The Reformer (22 page)

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.

Brigit had pulled together a dinner party three weeks after the ‘Mutiny of Yarlshire’, as the event affectionately came to be called. She claimed she waited for that time to allow things to settle, but reluctantly admitted that the true reason was due to being a ‘wee bit tender’ in the lower parts following her discipline for not calling in Gerard prior to the uprising, and then his unrelenting lovemaking that ensued nightly for nearly two weeks after.

The party hosted boisterous laughter and gaiety as the wedding plans were discussed, along with multiple questions from the women regarding the budding romance between Jack and Eliza. Martha fussed over her family like a mother hen over chicks, clucking at her ‘little ones’ as though they were unable to care for themselves and frequently wiping away tears. Gerard laughed, informing Ryan that he had best produce a child in the near future, otherwise Martha would need another girl to reform. Ryan promised to pursue that goal as soon as circumstances permitted.

The wedding of Ryan and Aryanna took place on a hot, hazy morning in early September. Aryanna stood in an ivory lace gown, studded with hundreds of tiny embroidered flowers that had each been lovingly made by every girl old enough to pick up a needle. In her arms she held a bouquet of dried heather, rosemary, and lavender, tied with a satin purple ribbon. Her hair had been tended by Martha, who cried continuously during the process. Eliza had added a string of tiny pearls around her neck, a gift from her and Jack.

True to his word, Ryan made known that all were invited to rejoice with him. Neighbors accustomed to the opulent lifestyle of the age, frowned in dismay as the academy grounds were flooded with farmers, mill workers, merchants, squealing children, and the servants of the houses and the school. Hundreds, both friends and strangers, gathered together to celebrate the marriage of the heir of Yarlshire to the beautiful and loving Russian girl who had touched so many of their lives.

Brigit chuckled smugly as several well-to-do neighbors gasped at the faire being offered the guests. In honor of the dire circumstances surrounding the drought, the Remington family made certain to prepare a feast based on the foods lovingly prepared by the townspeople, and had brought in large blocks of ice for the children to chip and suck upon. Everyone pitched in to help so that the servants could partake of the occasions as well. The show of respect and restraint in the time of need brought about an even greater love and loyalty to those of the Remington household.

Lord Gerard Remington stood as Aryanna's father to offer her hand to his son, barely hiding a proud tear as she looked upon her husband-to-be with the same expression as Gerard had seen upon his own bride's face the day he married her. He looked over at his beloved wife, and his heart swelled, seeing that her expression of love had not changed even after all the years together. If anything, it was more filled with an abundance of love. He looked over at Eliza, who sat next to Jack. They were holding hands, and she also gazed upon the man with that same look. Yet another one who found love and happiness because she was given a second chance at life. Gerard stifled the choking in his throat. His father, the old earl, would have been so proud to see his vision of change come to fruition.

Gerard then gazed upon the people, his people, who had flocked to the ceremony to support them, and more pride and love filled his heart. He looked up to the sky, thanking God for all He had blessed them with. The reverend cited the vows and blessed the couple, wishing upon them many happy and fruitful days. A great cheer arose as the couple was announced and turned towards the onlookers, accompanied by a thundering rumble in the distance.

A cold drop fell upon Gerard’s face as he looked into the darkening sky. The drought was finally over. Even the land was given a second chance.

The End

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