Page 126 of Rakes & Reticules
When her husband said he would build her a school, Patience had believed him, but she was not expecting for him to do so with the funds he received from the Prince Regent. After the reticule was safely in the prince’s hands, he had gifted Fitz a rare Rembrandt, which her husband then sold for the sum of sixty thousand pounds. A great deal more than what the Regent promised.
She smiled as she looked down at the pocket watch attached to her modest day dress. “Time, ladies,” she called out, being met with a chorus of groans and gripes.
After teaching for over two years, she was accustomed to the young ladies’ complaints about anything really.
The Fitzwilliam’s School for Girls had twenty students, fifteen of whom lived in a dormitory next to the school on the northern part of the estate.
They had decided to build the school and dormitory away from Worthington Abbey. It wasn’t a great distance, but it was important for Patience to separate her work and home life. Although she enjoyed teaching, she also enjoyed time with her family.
“Lady Killingworth, will you and the earl go to London for the season?” one of the girls, Agatha, asked excitedly.
“I believe we are,” Patience replied, still not believing she was an actual countess and a member of theton.
“You must tell us everything when you return!” another girl, Tabetha, added.
“I will indeed. Now come. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have made you all a small feast for the end of term.” Patience smiled at them, watching as they placed their parchment papers on her desk.
Once every paper was turned in, Patience packed them up in her satchel, wanting to make it to the dining hall for the end-of-term lunch.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for my wife. Have you seen her?” the deep voice of her husband called out.
Turning around, Patience was met with the captivating sight of her husband holding their four-month-old son in his arms.
“I believe I saw her running away somewhere,” Patience said, closing the gap between them.
She slid her arms around his waist, kissing her son Joseph’s, chubby cheeks.
“Never or if she did, I would just find her, no matter how long it took.” He bent down, kissing her lips.
“I missed the both of you. I’m finding it dreadfully hard to be away from you.” Patience took the babe in her arms, pressing her lips to his downy dark hair.
“You can always hire another teacher, or have Mary-Anne teach more.” Wrapping his arms around them, Fitz led her out of the classroom and down the hall.
They entered the dining hall where the students were having lunch. The students sat at two long tables. Her sister, Mary-Anne, her husband, Philip along with their daughter, Poppy, sat at a table with Patience’s parents.
Her father had been injured greatly at Waterloo and was unable to send word for months. He had returned to them six months after the battle, with only one arm. It did not matter; all that mattered was that he was alive and well.
“There you are,” her father called out, waving at her with his one good arm. “I was telling Fitz that we should repair the greenhouse before your mother and I return to Brighton.”
Patience took a deep breath, trying not to show her irritation with her father. Ever since he had returned, he had been determined not to be an invalid.
“Father you really should not overdo it—”
“Nonsense. I have one good arm, and I shall use it. Now let me see my grandson. We’re only here two more days.” He held out his arm for her son.
Patience gently placed the babe in his arm, making sure he was secure.
“I really think we should consider moving here. I dislike being away from the girls and the children,” her mother said, kissing the top of Joseph’s head. “Besides we have no other family in Brighton anymore.”
Her mother’s countenance had changed dramatically without her grandmother’s influence. There had been no word from her grandmother since the night of Patience’s godfather’s ball. It didn’t matter to her if she never saw Jane Miller again.
“Walk with me,” Fitz whispered in her ear, leading her away from the crowded dining hall.
The sun was bright in the sky as Patience walked arm in arm with her husband. “What did you want to talk about?” she asked, pressing her body against his as he leaned against a tree.
He pulled her closer, pressing his lips to hers in a searing kiss. She melted against him, wishing that they were alone. “I wanted to kiss you again,” he confessed against her lips.
“I will never tire of kissing you,” she leaned, pressing her body against his.
