my neighbor in Peterborough about selling his duck pond to me.”
Now that could be fun. “I am at your disposal.”
His laugh drew a few stares, but he didn’t seem to notice. She liked that he wasn’t overly concerned by the opinions of his peers. Then again, he was a duke and a man, so there wasn’t much effect a poor opinion could have on him.
She continued with her accomplishments to date. “I’ve also alerted the staff at Silver Meadows that I will be in residence this winter with six guests, though now with your aunt, it will be seven.”
“Don’t forget you may also need more teachers.”
She held out her hand and counted on her fingers. “First, I need to settle on my list of required courses. Second, I need to determine who to teach them. Third, I need to plan on activities that apply the knowledge. Fourth, I need to set up a schedule for physical activities. Fifth, I’ll need to determine when the women can go home for the holidays and return. Sixth, I’ll need to—”
His large hand enfolding hers startled her. “You are becoming agitated. I suggest a list of items that need tending to be done in a more private place where you can pace.”
She took a deep breath. She had started to become anxious at the tasks to be accomplished, now that she had students and a teacher. How had he known? She dropped her hand, and he let go. “You are correct. This is not the place, but I do appreciate discussing it with you. It helps me to think out loud, but I definitely do not want my family to know yet.” She sighed. “I guess I’ll chat with your aunt about it on the morrow. Mother is making calls with Mariel, and Amelia is always painting at that time of day.”
He lifted his chin. “Have you thought about when you will allow others to know?”
“No.” She grinned. “But I’ll add it to my list.”
His blue gaze twinkled with humor. “I believe you may need a list of your lists fairly soon.”
“And I believe that you just like giving me more things to do.”
He shrugged, but the mirth remained in his eyes. “True.”
She laughed. Being able to speak freely after the last few days of listening to her own thoughts was a relief and a pleasure.
