would be arriving two days after Christmas and would stay through Epiphany, along with Dalinda and Rhys and their children.
For now, they had other guests arriving soon. This morning, the last of the students from Dunwood Academy for Young Ladies and Gentlemen had departed, and a new group would take their place for two days of merriment. The group was composed of former students of Dunwood Academy, ones from the early years, when Ashlyn had first opened the school.
“Remember that we have guests arriving in the next few hours,” she reminded her children.
“They’ll be friends of Edward’s, won’t they?” her oldest daughter asked.
“Yes, along with their families. Finish your game so that we can be ready to greet everyone when they arrive.”
The rest of the afternoon united Ashlyn and the school’s tutors with many familiar faces. There was Peter, his hair still a bright ginger, though his freckles had faded some over time. William, the former braggart who had grown into a quiet, respectful fellow, full of insight. Drake, who still had a mild stutter and had enjoyed some success as an author. Samuel, who had arrived and wanted to be left alone, only to become gregarious and always in the thick of things.
And, of course, Thomas, who was like a son to them, thanks to his close, lasting friendship with Edward. Now Viscount Dalworth, Thomas was married with two children and the epitome of a country gentleman.
She, Reid, and their children welcomed all these former students back to Gillingham, along with Edward. Their former ward had graduated from university with the highest of honors and had chosen to come back to Gillingham in order to teach. At thirty, he was already the most beloved member of the staff.
Soon, he would be named Dunwood Academy’s headmaster at this gathering.
She watched as Edward introduced his wife, Joellen, to his old friends. They had met at Cambridge, where Joellen’s father was a vicar. It had been love at first sight and they had wed a month after Edward and Thomas had graduated from university. Thomas served as Edward’s best man. Joellen’s father had done a remarkable job of educating his daughter and she, too, taught at Dunwood Academy.
Reid came to stand beside her, slipping an arm about her waist.
“I feel like a proud papa,” he told her. “We had a hand in all of these boys’ lives.”
“You have been a wonderful role model to all the boys and girls who have come through these doors.”
He kissed her temple. “You have been the one who has truly made a difference in their lives, Ashlyn.” He paused. “Are you certain you are ready to step away?”
“It’s time.” She glanced about the room. “Shall we make the announcement now?”
“I’ll tell Bellows.”
Reid slipped away and, a few minutes later, reappeared, Bellows and several footman in tow, bearing trays of champagne. They circulated around the room, making sure everyone present had a glass.
All eyes turned to her and Reid. He laced his fingers through hers and smiled encouraging at her.
“First, I would like to thank everyone for coming today,” Ashlyn began. “It does my soul good to see so many familiar faces in one room. Of course, you have all matured so you aren’t too familiar looking,” she teased.
The group chuckled and she continued.
“Opening Dunwood Academy was a dream of mine. When we lost the original building in a fire, His Grace was gracious enough to allow me to utilize one of the wings at Gillingham for the school. Over the years, we have added female students, but we have kept our numbers small in order to provide a select few with a comprehensive education.”
“I want to thank my husband for his support all of these years. His Grace has helped me in running Dunwood Academy in every way. He also agrees with me that it is time I stepped aside and left the school in different hands.”
A collective gasp filled the air.
“Though Dunwood Academy will continue to operate within the walls of Gillingham, it will have a new headmaster. This individual will provide the proper leadership to carry the school for several decades and I can’t imagine a more capable person to take my place.” She paused, her gaze landing upon her successor. “Please raise your glasses to toast the new headmaster of Dunwood Academy. His Grace and I are naming Mr. Edward Pickens to the role of headmaster.”
A stunned silence was quickly followed by thunderous applause. The clinking of glasses occurred as those gathered toasted