Lady Agnes murmured, “The padding reduces the bruises. There’s always at least one older boy who is very skilled at Kalarippayattu here during teaching and sparring sessions, so if someone loses his temper and risks becoming dangerous, he’s stopped until he cools down. We want the boys to learn how to defend themselves, not end up with broken bones.”

“This sounds really interesting,” Lucas said. “Hand-to-hand fighting is a useful skill for those who go into the army or the navy.”

“I’ve had several old boys tell me that the skills learned here have saved their lives, for which I’m deeply grateful,” Lady Agnes said as Benjamin led them all outside. A group of younger boys in the school uniform were happily kicking a ball around a playing field.

Christopher looked as if he wanted to join in, but today was for learning, not playing. As Benjamin headed to the residential hall, Lady Agnes said, “There are outside game sessions every day so the boys can work off their energy.”

“I’m beginning to wish I’d studied here!” Lucas said.

“Where did you go?”

“Harrow.”

“A good school, if rather too conventional,” Lady Agnes said, her eyes twinkling. “Not as good as mine.”

Benjamin led them to the residential hall and up a flight of stairs. At the far end of a corridor, he opened the door into a cozy parlor with a fireplace, sofa, a couple of tables, and several upholstered chairs. “This is where I live and where you’ll live if you become a student. We call it the Hawks’ Nest. There are four rooms off this common room, two singles and two doubles. Older boys get the single rooms. We’re of different ages, some older, some younger. You’ll like the other Hawks. They’re a good lot.”

“This would be your room.” Benjamin swung open a door revealing a pleasant chamber with paired beds, wardrobes, desks, chairs, and bookcases. A framed print of a horse jumping a fence hung over the bed that was in use. “Your roommate would be Robby Bolton. He’s just a little older than you and he’s been hoping to get a roommate so the two of you can stay up talking half the night.”

Kendra smiled, thinking it was inevitable the boys would talk long after lights out. Girls certainly would!

Christopher surveyed the room. “I was locked in a small private room at Scranton, but most of the boys slept twenty to a room. I like this better.”

“Twenty boys in one room!” Benjamin gave a mock shudder. “How does anyone get any sleep?”

“Boys who wanted to sleep pulled pillows over their heads,” Christopher said tersely.

“Very sensible,” Benjamin said. “Now for the stables!”