Nathaniel nodded thoughtfully.
“Yes. Certain minerals affect the pigmentation. Aluminum in particular, if I recall correctly.”
Emily’s eyes brightened.
“Precisely! I read something similar once, though the explanation was terribly brief. I wondered whether there were ways to test it.”
“There are, though the process requires a bit more patience than most people enjoy.”
“I do not mind patience,” Emily said immediately.
Across the table, Poppy blinked at them both as though the conversation had taken a very unexpected turn.
“You two sound as though you are planning an experiment,” she said.
Emily ignored the remark entirely. Nathaniel rested his hands lightly on the table.
“Have you studied much science?”
“Not formally,” Emily admitted. “I wish that I could. It is all so fascinating. Most people consider it an unusual interest for a young lady, though.”
Nathaniel glanced toward the gardens as though thinking.
“It would not be difficult to arrange proper instruction.”
Emily blinked.
“I beg your pardon?”
“A tutor,” Nathaniel said simply. “Ravensmere has more than enough space for a small laboratory if needed, and there are several scholars in London who might welcome the opportunity to teach privately.”
Emily stared at him.
“You are serious?”
“Quite.”
Her expression shifted between excitement and disbelief so quickly that Margaret could not help smiling as she approached.
“What exactly is my husband volunteering Ravensmere for now?” she asked.
Emily jumped slightly in her seat. Nathaniel looked up at Margaret with perfect calm.
“Education.”
Emily turned in her chair, clearly startled to realize Margaret and their mother had returned.
“I– we were only discussing it hypothetically,” she said quickly.
Lady Fairleigh raised an eyebrow.
“Hypothetically?”
Nathaniel gestured lightly toward the flower still in Emily’s hand.
“Your daughter appears to have a strong interest in the sciences.”
Emily looked as though she might attempt to retract the entire conversation. Margaret sat down beside her instead.
