Sir Heath left the room after bidding him goodnight, his limp was more pronounced than it had been earlier in the day. The night had indeed taken its toll.
The following morning student and teacher did a thorough review of English history, starting with William the Conqueror. History was a subject Sir Heath apparently enjoyed, and before they knew it, the morning had flown by.
Jasper Dawkins and his wife were coming over for lunch, so Kane thought it a perfect opportunity to go back to Dover. He had sent the telegraph to his father, but he had not found all the supplies he’d required for their schoolwork so Kane left before the guests arrived.
Sir Heath had extended a lunch invitation to him, but Kane had gently refused, citing his need to complete his errands in town. There was no denying the disappointed expression on the baronet’s face, but after last night, Kane thought it prudent to put some space between them when they weren’t conducting their studies. Any more episodes like last night, and Kane might be tempted to offer to rub other areas of the baronet’s body.
So Kane had decided that an afternoon away was just the ticket to clear his head and cool his lust. The ride into town was pleasant. Because of the warm summer day, Kane went on horseback. Sir Heath had allowed him his pick of horses from the stables, which were substantial. The previous baronet had had a good eye for horseflesh, and Kane wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to ride.
The town was bustling with midday activity. Kane asked for directions to merchant shops, other than the ones he had been to the previous day. He needed pencils, ink, paper, and wanted to find a bookstore.
With nowhere to be, Kane took his time browsing through the shops. Being so close to France, there was an abundance of French merchandise. Kane bought a new handkerchief for himself before going into the adjoining book shop. While the library at Stokesby Manor was not lacking in books, Kane wanted to buy current, more popular books for his pupil to read. How many tomes could a person read on Greek Civilization or British naval battles before needing a change?
For the next hour, Kane contently perused the aisles of books until he was satisfied with his choices. He was just exiting the shop when he ran into a woman on her way in.
“I beg your pardon, please forgive me.” Kane picked up the basket the lady had dropped.
“No, it was my fault. I was not paying attention.” The woman was pleasant looking with dark chestnut hair, gray eyes, and a cherubic face.
“I should have made sure no one was entering before I left.”
She smiled. “We’ll call it even. You appear to have had a busy day.” She nodded to the bundle in Kane’s arms. “It looks like you are preparing to teach a class with all those supplies.”
“How did you guess?”
“Because I’m a teacher myself.”
He let out a small laugh. “You have most of it right, but I am only teaching one student. My name is Kane Badgely. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Caroline Hearst. I teach at the girl’s orphanage here in town.”
“I didn’t know there was an orphanage. I’m new to the area.”
“Well, if you have time, I can give you a brief tour. At least show you some shops that might interest you.”
“That is very kind.”
During their walk, Kane found out that Caroline was born and raised in Kent County. Her family lived in a nearby village. She was almost thirty and had taught at the orphanage for the last five years. She was a caring soul who, like Kane, yearned to change the lives of those she taught.
“I want the girls to have a chance at a better life. Some are very bright, and I want to encourage their inquisitive nature.”
“What happens when they are too old for the orphanage?”
“We help them find jobs. What about your pupil? How old is he?”
Kane knew he couldn’t divulge his employer’s identity. “He is older than most, but he had family issues in his younger years, which delayed his education.”
He glanced at Caroline, who nodded, not prying any further, for which Kane was grateful.
After an hour, the couple parted ways.
“Thank you so much for the tour. It was a pleasure to meet a fellow teacher.”
“If you ever need anything, the orphanage is on Queen Street. I hope we meet again, Mr. Badgely.”
“Please call me Kane, from one teacher to another.”
“Then call me, Caroline. Have a good evening, Kane.”