She narrowed her eyes at him, her lips pressed together, as he approached.
When she did not offer her hand, he bowed, having learned his lesson to not touch without permission, at least for the time being.
“As we—and by we, I mean I—am on a first name basis, I feel it is acceptable for me to ask this. How old are you, William?”
“Does that mean I may ask you the same question?”
She shook her head slowly in the negative, then arched a brow.
Steps approached in the hall, and he gestured to the seating area with a tilt of his head.
Charlotte walked past the silver and blue patterned settee to lower herself into a plush navy chair with a sigh.
He bounced to the edge of the settee closest to her.
After she poured and passed his tea, she sipped hers and stared at him.
“Thank you for receiving me.” Suddenly shy, he was at a loss for conversation topics. He’d rather hoped she’d take control as she had in the garden.
“I asked you a question, William.”
“I am nine-and-ten, Mistress.” He’d be twenty within a sennight, but felt no need to prevaricate about his age.
Shaking her head once, she set her teacup on the low table between them, nudging aside a book. She clasped her hands in her lap and narrowed her gaze at him to reinforce her next words. “Just as I suspected. You are years away from reaching your majority. You have no business being here. For heaven’s sake, if you are in university, which I hope you are, you have no business calling on any woman, least of all a widow nearly a decade your senior.”
“May I ask why you hope I attend university?”
“Really?” She glared at him. “That is what you took from my words?”
“I understood the others. This, I’d like clarification on. If it pleases you, Mistress.”
She sucked in a breath.
Ah, she liked that. Was her reaction to the moniker or the pleasing her part? He’d have to test that.
“I hesitate to explain as so often it is a waste of breath. Men do not comprehend the privilege of being able to attend an institution of higher learning. There are no such opportunities for women who desire to learn beyond tutors or whatever schooling they are allowed. Every youth who is accepted and has the funds should not only attend university, they should also pursue that education with their entire focus.”
Her vehemence took his breath. Her thoughts were similar to his mother’s, which is why Mama had fought hard to ensure they had the funds. “What about those who pursue it but then use it to further persecute women?”
She slashed a hand. “There will always be those who do so, whether out of fear or tradition or ignorance. But the more we can educate people—ideally, menandwomen one day—the more we eradicate at least two of those, and establish a new tradition.”
“I agree. That is a tenet held by my whole family, in fact, which is why I asked you for your reason.”
She deflated on a sigh. “You do?”
“Yes, Mistress.” He smiled. “Except for the part about me not having any business being here.”
“That is not for you to say, young man. My house means my rules. Do your parents know you are here?”
He almost rolled his eyes. Her intimation that he was still a child was her putting up walls, but he ignored it as he had her note. “No. However, I know you shan’t mention it to them.”
“What makes you say that?”
“First, you do not move in the same circles, or I would have met you before now. And trust me, I would remember the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” He grinned, and she blushed. “And second, ratting on me would show less maturity than even my tender years, and give me the advantage. I have the feeling you would not like that.”
“Don’t be so sure—about the circles. Anyway, the point is moot.” Her voice turned frosty. “From today forward, I will not be at home to you. I shan’t have rumors flying about me entertaining a man-child, nor do I wish to tarnish your reputation when you’ll have need of it in a few years.”
“Mistress, please. I simply want to talk to you. I apologize for causing any risk to your reputation.” Begging, he searched for what would delay the inevitable and recalled a phrase that had sparked her interest the night in the garden. “How may I make it up to you?”
