“Yes, Father. I do have some self-control. At times. As long as there is no harm to Mother or my girls, I promise not to knock Henry Stewart onto his fat, English ass,” Ryan grinned.
“Son, if that be the case, you will wait in line for me to finish first. I understand that he locked the school completely, including the kitchens, so I have no idea how long it has been since the children have had food or drink.”
“They were being severely rationed as it were, Papa. Mr. Stewart had ordered cut backs in order to save money.” Eliza stated, grasping Jack’s hand.
“And what was he doing with the monies we sent him? Padding his own pocket? That is theft… No wonder he protested my looking over the ledgers. Well, his reign has come to a bitter end, children. I swear upon my family and the Hidden Glenn of Clan O’Ryan, that this be so.”
“Father?”
“That was for your mother’s benefit, in case she inquires.”
The five exited the carriage and were met by the constable who stood with frustration before the locked gate to the school. He and Gerard spoke quietly for a while as Ryan's eyes sifted through the crowd of staff and students to seek out his mother. Her red hair stood out like a beacon.
“Mother! What is this nonsense?” he demanded, pressing his face against the grid of the gate.
“Hello, darling,” Brigit smiled, making her way through the crowd, “I'm conducting a tiny lesson on social sciences and civil rights.”
“Mama! Are you alright?” Eliza and Aryanna rushed to the gate.
“My sweets girls! Of course I am. They,” she swept her hand behind her, “are learning how to stand up for themselves and one another. I am so proud. Jackson! How good to see you!”
“I wish I could greet you properly, Brigit, but we seem to have some bars between us. What brought about this stand down?”
Brigit shared the events with them, including the headmaster’s comments and threats. Ryan's eyes began to blaze with anger as Jack took on a look of amusement.
“I would have loved to see that little Irish troll escape,” he laughed, squeezing her hand through the fence. “So, what is your position now?”
“All the staff and students are striking. Mr. Stewart has holed himself up in the building, probably crying by now, and has locked all doors to prevent our entry, including the kitchens. Everyone is ready to take back the form and dignity of this school,” Brigit said proudly. “I just wish the little ones did not have to suffer while we did so. They are very hungry and need water.”
“Father does not look pleased, Mother.”
“Yes, I realize that. Eliza? Honey, why are you crying?”
Eliza broke down in a loud sob, throwing herself into Jack's surprised arms. “This is all my fault! All of it. I am so sorry. He always seemed to approve of my methods and never stopped me. I wanted to gain his approval, so I did as instructed. He always praised me for my sternness. I was such a fool! All to catch the eye of a man because I was lonely.”
“Darling, listen to me,” Jack said, lifting her chin up to look at him. “Stewart is the headmaster. His job was to monitor all the activities of the school, not leave them to you. Nor was his job to starve these girls so he could fatten his wallet. He failed the school, the students, the staff, and you. He took advantage of your position in life and used it to cause harm. That is not your fault. He conned you, baby.”
“You don't understand. I am just like him! I informed him of my plans…”
“And he approved and encouraged them. No, Eliza,” Ryan said, taking her hand. “Jack is right. This is not your doing, and I deeply apologize for having not recognized that.”
“Eliza? You are not like Headmaster. You are…” Aryanna searched for words, “my friend.”
“I am? Even after the terrible things I did to you?” Eliza stood with her eyes wide and amazed.
Aryanna nodded and reached to hug the woman. Their embrace was long and cleansing, with Eliza finally pulling back. “Thank you, Ary. I have never had a friend before.”
“Well, now it seems as though you have many. If I'm not mistaken, those are people from our tenancy!” Ryan stated, noticing carriages and horses pulling up to the fencing and a multiple of people approaching them.
“No, Lord Ryan… they are here for the Lady,” Eliza began before she was surrounded by a dozen younger children hugging her skirts and calling her name. She touched the little heads and looked up with surprise at the children’s mothers. “I don’t understand…”
“My Ladyship! Are you well? We got word from the butler about the school and remembered what Miss Eliza had done to help with our children. We wanted to give back, if we could. We brought food and water.”
