Page 40 of Hearts of Locke Hill

Her frown returned. “Perhaps. I’m sure London would be great fun.” Her expression lightened. “Perhaps when we are older and can behave ourselves.”

He chuckled, unable to imagine Violet ever behaving herself.

“Violet?” Mrs. Whittemore called. “Are those your brother’s lemon drops?”

Violet hurriedly shoved the bag into Cyril’s hands. “No, Mama.”

Y

At Oakleigh House, Cy hurried up the staircase and down the hall to Father’s room. His steps grew quieter as he approached the door, then he knocked softly before opening it a crack.

Leeds, Father’s valet, had just closed a leather traveling case and set it atop a trunk. He bowed to Cy. “We are ready, Master Burke.”

“Excellent. See that the car is pulled around in one hour.” Cy approached the bed and heard the door click shut behind them. “Father?”

Father was dressed for travel down to his polished shoes. But he lay still on the bed, propped against pillows, his eyes closed, his breathing shallow but steady. Cy reached for the blanket folded nearby and draped it over his father’s upper body. His persistent fever seemed to be holding steady for the time being, not raging as it was wont to do.

Father’s eyes slowly opened and focused on Cy. “Cyril, my boy.”

The soft words brought a smile to Cy’s face. “I’m hardly a boy anymore, Father.”

The edges of his frail mouth rose slightly. “Ah yes. All thatfuzz about your face. But you will always be my boy.” With his next breath, a cough wracked through his body, and Cy leaned forward, holding the man’s arm, helpless until it quieted.

The cough the doctor had promised had arrived.

After he’d settled, he looked at Cy once more. “Your sister had some interesting news.”

“What? She told you?” Blast. He’d wanted to be the one to explain things. “I wish she would’ve allowed me to tell you. She doesn’t know half the story, nor the reasons behind it. I’m meeting with the family in a few minutes, but I wanted to discuss it with you first.”

Father studied him and adjusted his head on the pillow. “Ruby told me that she wants to teach harp lessons at a college the Whittemores are opening. I thought it a splendid idea.” He frowned. “What news do you have for me?”

Cyril drew back. “Oh.” He felt a flush to his face. “Good. Yes, splendid.”

Father waited, suppressing another bout of coughing.

“Forgive me,” Cy said. “Everything has happened so fast, and I … I hope I’m doing the right thing. For the family. For Mother. For Oakleigh.”

Father lifted his hand and rested it on Cy’s. “Those are the very best reasons to do anything. Tell me what’s happened.”

A short while later, Cy entered the family parlor. Ruby played the harp. Mother sat nearest her, her eyes closed as she listened. George, Henry, and Patrick played a family-favorite board game called The Prince’s Quest. Oscar, clearly deep in thought, stood tapping his fingers on the fireplace mantel, which had no fire because of the mortar repair work outside. Still, it had been a warm spring, and the room was comfortable enough. While it was generally a cheery space, a pall hung over it, likely from the sense ofnot knowing what the coming days or weeks would bring to his family.

Cy cleared his throat.

Ruby paused in her playing, Mother’s eyes opened, and his brothers all straightened and turned to face him. Mother had sent a telegram to his brother Simon, who had replied to say he’d meet her in London and stay there for the duration. It had been a relief to know one of his brothers would be with her. Cy was struck by how dear each and every one of these faces were to him.

“Thank you for gathering here before Mother and Father leave for London. I’ve asked for your time today to perhaps ease some of your concerns and to inform you of the plans Father and I have agreed upon while he is away.” He looked about the room and crossed to the settee before the fireplace. “Ruby? Mother?” He motioned for them to take a seat. “Boys, come around.” He stood next to Oscar as the others moved forward. He had no desire to address them from across the room.

“I am worried.” He lifted a shoulder and chuffed a laugh at himself. “There. I said it. I’m worried, and now you know I’m not a high and mighty pillar of strength and fortitude you can’t approach with your concerns.”

“I’venever thought that,” George said.

“Thank you, George.” The others snickered. Trust his family to find laughter in a dark time. “I want you to know you can come to me. We should turn to one another. That is what Father has stressed as his utmost desire. Now and for always.”

Mother took Ruby’s hands in her own, her eyes glued to Cy.

“Having said that, there will be some changes, albeit temporary, here at home.” He took a deep breath and let it go. “I’veaccepted a position as headmaster of the new Locke Hill College for Exceptional Young Women.”

Mother and Oscar gasped. Mouths gaped.