“I agree.”
At the new voice, Sophie looked over her shoulder to find Lady Felicity standing next to her. She felt her heart fill with joy. Lady Felicity was very shy, yet she’d come over to meet Arabella. “Lady Felicity, this is Lady Arabella. She’s just starting her first year.”
Lady Felicity moved around the table to take the seat next to Arabella. “You have been injured. I imagine it will take a long time to heal.”
As Arabella and Felicity began to converse, Sophie felt contentment. The Belinda School for Curious Ladies truly was a haven like no other, with the best people.
It wasn’t just the students, but the instructors as well. One of those was Lord Tamworth, who would leave for his new estate when the duke and duchess returned. She was determined to find a way to speak to him. She had many questions only he could answer.
Chapter Sixteen
Three days later
Christopher read theletter from Mr. Morton and a rock formed in his gut. Just as he thought he was moving forward, fate had conspired against him. A hole in the roof of the east wing needed repair, as rain had already damaged three of the upstairs rooms, the tenants were complaining of a lack of seed for the spring plantings, and the steward had discovered additional thefts, including some furniture and paintings.
He dropped the letter on the desk in the faculty study. If only he could be there. On one hand, he wished to leave immediately. On the other hand, he didn’t want to leave because this was where Sophie was, even if he hadn’t been able to talk to her since the night in the library. He’d only seen her skating, which had been riveting, but he couldn’t go down to the pond without an excuse. He’d also seen her in the audience at the play the students and instructors had performed, but afterward the students left directly for dinner.
He felt torn because he still didn’t have a solution for what to do about her, as he didn’t know how she felt. Did she only wish to learn what passion was, or did she specifically want it with him? Did she look forward to meeting the contemplative Lord Wilford, who was the opposite of himself in standing and personality? The man had an entailed estate and, since returning to England last summer, had only been seen at lectures and one concert.
Christopher shoved Morton’s letter into the drawer with the old ledgers. He wouldn’t get any answers standing in the study. He left the room and headed up the grand stairs. He had no conversations scheduled with students and still had half the day to fill. He might as well go for a ride. He just wasn’t sure where he should go, to Ravenridge to talk the duke into releasing him from his offer, or into Bedford village to walk off some of his frustration.
At the top of the stairs, he halted as Lady Rose stood there watching him. “Do you need something from me?”
She gave him a sly grin. “Not at all. I was just contemplating the best way to initiate you into the faculty.”
He shook his head. “I’ve been here over a week and will be leaving soon, so any plans you have for a Falstaffian prank should probably wait for the next new instructor.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want you to feel slighted when I’ve helped every other instructor to feel a part of the faculty. It’s just, as you are a friend of the family, I need to be sure my welcome is just right.”
He waved off her words. “Then have at it. Just be sure, as a friend of the family, that you’re prepared for retaliation.”
“You wouldn’t.”
He grinned. “Indeed, I would. I’m sure that your brother would be most helpful. I understand he once put a frog in your bed?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “And your brother is under this very roof. Thank you for suggesting I consult with him.”
He doubted that even Rose would let Andrew know she planned some kind of prank. “Consult away. At least I know a frog in my bed will be impossible with the pond frozen over.”
“I wouldn’t use such a tired trick anyway. I do like to be creative. In the meantime, I need to get down to the library for a book I need to help Arabella. You may continue about your day.”
He laughed at her ladylike haughtiness, something she could turn to in an instant. “I wish you good fortune in your endeavors.”
She gave him a regal nod as he passed by her.
He continued around the grand stair balcony and down the corridor to his room. After walking in, he closed it and stepped toward the armoire.
“Tam?”
He spun around. “Sophie!”
“Shh.” She glanced toward the door.
He strode to her and pulled her to him, then captured her lips with his own and kissed her, uncaring that he shouldn’t. It just felt right to have her in his arms again.
She melted into him, tangling her tongue with his own until his body started to react and he found the strength to break the kiss and let her go.
He forced himself to take two steps back and kept his voice low. “What are you doing here?”
