Page 49 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

As they ate, she asked them questions to find out their likes and dislikes, also sharing her own. She learned their mother had taught them their alphabet and how to write their names. They had just started to learn simple words when she had grown ill and had to stop.

“Mum didn’t feel like teaching us then,” Charlie said mournfully.

Freddie didn’t say anything but Sera saw anger burning in his eyes. Clearly, he had not come to terms with his mother’s illness and death.

“It is all right to be sad that your mama has passed,” she began. “It is also fine to be angry.”

Freddie looked at her sharply but she spooned jam on her toast points, avoiding his gaze.

“I thought people were sad when someone died,” he said.

“I’m sad. I miss Mum,” Charlie said softly.

Sera wrapped her arm about his shoulder. “You may feel sad for a long time because you miss her. Gradually, your sadness will fade but you will want to remember her and the good times you shared. She is always with you—in your mind and in your heart.”

She took a bite of the toast and then set it down. “While some people are sad, others are mad when a loved one dies. They are angry that person got sick and had to leave. Sometimes, they are angry at themselves because they couldn’t do anything to change things.”

She glanced at Freddie and he nodded. “I’ve been mad ever since His Grace told us Mum was gone.” His mouth trembled. “I was mad at her for getting sick. We had to leave our house. She didn’t talk to us hardly at all. She told us to go play.”

He looked up and she saw tears brimming in his eyes. “Mum didn’t feel like being with us.”

She took his hand and squeezed it. “She probably hated you seeing her sick and weak. She would want you to remember her as she was before. It is hard when you are a mother and you cannot care for the children you love.”

Freddie gulped loudly and then a sob broke from him. He flung himself into her arms and she held him, stroking his hair. Charlie came and patted his brother’s back.

“It’s gonna be all right, Freddie. We have Sera now. She’ll help us.”

“That’s right. I am here to teach you and help you and care for you.”

Freddie wiped his eyes with his sleeve and took his seat again, his face red and blotchy but the usual defiance was back in his eyes.

“What are we going to learn?” he asked.

“All kinds of things, both indoors and outdoors.”

“Like what?” Charlie asked eagerly.

“Reading and writing and simple math to start. I also think history and geography. Music if you are interested.”

“Music?” Freddie looked doubtful.

“His Grace has a pianoforte you can learn upon. My things will soon arrive and among them is a violin that I play.”

“Like a fiddle?” Charlie asked. “We’ve heard someone play in the taverns and on the streets.”

“Yes, that is what I refer to.”

“We could play it? Your fiddle?” Freddie said.

“Yes, but only if you are interested in learning how to.”

“Could we just listen to you play?” Freddie pushed.

“Of course. I would be happy to play for you anytime.”

Freddie twirled his fork through his eggs. “What else do we have to learn?”

“We will explore Kingwood,” she told him. “See the land and the animals on it. I told you last night we’ll fish.”

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