Worry filled the pit of her stomach. These were Mrs. Rutley’s private things. To go through them was a betrayal.
But what if she learned something important just as she had all those years ago?
With a glance over her shoulder to make certain no one was nearby, Louisa pulled the document from its place and unfolded the parchment.
It was from Unity’s father. He would be arriving to collect her in just over a fortnight.
Sighing, Louisa refolded the letter and returned it to its place. This was not new information. Unity had already announced as much. It would be a sad day having another sister leave. But for now, there were more pressing matters to consider.
Returning to her bedroom, Louisa began to plan a way to handle a roguish knight who needed to learn a lesson.
Later as she lay beneath the covers, the plan complete, a smile crept onto her lips. Not only would she win over the knight, but she might also get just one more kiss.
All to save the theater, of course.
ChapterSeven
Aaron had never engaged in acts of war, at least not on a battlefield or with weapons other than his fists or tongue. The occasional disagreement during a hunt, in the fine negotiations for the purchase of property, or an agreement in trade was where his experience in warfare lay. But suffering a woman as stubborn—or as tempting—as Miss Louisa Dunston was a new experience altogether.
As the carriage ambled toward the school, he unfolded the letter he had received the previous day and reread it for the fifth time. Its words were simple, yet he could not shake the feeling that there was more behind their simplicity.
Sir Aaron,
After we spoke at the party held at the home of our mutual acquaintance, Lord Walcott, several things came to mind. It is my hope that we may discuss what transpired so we may eradicate any ill feelings that we may hold against one another.
The rest of the letter requested that he call to the school today and thus why he was en route there now.
Having read a variety of books on warfare, Aaron was well aware that a letter such as this was meant to make him drop his guard. He had to give Miss Dunston her fair due. She was both beautiful and wise. He imagined picnicking with her, laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying one another’s company. Afterward, he would parade her around the village so everyone could see. He could not help the grin that spread across his lips as he pictured such a thing. He did not doubt the villagers would stop and gawk in admiration at the striking couple they made.
“Look how happy she is!”some would exclaim.
“How can a man be so handsome?”would say others.“She is so lovely. No other woman can compare!”
Women would whisper behind their hands because of their jealousy of them.
Yet as these thoughts filled his mind, he had to ask himself whether the imagined strain Miss Dunston would put on him was worth being able to parade her. She already dared to read books meant for men. What if she wished to discuss the topic?
What a pity Mrs. Rutley’s School for Young Women had not taught that women had their place in society. And that did not mean in the affairs of business. What could they possibly know about signing contracts or enticing investors? Miss Dunston might understand the intricate games of netting a husband, but that compared in no way to the complex dance of charming a man to dig deep into his coffers for an investment in which he initially had no interest.
The only explanation Aaron had for this particular invitation was that the young lady was smitten with him. Well, he would use it to his advantage. If Mrs. Rutley was not willing to provide proper instruction, it would be up to him to see that she learned that particular lesson.
Strangely, the idea did not seem as burdensome as it should have. Instead, it sent an exciting bolt down his spine. This could be quite entertaining. Plus, being in her presence would mean the opportunity to feast on her lovely features.
The carriage made a violent lurch, and Aaron swore. “Watch it, you fool!” he shouted, although the driver could not hear him. It could not be all that difficult to keep the wheels from hitting the various holes left by the fierce winter. Perhaps it was time for him to find a new driver.
No, he did not enjoy wasting his time. It was not as if he spent a great deal of time in his carriage. Next time, he would take his horse. At least then, he would have control over where the animal stepped.
Glancing at the letter once more, he sighed. Before he could even consider teaching this girl her place, he first had to learn why she wished to meet. Perhaps she already recognized her mistake, and his energy could be better spent on what he had to accomplish in Chatsworth.
When the vehicle came to a stop, Aaron returned the letter to his breast pocket, adjusted his cravat, and waited for Milton to place the steps. For a moment, he prepared his mind for the duel he was certain would take place. One he was far better equipped to win.
Stepping from the carriage, he was surprised—and dare he say pleased?—to find Miss Dunston waiting for him on the portico. She wore a lovely lime-green dress with yellow stitching. Her long, honey-colored hair was made more alluring by the glowing rays of the sun that shone down on her.
A strange sensation coursed through him—a warmness that began in the pit of his stomach and radiated to his limbs. He had been attracted to lovely women before. Had even availed of several from time to time. But Miss Dunston produced a far different—and quite foreign—feeling, one that was much more pleasant than he would have expected.
But what made his breath catch were her soft blue eyes and her perfectly sculpted face. He had to fight the urge to take hold of her and kiss her as he had before. This time, however, it would not be to silence her but rather to show his appreciation for her beauty. To express his desire for her. What better compliment could a man give a woman?
Blast it! Why had that kiss come to mind? How would he never be able to defeat her if he was thinking about intimacies with her? Plus, he had allowed her to charm him. A hero did not fall for the enemy’s tricks!