Charlotte stood to put away her art supplies. “I wish we had time to draw more, but I observe it is getting late, and I do not wish to worry my sister by being absent at breakfast. May we…may I have another lesson? Next Tuesday?”
He nodded and smiled again—one that Charlotte could tell was sincere. They walked together down the hill to the path leading back to Haverstone. Before he could speak his farewells, she boldly placed her hand on his arm.
“Thank you again for the lesson, Mr. Morton. I am so thrilled with the progress I have made in just this one day.”
His gaze dropped briefly to her hand and she pulled it away, murmuring an apology. He raised his eyes to look into hers again.
“I was most happy to help, Miss Kendall. As I said, you are a quick and eager student, which any teacher must admit makes his job enjoyable.”
They stood silent a moment, as though unwilling to part. Frederick cleared his throat.
“You had asked to be informed when I shall give my first sermon. It will be this coming Sunday. The reverend Mr. Peabody has taken on a second parish, and therefore, as his curate, I may soon be guaranteed one or even two sermons a month.”
“How thrilling for you,” Charlotte said. “Of course, we shall be there. I am certain you will do splendidly.”
He suddenly appeared bashful, looking off to one side, and rocking back and forth on his heels. “I hope so. Of course, Mr. Peabody has advised me to simply read one of the sermons from the books common to a parish, but I will…that is—I am attempting to compose one of my own. Something that will be new for the parishioners to hear.”
“I am sure you will succeed,” Charlotte said warmly. “I so look forward to hearing you on Sunday. Oh—and, also, to seeing you and your brother in two days’ time.”
“Seeing Robert and me? I do not take your meaning, Miss Kendall.”
“Your brother has invited us all to Brentwood Manor for dinner this Thursday. Did you not know? We are to come early so that I may get a full tour of your home.”
“No, I was quite unaware of his invitation. But, Robert has been preoccupied of late. Most likely over estate affairs. He has had much to learn since our father’s passing.” He beamed at her. “I look forward to seeing you and Lord and Lady Gillingham at Brentwood.” He stepped back and bowed his head sharply. “Good day, Miss Kendall.”
Charlotte curtseyed and replied, “Good day, Mr. Morton.” She turned away and hurried along the path to Haverstone, not looking back at her companion, who stood still and silent, watching her until she was out of sight.
Chapter Seventeen
After returning toBrentwood and putting away his art supplies, Frederick went looking for his brother. He found him in the dining room, finishing his breakfast.
“Good morning, Robert. I apologize for leaving you on your own for breakfast—I went for a long ramble early and quite lost track of time.” Frederick went to the sideboard and piled food on a plate.
His brother grinned. “Not to worry, Frederick. I had my newspaper at least to keep me company. Perhaps I’ll go out for a ride later and enjoy the fresh air as you have. Tell me, what do you have planned for today?”
“I was going to continue to work on my sermon for this Sunday.” He returned to the table and sat, nodding for the butler to serve him coffee. “I am quite nervous about my first outing in the pulpit, you know. I should hate for word to get to Mr. Peabody that my delivery was less than its best.”
Robert was absorbed in his paper again and merely replied with a mumbled, “Naturally.”
Frederick waited a moment, then picked up his fork, frowning slightly because his brother seemed to show so little interest in this important landmark in his career. After a few bites, he tried again.
“Would you be interested to know the subject of my sermon? I do not wish to brag, but I think it rather a good one.”
Robert lifted his head out of the financial section and stared at his sibling. His expression, it seemed to Frederick, was one of vague surprise that his brother was still there.
“Oh, uh…yes, should you care to tell me, I am most willing to hear it.” Robert folded his paper and gave Frederick his full attention. “What will you preach on?”
“Since it is my first sermon, I thought to go back to the very beginning of our Bible—Genesis, Chapter1, Verse1.”
“In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the Earth,” recited Robert, in a mock pious voice. He chuckled. “It is good you did not pick some obscure verse to start out on. I think we all knowthatmuch of the Bible, at least.”
“Yes, but what I wish to speak on is that a belief in the creation of the universe out of nothing is not merely a wondrous account of its origin, but that it is truly compatible with our belief in a personal and just God,” Frederick said eagerly. “He created this world for man. And, naturally, that concept leads to belief in our Heavenly Father’s continuous Providence for us. Then, in turn,thatProvidence, considering the depth of man’s moral misery, clearly suggests redemption for us all. So, you see, I hope to show the parishioners that from the very start of our holy book, there is a message of love and hope set down for us.” He sat back, proudly, only to recognize a look of bored distraction in his brother’s eyes. Had he even been listening?
Robert wiped his mouth and tossed his napkin down as he rose from the table.
“Sounds like an excellent sermon, Freddy—I look forward to it. Now, pray, excuse me. I have some work to do.”
“Actually,” Frederick said quickly, rising as well, “I have another issue to discuss with you—quite an important one, too. May we speak together in your study?”
