Miss Whitfield smiled, transforming her serious face. “How refreshing. I’ve always found that children learn best when their natural curiosity is encouraged.”
“Miss Whitfield studied at Queen’s College,” Aaron addressed the glass. “She speaks French, Italian, and German, plays both pianoforte and harp, and has a particular interest in natural philosophy.”
“Natural philosophy?” Louise couldn’t hide her surprise.
“I believe young ladies deserve the same breadth of education as their brothers.” Miss Whitfield’s tone remained pleasant but carried steel beneath. “Within appropriate bounds, of course.”
Louise warmed to the woman immediately. “Emily will adore you. She asks endless questions about why things work.”
“Then we shall investigate together.” Miss Whitfield rose gracefully. “With your permission, Lady Louise, I’d like to meet her today.”
“I think that would be wonderful.”
Aaron finally turned from the window, though his gaze fixed somewhere beyond Louise’s shoulder. “Excellent. Miss Whitfield, Mr. Thornton will show you to the schoolroom. Perhaps Lady Louise could bring Lady Emily there?”
After Miss Whitfield departed, Louise lingered. Aaron moved toward the door.
“She seems perfect,” Louise spoke quickly, stopping him. “Thank you. For thinking of Emily.”
“She needs proper education.” His voice remained carefully neutral. “It’s a practical solution; you’ll be able to focus on your duties regarding my aunt.”
“I see. Well, your practicality is appreciated, Your Grace.”
Aaron’s shoulders tensed. “Practicality prevents complications.”
“I agree. Complications are to be avoided. At all costs.”
“Yes,” he replied, though his jaw twitched slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I have correspondence.”
He left her standing alone in the blue parlor, surrounded by silk walls that suddenly felt suffocating.
As for Emily, she took to Miss Whitfield like a duck to water. Within minutes, they were examining snowflakes through a magnifying glass the governess had brought.
“Each one is completely unique,” Miss Whitfield explained. “No two are exactly alike.”
“Like people,” Emily said solemnly. “We all have faces, but they’re all different.”
“Precisely.” The governess smiled at Louise over Emily’s head. “Your sister is quite perceptive, my lady.”
Louise watched them together, grateful for this kindness even as her chest ached. Aaron had done this for Emily. Had found the perfect governess without discussing it with her, without even looking at her properly.
And he shouldn’t look at you, idiot.You’re only here until George is found.
Despite every rational part of her agreeing with this distance, her lips still tingled, reminding her of that forsaken kiss.
How much longer would she have to endure this?
That night at dinner, Emily chattered about everything Miss Whitfield had taught her. Aaron listened with apparent interest, asking questions that made Emily beam.
“And did you know snowflakes are actually tiny ice crystals?” Emily’s eyes shone with newfound knowledge. “Miss Whitfield says each one forms in the clouds.”
“Fascinating,” Aaron said.
Louise seized the moment. “Do you enjoy natural philosophy, Your Grace? You seem quite interested in Emily’s lessons.”
Aaron’s gaze flickered to her for the briefest instant before returning to his plate. “I find it a worthwhile subject for young minds.”
The dismissal stung. Louise pressed on regardless. “Did you study it at Cambridge?”
