“Don’t want to go to another school! I liked when you taught me,” he said stubbornly.

“I don’t know everything you need to learn,” she explained. “Don’t you think you might like to be with other boys? Ones who are nice, not bullies like at your old school.”

Unconvinced, Christopher turned his attention to Rupert, Simon’s friendly young dog, and the two romped to the other end of the drawing room. Lucas had joined them for their lunch, and now he said quietly, “Would Christopher be more willing to go to a school if he had his pony Patches with him? From what Kirkland said, boys at the Westerfield Academy often have pets, and many have ponies or horses.”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” Kendra said. “I imagine Patches is still in Denshire’s stables, eating his head off and missing Kit. I doubt Denshire knows Patches exists since he was seldom at Denshire Park and he never paid attention to his son. We can send someone to go there and offer for the pony. I’ll send a letter and some money. The head groom is a nice fellow who taught Christopher to ride, and I’m sure he’ll cooperate.”

“If that could be done, it would help reconcile Christopher to the idea of school. Assuming Lady Agnes is willing to take him.”

Kendra nodded and mentally crossed her fingers. It was a relief when the knocker sounded. After the butler admitted the guests, Kirkland entered the drawing room with Suzanne, escorting a tall woman with silver at her temples and an air of good-natured authority.

After Suzanne made the introductions, Kendra rose and offered her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Agnes. I’ve heard very good things about your school.” She beckoned to Christopher, who abandoned Rupert and came to her side to see what was going on.

“This is my son, Christopher. I wanted the two of you to meet. Kit, this is Lady Agnes Westerfield, the headmistress of the school I discussed with you.”

Wary but polite, Christopher said, “I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Come, let’s sit down and become better acquainted,” Lady Agnes said. “I’m told that you were at the Scranton School? A dreadful place. Very brave of you to escape, and very clever to find your mother.”

Christopher perched on the edge of a chair and said emphatically, “I don’t want to go to another school! I want to stay with Mama.”

“That’s a great compliment to your mother,” Lady Agnes said seriously, “but it’s also important to learn new things and make friends. At my school, each new student is assigned an older student to look out for him like a big brother. They have to like each other—that’s very important. If you don’t, another student is chosen.”