“I did not do anything. I am confused…”
“These are children you read to, Eliza, while Ary and the others were in the kitchens. You have a family and a home here now,” Ryan said kindly, feeling his mother squeeze his hand. The sound of a clearing throat made them all turn around.
“Are we having a family reunion here or seeking means to defend a criminal of justice?”
“Magistrate Bates! How good to see you, sir!” Brigit smiled, reaching her hand through the fence.
“Lady Remington… how often must I see you finding yourself in hot water?” the old man chuckled. “Was not the last time when you hid the riding whip from the postal master?”
“If you had ever been struck by a whip, sir, you would have understood,” Brigit said with her chin raised.
“I did understand, young woman, which is why you did not suffer any consequences.”
“No consequences? I had to deal with those once we arrived home and my lord husband saw me to our room,” Brigit shuddered, reaching to touch her backside.
The magistrate laughed, turning to Ryan, “She has not changed a bit since I first met her anger at age eighteen. How might I help you in this predicament?”
“You are here to help us?”
“I have seen the work this school has done for our ladies. My own daughter-in-law came from here. What is this about abuse? I also understand that a matter of theft might be about as well.”
The story was told once again, this time with additional information added by both Gerard and the constable. Sadly, Aryanna and Eliza shared their own stories, as well as the multiple reports being shouted in his direction by the staff behind the fence. Magistrate Bates shook his head sadly. The reports confirmed his suspicions following the discovery of a girl who had run away from the school. She had been found in a local pub, trying to sell her broken body for money. Eliza broke into another torrent of remorse, this time being pulled into Gerard's hold and rocked gently.
“It appears that Reform has helped yet another poor, misunderstood girl,” Magistrate Bates smiled. “I know I sound old-fashioned, but it was the headmaster’s responsibility to keep tabs on the goings on in his establishment. It was designated as the man’s responsibility, and he failed. Don't you fret, my dear. Things worked out well for the girl, very well indeed. She has found a suitable home to learn and grow in and has been taken in as an adopted daughter by a very distinguished lady who was unable to bear children of her own.”
“S-she has? Please, sir. Tell me where she is. I must make amends.”
“She is with my wife and has become a cherished member of our home. She has made us as happy as she,” the older man said warmly, earning a grateful smile from Eliza’s full lips.
“Delightful!” Gerard said, kissing the top of Eliza's head. “Now, how can we have these good people understand that it is safe to allow us entry and for me to retrieve my beautiful, if not wayward, wife?”
“Please open the gates. These are all friends here,” Brigit called. They watched as the townsfolk flooded in, bringing small treats and gifts for the girls and the staff. “I know they said they brought some food and drink, but… what is going on? Gerard?”
“I don't know. Ryan?”
“Nor I, Father. Ary? What are you hiding behin
d that little hand?”
Aryanna was smiling, her fingers to her lips. “I told people about life in school. No candy or pretty smells. They bring for my friends so girls can have happy life like I do.”
“I love you. My Dear God, how I love you,” Ryan said. Without regard to decorum, he bent upon his right knee and took her hand, “Please, I beg of you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Lady Aryanna?”
Brigit squealed with joy, flinging her arms around Gerard's neck, and Jack pressed the happy Eliza into his strong side. Aryanna looked around, stunned. All activity had frozen with her at the center. She met Brigit's eye and knew the answer to give.
“Yes,” she whispered, nodding. Then grinned mischievously, “but I am still incorrigible.”
“We already know how to deal with that,” he laughed, drawing her against his mouth for a deep, passionate kiss.
Chapter Fourteen
After extensive blustering and swearing, Henry Steward was removed in disgrace from his position as headmaster and given no recommendations for future employment. Jack suggested he travel to Hong Kong to one of the British colonies and try his hand there, and was 'strongly' urged by both Gerard and the magistrate to consider the suggestion since the man would not find employment in the country again.
