The process would take time.
Possibly years.
Julian understood that.
So did Clara.
But the immediate danger had passed.
The marriage settlement had not been signed.
The meadow remained hers.
The school trust retained its legal protections.
And the people of Mereford no longer faced eviction under the fraudulent notices.
Julian dismissed the officials who had knowingly assisted Vane.
He ordered an independent examination of every estate account.
Then he did something that astonished Lady Honoria.
He sold his finest pair of carriage horses.
He sold several unnecessary pieces of silver.
And he announced that the restoration of the village cottages would take priority over improvements to Alderwick House.
His aunt confronted him in the drawing room.
“Julian, you cannot possibly intend to sell the Venetian mirrors.”
“I do.”
“They belonged to your grandfather!”
“So did the debts.”
Lady Honoria looked scandalized.
“The drawing room will appear dreadfully bare.”
Julian considered.
“Then perhaps we shall have more space in which to walk.”
His aunt stared.
Then, unexpectedly, laughed.
“My dear boy, you are becoming quite impossible.”
Julian smiled.
“So I have been told.”
The work began at once.
Roofs were repaired.
Drainage channels were cleared.
The lower cottages were reinforced.
Mr. Grady was offered a pension in recognition of his long service and was also engaged, at his own request, to advise upon the restoration of the old weir.
Mrs. Beale's house received a new roof before the worst winter weather arrived.
And on a bright October morning, the Margaret Langley School reopened.
Clara stood in the doorway as the children filed inside.
Lucy Beale carried her books with solemn pride.
Annie ran forward to embrace Mrs. Calder.
Bess Finch stood nearby, helping distribute slates.
Clara had arranged for her to receive additional instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Bess had protested.
“I am too old for school, miss.”
Clara had smiled.
“You are nineteen.”
“Exactly.”
“And?”
Bess considered.
“It's embarrassing.”
“Then I shall be embarrassed with you.”
The girl had laughed.
Now she stood beside the classroom door, visibly delighted as the children settled into their places.
Julian approached Clara beneath the chestnut trees.
“Are you satisfied?”
She turned.
“Very.”
He glanced toward the building.
“I have been informed that the school requires a new globe.”
“It does.”
“And more books.”
“Yes.”
“And a proper heating system.”
Clara narrowed her eyes.
“Are you about to offer to pay for all three?”
Julian smiled.
“I had considered it.”
“You have already spent a considerable sum upon the village.”
“Then perhaps I should begin by donating the globe.”
“A very sensible beginning.”
He looked at her.
“And the books?”
“We may discuss them.”
“The heating system?”
“Julian.”
He laughed.
She shook her head.