Page 54 of Love Lessons for a Lady

“I would be happy to.”

Frowning, she shook her head. “The students and staff must be in quite a dither. Losing their headmistress and assistant headmistress within mere hours.”

“Lady Balderbrook has appointed Mrs. Ramsbottom as the interim headmistress.” Chasity needed to know about the arrangement, but would it wound her further?

Placing her still full fork on her plate, she nodded and glanced out the window. “Stella will do well. She’s always aspired to a higher position. I am glad she has the opportunity to demonstrate her competence.”

“I’m positive once the inquiry is completed, you will be offered your position once more. Perhaps even that of the headmistress.”

Is that still what she wanted?

Or could Aston persuade her to take a different course with her life? He wasn’t titled, but he made a respectable living. And though they mightn't live a luxurious lifestyle, they would be comfortable. He could envision them in a cozy house, several children running about, and every night, the last thing he would do before wrapping her in his arms and falling asleep would be to tell her how much he loved her.

After giving his lady a few lessons in love, that was.

Based on the enticing kisses they’d shared and the joy shining in Chasity’s eyes, he was willing to wager everything that mattered to him that she was ready to become Mrs. Aston Terramier.

“I have another position I’d have you fill, however, Chasity.”

Chasity’s gaze flew to meet his. “And would that position have something to do with your trip to Italy?”

“It could.” Aston raised his eyebrows and grinned.

“I speak and read Italian fluently,” she said, a flirtatious twinkle in her eyes.

“I do not, which is all the more reason you must accompany me.” He leaned forward and flicked a silky curl. “Have supper with me tonight? I know of a charming little eatery.”

He added buying an engagement ring to his list of things to do today. And by George, he would not wait until he was out of mourning for Uncle Conley to marry this incomparable woman.

“Of course, though what I’ll do with myself all day, I cannot imagine.” She caught sight of a desk nestled in the corner. “I suppose I could catch up on my correspondence.” Chasity angled that cloud of flaxen hair toward the desk. “Are there writing supplies? I haven’t any with me.”

“I have everything you need,” Aston offered. “I’ll make sure what you require is sent to your room.”

He’d been on the verge of offering to let her use his chamber, but Mrs. Longsdon would disapprove. “Perhaps you could walk Roi for me later? I cannot take him with me today.”

“I’d love to. A bit of exercise would do me good too.”

Aston rose then. He’d best be about his business if he wanted to return in time to dine with Chasity. Drawing her to her feet, he pulled her near until their thighs brushed, and he could see the flecks in her eyes.

“I love you, Chasity. I didn’t mean to, but you’ve become the dearest, most precious thing in the world to me.”

Again, that blinding smile wreathed her face, and her eyes went soft with emotion.

“I love you too, Aston. Impossibly so.”

She didn’t blush or cast her gaze downward in timidity. She spoke the words with confidence and strength.

He kissed her forehead. “Until tonight then, my love.”

With a final glance behind him, treasuring the sight of Chasity standing there gazing after him with love shining in her eyes, Aston quit the salon.

He needed to pen a note to his grandfather and arrange for a meeting this afternoon. It was far past time he put his grandfather in his place once and for all.

I shall call promptly at four o’clock this afternoon. We can discuss Uncle Conley’s final arrangements then. There are other serious matters that I wish to speak to you about as well. Assure that Werner is present too.

~ Aston Terramier in a cryptic note to Viscount Woolbury

London