Gerard pulled his wife onto his lap as he sat in the headmaster's chair and snuggled her lovingly in his arms. “It has been a very long and eventful evening, Brigit. And, once again, my darling, you have changed lives,” he said proudly. “We just need to find a more conventional means of doing so.”
Brigit laughed, “That shall never happen, my good sir. We still have a dilemma, however. What shall we do for a headmaster? The school is required to have one in attendance, or it will be forced to shut down. None of these children have homes to return to.”
“If I might make a suggestion,” Ryan spoke up, eyeing Eliza and Jack speaking quietly in a corner of the room. “King Edward is very supportive of the way the Americans have organized their higher education systems. Since we have an Irish headmistress, perhaps an American headmaster?”
“Hmm…” Gerard said, “I believe that is a splendid suggestion. And one I have already considered. I have already sent a post to the directors regarding my intent to incorporate such a man into our system. In particular, the man that appears to be more interested in our countries delights than ever before.”
Ryan grunted, “I will never be able to one-up you, will I, Father?”
“I doubt it, son. You have learned from the best. In both directions,” Gerard chuckled, kissing Brigit’s wrist.
“My Lord, I do not wish to stay in the position of headmistress for an extensive time. Mayhap, with Mr. Jefferson present, our little Eliza may resume her duties under his reform?” Brigit suggested with a twinkle.
“I do not know if I am ready to release my girl from my care yet, Brigit. She has not been with me long.”
“You tease, husband. She has been with you long enough to learn how to love and be loved. She has shown forth grace and dignity and taken responsibility for her faults with the willingness to make amends to those she has hurt. What more can you desire for one of your wards?”
“True. Jack? May I have a private word with you please? Ryan, please join me. Ladies, I beg your pardon for a few moments,” Gerard said, standing.
Brigit turned to the two girls, taking their hands in hers. “I am so proud of my darlings. Please promise me that you will never forget what you have learned tonight. Second chances are always there for those in need.”
“I do not believe Mr. Stewart will be pleased with his option, Mama,” Eliza giggled. “And you were so correct when you told me that he was not the one for me. I thank you for your wisdom.”
“So you like Jackson, yes?”
“He is most pleasant to talk with and to look upon,” Eliza blushed. “And he makes me feel…”
“Safe and protected? Like Papa?”
“Yes. I did not think there were three such men in this world. Ary, why are you crying?” Eliza asked, seeing two drop fall down the younger woman's face.
“What Mama said is right. If bad thing not happen in Russian, I would not come here. Then would not be incorrigible with Headmistress or meet Lord Ryan…”
“And I would not have also been sent to a reformer and met Jack. Mama? Why do you cry now?”
“Because, my sweet girls, the circle we have found ourselves within is truly a ripple. Our lives touch others when we are not aware. Our students,” she gestured to the window, “are being encouraged and loved upon by the strangers in a town who my family cares for. Those girls will touch others in the same manner. It is all very good and very beautiful.”
“Ladies? Why so somber? This is a good night for all,” Gerard said, storming into the room with a large smile. “It has been decided.”
“What? What were you men discussing so secretly, if I might ask?” Eliza asked, eyeing the grins of the other two men's faces.
“Please call the staff and students into the auditorium. I have some reforming to do,” Gerard stated, noticing Eliza's face pale. He kissed her cheek. “Not in the way as before, dear one. Have trust in me.”
“I do, Papa. And thank you.”
“For what?”
“Giving me a second chance and showing me your heart. I am grateful. You were correct. I love my Papa and only wish to make you proud of me.”
“And you have. Truly. Now, let us hurry. It's getting late, and the little ones will need to sleep soon. Have they eaten?”
“I'm afraid they will all have tummy aches tomorrow after all the candy they received from the townspeople tonight,” Brigit giggled. “They were also given bread, cheese, and fruit.”
“Good. Come with me, if you please.”
* * *
The room was packed with people as Gerard stood before them at the podium. He looked around at the happy faces and smiled warmly. “It was only a short while ago that I was here, promising all of you that things would be changed for the better. Have they?”
