Partridge and the Peartree Read Online Free PDF Page A

each child,
patiently guiding their fingers around the pen so they could write
their first words: cat , bat , and hat .
    As she worked with the children, guiding their hands,
encouraging them, reveling in their warmth, she wondered what her
life would be like if she had accepted one of her offers of
marriage and started a family of her own. She might now be sitting
with her own children, guiding them through their lessons.
    When the last child had written the letters to her
satisfaction, Amelia pulled a pile of napkins and from her satchel,
and then a bulky packet that gave off the delicious aroma of
cinnamon and oranges. Last of all, she removed a well-worn
book.
    "Children, I brought along a book of my favorite
stories to share. Would you like me to read one of them while
you're eating your treat?"
    The children's enthusiastic response warmed her
heart. Hopefully, they would someday enjoy reading stories as well
as hearing them.
    "Well, then, remember what we learned about eating
politely."
    Napkins were distributed and placed carefully over
the children's laps before she untied the bundle and handed each
child a scone, waiting for and accepting polite thanks before going
to the next child. She mentally cringed as the scones were
immediately stuffed into their mouths and gobbled but schooled her
features to maintain a pleasant smile. Manners could be taught a
little at a time — right now it was enough that she was staving off
the children's hunger.
    Extra scones were offered to — and eagerly accepted
by — the adults present. She made a mental note to bring more
treats the next time. If word spread that she distributed food
along with the lessons, there was certain to be more hungry people
attending next time. Amelia made a note to tell Cook she needed
twice as many treats for her next lesson.
     
    ****
     
    Phillip watched the lesson from a spot just outside
the archway into the chapel. He'd been on his way home after
visiting his sister when he'd seen two dark figures leaving Sudbury
House. Despite her disguise, he'd recognized Amelia when she'd
paused to don her scarf. He'd wondered where she was going dressed
in such a manner and couldn't stop himself from following.
    His curiosity had increased when she'd slipped into a
side door of St. Paul's Cathedral. Why ever would she dress so
plainly for a visit to the church? Was she meeting someone?
    Amelia had indeed been meeting someone. Nearly a
dozen little someones. Now, he watched, entranced, as Amelia led
the students through their lesson.
    He started when someone tapped him on the shoulder.
Turning, he saw Robert had brought him a chair. He nodded
gratefully and sat in the dim hallway where he could continue his
observation. Lady Amelia was a wonderful teacher. She kept her
students engaged, encouraging them with a gentle smile or a pat on
the shoulder. So unlike the stern taskmasters who had come to
Bartlett Manor to teach him and his siblings. His knuckles still
smarted from the many raps they'd received when his letters hadn't
been formed properly!
    She ended her lesson by reading aloud to the students
while they ate treats she provided. There had been extras, enough
for the hungry adults who had observed from the back of the room. She's made friends for life , he thought. Feeding their
bodies as well as their minds .
    This was a remarkable woman. While other women of the ton were primarily concerned with their looks, wardrobe or
the latest gossip, Lady Amelia had a cause, a purpose. She was as
unique as she was lovely. How proud he would be to have such a
delightful creature standing by his side. But his disfigurement
would preclude that from happening. Even a kind-hearted woman like
her would be repelled at the thought of him as a mate.
    Phillip stood and beckoned for his valet. He waited
while Robert returned the chair to where he had gotten it then
stepped toward the door. Robert stopped him with a light touch on
his sleeve, nodding to a point behind him.