Page 42 of Hearts of Locke Hill

George leaped to standing and saluted. “Yes, sir.”

It was Cy’s turn to smirk. “You shall be joining Oscar and Mr. Thorpe.”

Next to him, Oscar hmphed, while George let out a pathetic whimper.

Cy turned to Ruby. She smiled at him, eyes shining. “Ruby, Father tells me you are to take a position teaching harp at the college. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She glanced a smile at Mother. “It doesn’t start for a few weeks yet, so I’ll be remaining at home. Someone has to keep an eye on Henry. And George, of course.”

“What isthatsupposed to mean?” George snarked.

“Which brings me to my next item,” Cy said, ignoring George’s outburst and Ruby’s giggle. “Aunt Margaret will arrive in two days. It is her desire to help. Please, do not leave her care solely in Ruby’s hands. And do not leave Ruby at her mercy whenshe learns that her great-niece of such esteemed favor is teaching harp lessons at a college for girls.”

“That will be easy enough,” Oscar said. “All we’ll have to do is tell her that her great-nephewof such esteemed favorhas becomeheadmasterat said college for girls.”

At their joined laughter, Cy felt his heart gladden and his shoulders lift. They could do this. God willing, they could weather this storm.

He met Mother’s gaze. She smiled, wiping at tears.Thank you, she mouthed and blew him a kiss.

He bowed to her. It was the very least he could do.

Chapter 11

A brief rain had just slowed, and the early-afternoon sun peeked out, incrementally brightening Father’s stately study.

“Mr. Burke will preside over the natural sciences curriculum, which includes chemistry, physics, biology, mechanics, botany, and zoology.” Violet’s father paced along the room, his hands behind his back. His increasing interest set her ill at ease.

Mama stood beside the enormous desk, where Violet and Cyril sat across from one another. “And Violet will preside over the arts, language, literature, mathematics, and athletics.”

Her father spun on his heels, and Cyril’s head came up from the notes he was taking. “What was that?”

“Athletics?” Father said. “Violet?”

Violet sighed. Again. “Do you know me at all, Father?”

“Violet is a natural athlete,” Mama said. “She excels in archery, shooting, tennis, golf, fencing, and horsemanship.”

“Not to mention croquet,” Violet murmured sardonically, then batted her lashes when she caught Cyril watching her. She leaned forward and whispered loudly. “Itisan Olympic sport, you know.”

She watched his mouth tilt upward, then she looked quickly away, pursing her lips against her own smile.

“I’m sure Mr. Burke is a fine athlete.” Father waited, then cleared his throat.

Cyril was brought to attention. “Oh. Yes. It so happens that I am wicked with a racquet.”

“There, you see? Tennis.” Father rocked on his feet.

“I was referring to badminton, actually.”

Violet snorted and quickly covered her nose.

Cyril leaned forward. “Also an Olympicsport.”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“Come, Mr. Burke,” Mama said. “I happen to know you play tennis and cricket, you fence, you swam competitively, and, if I’m not mistaken, you are an excellent equestrian.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Whittemore,” he said with a small nod. “I also box, but I can’t imagine that would be welcome in a girls’ school, even one so modern as this.”