“I’d like to have a big brother,” Christopher said, unable to conceal his interest. “I’d like to be with other boys and not be bullied. But do your students just sit in classrooms all the time?”

“Not at all! We encourage sports, and that includes a form of Hindu fighting that was taught by one of my very first students. Everyone learned from him, and the tradition continues,” Lady Agnes said. “But there’s also time for reading or walking or arguing philosophy. These are all good ways of making friends.”

“With your permission, Lady Agnes?” Kirkland asked. At her nod, Kirkland caught Christopher’s gaze. “I was one of the first students at the Westerfield Academy, and it was the first place where I’d ever been happy. My years there laid the foundation for the rest of my life, and the friends I made there are closer than brothers. Every student has a different experience, of course, but I don’t know a single one who regrets having attended Lady Agnes’s academy.”

Looking thoughtful, Christopher asked, “Could I have a pony there?”

“Yes, all the boys ride. The stables have both school horses and horses owned by students,” Lady Agnes said. “Some boys also have smaller pets.”

Christopher’s gaze went to Rupert, who was lying across his feet. Suzanne said firmly, “Rupert is a wonderful dog, but he belongs to Simon. There are many other wonderful dogs in the world if you decide you want one.”

Christopher actually chuckled as he leaned over and scratched the dog’s ears. Straightening, he asked, “Would I be able to see your school first?”

“Your mother can bring you down if she likes, but before we get to that stage, I always ask prospective students two questions,” the headmistress said. “The first is what you hate and don’t want anything to do with.”

Christopher’s expression hardened. “Don’t ever want to see my father again!”

“I can’t guarantee that wouldn’t happen sometime later in your life, but while you’re at the school, we would do our best to make sure you don’t have to see him,” Lady Agnes promised. “My second question is what do you love? What do you want to do? For example, do you like learning new things?”

“I do like lessons,” Christopher said slowly. “But most of all, I want to have friends. Friends like brothers, like Lord Kirkland made.”

“To make friends, one must be a friend.” Lady Agnes studied Christopher’s small face, her gaze assessing. “I think you would be a good friend. Would you like to visit the Westerfield Academy?”

Christopher glanced at Kendra. “Yes?” he said tentatively.

“Then we’ll visit the school,” Kendra said with a smile as she gave a private sigh of relief. She had a very good feeling about sending her son to the Westerfield Academy.