Page 23 of Love Lessons for a Lady

What an uncharitable thought. Regardless, the seed had been planted but now was not the time to reflect upon the possibility.

“If Mr. Terramier didn’t send word otherwise, I suppose we must presume he’ll be here,” she agreed, studying the woman across from her with new eyes.

Mrs. Crenshaw looked impossibly more fatigued than she had last week. She’d been scarce Saturday and Sunday, not even attending church with the students and instructors.

Perhaps she was ailing.

That made sense, come to think of it.

Mayhap Mrs. Crenshaw should see a physician.

Regardless, the woman’s shifting the blame to Chasity for the mess she made with Aston was reprehensible. Since Chasity had spoken with him in the folly, she’d come to think of him as Aston, rather than Mr. Terramier. It was too familiar and too forward, but as no one could see her thoughts, she indulged in the impropriety.

Those earlier suspicions Chasity had entertained about the headmistress not approving of her surfaced once more.

Was this merely a means to be rid of her?

Well, that was too bad. Chasity was made of stern stuff, and she’d not go timidly.

Lady Balderbrook and the other board members and patrons, as well as Mrs. Hornbeck, had personally selected Chasity for the position of assistant headmistress. If Mrs. Crenshaw had an issue with their choice, she could take it up with them.

Perhaps Chasity should pen a letter mentioning the irresponsible contract Mrs. Crenshaw had initiated with Aston as well as the sloppy bookkeeping. Oh, and the frequent abdication of her duties.

Prior to this, Chasity had never considered herself disloyal. Still, it was only two months into Mrs. Crenshaw’s directorship of this branch of Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies, and Chasity had severe concerns about the headmistress’s competency. Surely the board and benefactors ought to be made aware.

But did that make Chasity a traitor?

No. Not in the least. It made her responsible and ethical amid a complicated situation. It wasn’t only her position precariously hanging in the balance either.

What about the other instructors?

Come to think of it, funds had been provided to hire two additional teachers. Was Mrs. Crenshaw spending those monies too?

If so, that certainly explained why she’d turned down every single applicant thus far.

Was the headmistress also an embezzler?

Yes, Chasity’s obligation to the school, her fellow instructors, and the students surpassed her loyalty to Mrs. Crenshaw. Something was too smoky by far, and it was time to investigate just what in the world was going on.

“You shall have to speak with him again today, Miss Noble.”

No. I shan’t.

Lord, give me patience and bridle my tongue.

Chasity shoved her musings aside and directed her full attention to the headmistress. Clenching her hands in her lap, she curled her toes into her shoes until they cramped.

“I cannot do that. Mr. Terramier said he would consider the suggestion.” Chasity believed Aston would. He’d appeared genuinely shocked and concerned at her declaration. “Perchance, Mrs. Crenshaw, he would be more influenced to acquiesce if you were to ask him to resign.”

“No!”

One sharp, unrelenting syllable.

Mrs. Crenshaw fashioned the merest upward turn of her mouth. “What reason could I possibly give? His work is exemplary. And I fear a court would consider me asking him to leave the same as terminating him.” Her face fell. “Pray God it does not go that far. It must not.”

Chasity was no solicitor, but surely a voluntary separation of employment was not the same as dismissal. However, she ceded Mrs. Crenshaw’s point. If the matter were to go before a magistrate—would Aston go that far?—Mrs. Crenshaw’s tenure as director was over.

In point of fact, Chasity was beginning to think that may not be such a bad thing.