At first the task to educate and teach the girls a trade seemed impossible. It hadn’t been easy to find the right property, nor to convince the girls’ relatives to allow them to leave their homes and live at the school. Boarding schools for boys were common but not so for girls. Some families had to get used to the idea. But after more than a year, all the girls had adjusted and were doing well in their lessons and in their sewing. Julia, Brina, and Adeline had reason to be pleased.
“What are you looking at, Lady Kitson?”
The sound of a girl’s voice startled Julia. She turned to see Fanny standing behind her. The red-haired girl had her hands behind her back and was staring at Julia. It shouldn’t have surprised her to see the freckle-faced miss. She was known for slipping out of the schoolhouse but thankfully she’d never been caught wandering off the property. At eleven years of age, she seemed to value independence. Perhaps she was much like Chatwyn and simply didn’t want to obey the rules. Or it could be that Fanny was more like her and wanted to be by herself without anyone’s watchful eyes.
“Good afternoon, Fanny,” Julia said. “How are things at the school today? Have there been any problems?”
The girl curtseyed and smiled. “Not from me, my lady. I’m through being bad. I’ve been a good girl just like Mum wants me to be.”
Julia smiled. “That’s good to hear. Is everyone happy?”
“I am. Nora doesn’t cry anymore so I guess she’s happy, too.”
“I’m glad. So tell me, does Mrs. Tallon know you’re out here?”
She nodded and the long curls on her shoulders bounced. “I saw you standing under the trellis from the window. I told Mrs. Tallon and she thought you might be on your way over to the school. I said I could come ask you.”
“That was nice of you but no. I won’t be going to the schoolhouse today.”
“I’ll tell her. Mrs. Tallon thinks I’m very intelligent. But don’t tell her I told you. She doesn’t know I heard her speaking to Miss Hinson. She wouldn’t like it if she knew I was listening to her conversations.”
“I’m sure you’re right about that.” Julia started to tell her that no one would appreciate anyone eavesdropping on their conversation but decided she didn’t have the heart to reprimand her. She’d let Mrs. Tallon do that.
“That’s a very pretty dress you are wearing, my lady.”
Julia looked down at her skirt. There were no flounces, or gathers on it. No ribbons, lace, or bows. The blue was so deep it was almost black. She wondered how anyone could think it pretty. She was twenty-five years old and dressed as if she were a much older woman.
“Thank you, Fanny,” she said.
“If I had made it for you I would have sewn some ruffles on it and made you some satin bows for the skirt.”
“I know you will make beautiful dresses and gowns when you are finished with your education.”
“Yes, my lady. I don’t have any trim on my dress either and it looks just like all the other girls’ dresses. When I get older and start making my own clothing I’m going to have all the bows and ruffles I want.”
Julia laughed. “I’m sure you will. Now, you best get back to the school. Tell Mrs. Tallon I’ll let her know when I’ll be stopping over.”
“All right,” Fanny said cheerfully. “I’m glad I saw you today.” She then turned and skipped back toward the school.
Julia headed back to the garden. Talking to Fanny had made Julia relax. Mrs. Tallon said the girls had adjusted and were doing well, but it was heartening to hear the same report from one of the girls.
A hinge creaked. She looked around and saw Garrett standing in front of the back gate. All the wondrous things he made her feel came rushing back—every touch, every kiss, and every sigh of pleasure they made. She wanted to run and throw herself into his arms. She wanted to hold him tightly and kiss him madly. Instead, she kept her composure and said, “I’ve been anxious for you to arrive.”
He smiled as he took off his hat and laid it on the gatepost. He started walking toward her. “I’ve wanted to see you, too.”
“Let’s sit on the bench that’s against the back wall of the house.” She pointed to the seat. “It’s more sheltered there, and it will be difficult for anyone from neighboring houses to see us.”
As soon as they’d settled themselves on the bench, she moistened her lips and asked what was most on her mind. “Did you find someone who can read the code?”
He smiled. “First tell me about Chatwyn. How is he doing today?”
“Frightened. Even when I told him Miss Periwinkle could take him to the park he wanted to cling to me and not let go. I know he doesn’t want Mr. Pratt to return.”
His gaze caressed her face with concern. “You should have brought him with you. He could have played while we talk.”
Julia’s heart softened, knowing he meant what he said. She was pleased he didn’t mind her son being with them. “Thank you, but it was best he not come this afternoon.
“Perhaps the duke has received your letter and has already dispatched someone to take care of Mr. Pratt.”
“That would be wonderful, but I’m certain it’s not true. I kept looking behind me, fearful that Mr. Pratt was following me.”
“So you think he might be a spy, too?”
“I wouldn’t put it past the duke to watch my every step. I’ve always thought he does anyway. I know he did when I was married to Kitson. He always thought he was going to find me being unfaithful. I would never have done that.”
“I know,” he said with conviction. “Do you know why the duke would be so distrusting?”
“Not for sure, no. I mean I haven’t discussed it with him. I do know from gossip and Kitson that the duke’s second wife, a beautiful lady, left him for a man much younger than the duke. Apparently she couldn’t abide by the duke’s iron rules. The man she ran away with was a known charmer and gambler who’d somehow wormed his way into Society. That happened when Kitson was still a little boy so he didn’t know much about his father’s second wife or the man she ran away with. I’ve never heard the duke speak about her and it’s certainly not something anyone would ever ask him about.”
“I can see why. Was his wife ever heard from again?”
“I guess it’s possible, but not that I heard. Now, tell me do you think the man you had in mind can figure out what is written in the ledger?”
“He’s not sure yet. All Mr. Urswick can do is try. He’s very good with figuring out discrepancies in shipping logs and remembering what ship is carrying what cargo. I have hope he can find the pattern that was used. Once he knows that, he should be able to read it. Mr. Ashfield has already started copying the documents so the duke will know for sure you have the originals. I have no idea how long that will take him. All of it will be kept in an iron chest I have in my office. It would not be easy for anyone to break into it even if they should somehow learn the deeds were in there. But I do have some more information you might like to hear.”
“Yes, anything,” she said, scooting closer to him.
“I found more proof that you were right and the duke has secret companies bought in the names of men who don’t really exist.”