His brain—if he indeed had a brain—was as thick as custard. Oh, how she had wanted to slap him! How could anyone as attractive as he lack any sense, whatsoever? It was as if he had been blessed with good looks at the expense of common sense.
Well, he had ruined any chance for a truce about the theater. No matter what promises were made.
Louisa sighed and turned the page in her book. She was nearly halfway through and never had she read anything so tedious in her life. Why could men not simply say outright what they wanted from one another? The writing seemed to focus more on a man’s pride, or rather the history of such. Granted, there were a few nuggets of wisdom she found useful, but who cared about Smithian Economics and the division of labor?
Perhaps it was not the book itself that made her struggle to maintain her attention, for the thought of Sir Aaron flitted into her mind unbidden. She should have informed Mrs. Rutley that he had accosted her in the library that night. If anyone would have put him in his place, her headmistress could!
Yet much to her shame, she found herself relishing the memory. It had been a thrilling experience. What if the knight kissed her again but this time kept quiet?
Or better still, she could silence him with a kiss of her own…
A gentle knock on the door preceded the entrance of Mrs. Rutley. “I understand you were looking for me.”
Louisa set aside her book and moved to the edge of the bed. “Oh yes, but you didn’t need to come to me. I would have gone to your office.”
Mrs. Rutley waved a dismissive hand and sat beside Louisa. “I don’t mind. Plus, I believe we’ll have much more privacy here. No one will think to look for me in a student’s room. Now, what is it you wished to discuss?”
“I wish to speak about Sir Aaron.”
The headmistress smiled. “Very well. I’m listening.”
Louisa considered how to approach the subject. After all, it was not the typical conversation one would have with a headmistress. “I realize he was knighted for bravery, and what he did was indeed gallant. But I cannot help but find him vexing.”
“Vexing? How so? Did he say something in particular that irritated you?”
“It’s everything he says, Mrs. Rutley. I’ve never met a man so full of pride. His arrogance knows no bounds. But I cannot lie. He’s handsome. I’m sure even you at your age can appreciate that.”
Mrs. Rutley laughed. “Indeed. Even we old women can appreciate a handsome man from time to time.”
Heat rushed into Louisa’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean—”
“I know. You meant no ill will, and no harm was done. Go on.”
“Well, how does a woman tame such an arrogant beast? Especially one as feral as Sir Aaron?”
Taking Louisa’s hand in hers, Mrs. Rutley gave it a gentle squeeze. “I believe you’re asking the wrong question. Have you considered why you believe you feel the need to tame him?”
“For the survival of the theater,” Louisa replied without hesitation. “I must quell his pompous behavior before he ruins that lovely place.” Upon seeing a frown settle on the headmistress, she quickly added, “And taming him will only help him in the years to come. Someone must protect the innocent women he’s bound to entice with his devilishly good looks.”
She would not mention that she was one of those women. Nor would she tell about the kiss in the library, or how she had enjoyed the feel of his taut muscles beneath the fabric of his coat.
It was likely best that she kept her actions about the other afternoon to herself, as well. A proper young lady did not twirl her hair around a finger or push out her lower lip when speaking to a gentleman. Or any man, for that manner.
“And I suppose you are innocent in all this?”
Louisa gaped. Emma had once said Mrs. Rutley could read her students’ thoughts, but Louisa never believed it. Now she was not so sure.
What was worse, her headmistress’s use of the word “innocence” now tugged at her conscience. Indeed, she had done much that some would consider unladylike. Yet it had been thrilling to watch men stumble over their words when speaking to her. As had the knight’s sharp intake of breath when she had touched his arms.
No, she was not at fault. She was justified in her behavior, for the knight had tempted her, as well. Therefore, she had committed no crime.
She replied to Mrs. Rutley’s question with a firm nod. “Yes, I can say that in the particular instance, I am innocent.”
“And in other instances?”
Louisa bit at her lip. How could she explain her reasons for flirting at other times? “Well, women have certain… abilities, and they must learn which are more useful for their needs. Even you have said as much.”
This was a misrepresentation of the headmistress’s words, and Mrs. Rutley’s expression said as much. “We’ve discussed how easily men can be enticed by a playful look, Louisa. A proper lady never tries to entice men using the tricks of indecent women. You’re far better than that.”