After luncheon, Pip set out writing paper and ink in the schoolroom and helped the girls to trim their quills. The room seemed ridiculously empty without the three men in it. How could someone’s absence resonate so profoundly in a room? Particularly someone who’d been a stranger only a few days ago?
But it wasn’t merely Lord Octavius whom she missed, it was Mr. Pryor, with his swagger and his smirk, and Lord Newingham with his unfailing cheerfulness.
If the girls missed their uncle, they didn’t mention it. They were arguing about their letters.
“I’m going to tell Archie about the dole,” Edie announced.
“But I want to—”
“You may both tell him about it,” Pip said firmly. “But why don’t you tell him about your uncle’s visit first? Start with—”
“The kites!”
“Yes, the kites. And the tree