Eager twitters, yells, and nods were his answer. He continued, “Excellent. I wish to tell you that more changes are occurring. First, I wish to offer my congratulations and blessing upon the engagement of my son and heir, Lord Ryan and your classmate, Aryanna.”
Cheers rose along with clapping of hands, and excited giggles arose from the eager girls.
“I was informed on the way to meet all of you that Lord Ryan and Aryanna have both decided to hold their wedding here, at the academy, and have asked that all student, staff, and townspeople join them in their celebration. What say you?”
More loud cheers and clapping followed. Gerard winked at Brigit. “I also have more news. Headmaster Stewart has been removed from his station. I wish to introduce Mr. Jackson Jefferson, from Boston. He will be taking the position as your new headmaster.”
Surprised and tremendously excited, Eliza squealed, hugging Jack tightly around the neck before she realized that she was being watched. She blushed, only to find herself being twirled in his arms and having a huge kiss deposited on her mouth. She melted in his hold and went limp under his searing kiss, panting shamefully when she was finally released. Jack simply looked pleased as he held her possessively next to him.
“It appears to me that Miss Eliza is happy with that decision. The magistrate will be informing the Board of Regents of this decision and is supporting it as a legal measure. One more thing.” Gerard leaned forward to gaze upon the happy faces in the crowd. “Reform is about change. Tonight, you are witnessing the change brought about by two young ladies that you both have known. Ladies that I am proud to call my daughters. Miss Aryanna and Miss Eliza.”
Quiet filled the room, and Eliza, swallowing hard, stepped up next to him.
“Please? May I say something? I first must offer each and every one of you my deepest apologies for my behavior. Papa,” she smiled at Gerard, “has taught me that the person who hurt you was not the person I
am inside. He, Lady Brigit, my nanny, and all these other people help me discover her and learn to like myself. Please, I beg your forgiveness, and I promise to make amends to any who I have hurt or offended in any manner I am able.”
“Part of reform is about forgiveness,” Gerard said. “Miss Eliza has paid her dues and it is time that she be allowed to feel the love and joy that comes with clemency. Are there any of you who wish to address her?”
Before any could speak up, Aryanna stepped over to them. She wrapped her arms around Eliza's neck and hugged her deeply and sincerely. Eliza returned the hold, wiping the tears off Aryanna's face as she thanked her. She turned as a set of arms wrapped around her slender waist. Louisa, the maid, hugged her.
“I forgive you, miss. I am glad you are happy.”
A surge of others came to offer the same, and Eliza looked both shocked and pleased at the reception of those around her. Brigit leaned against Gerard proudly,
“You did well once again. I am very proud of you,” she whispered.
“As I am proud of you. You taught these children about love while you were here. Now they can teach one another.”
“I am pleased with all of you for stepping up,” Gerard spoke out gently, noticing the happy smiles on the faces of so many. “With Mr. Jefferson here as your headmaster, I can assure you that things will continue in the manner that Lady Remington started. That being said, she has expressed the desire to step down from her place as headmistress. In her stead will be Miss Eliza, under the lead of Mr. Jefferson. Eliza? Please close your mouth—you remind me of a fish.”
Even more surprised by the announcement that she was being returned to her old position, were the cheers that accompanied it. Eliza looked at Brigit with grateful appreciation and mouthed the words 'thank you’.
* * *
The drought continued to scourge through the countryside, but, as Gerard predicted, the involvement of the tenants with the wedding plans provided a distraction from the hardship of crop failures. They had prepared well, canning and preserving as much early season fruit and vegetables as they could, as well as filling barrels with fresh water for livestock and small gardens. The earl and his heir watched proudly as their people thrived despite the adversity and drew close in their community. The students were also included and taught the various means of cooking, canning, sewing, and other domestic duties not typically taught in an academic environment. Eliza joined the girls in their classes, learning beside them and growing daily in her beauty of mind, soul, and spirit. It did not take long before Jackson Jefferson presented himself before her on one knee, asking for permission to wed her.
The Reformer Page 17
