He shrugged. “I don’t remember. Many, I suppose.”
“And how many young ladies did you ask to dance?
“I don’t recall.” But from his amused tone, she suspected he knew exactly how many. Sir Brian struck her as an observant sort, one who was probably shy as a younger man and now had set aside any concerns about what society might think of him. He didn’t have a fortune, and his title of baronet was so small, the more superficial debutantes might overlook him.
Still, some of the wallflowers or shyer ladies might do well enough.
“I have the notes I took during our last meeting a few months ago when you told me your requirements for a wife.” She unfolded the paper and read aloud, “You said you wanted someone mature. You do not mind if she has children. And you’d prefer someone who knows her own mind.”
He inclined his head. “Those are still my wishes, yes.”
“And what if she is a younger lady who is still mature for her years? Would you consider her?”
“I might.” But in his tone, there was a sudden intensity. And when she glanced up from the paper, she saw those blue eyes staring into hers. A slow smile spread over his face, but she couldn’t answer it.
He was plotting something, and she suspected it had everything to do with her. But she had no intention of being matched up herself.
Rachel straightened and set down her papers. “Your task, Sir Brian, is to attend a ball and dance with six unmarried ladies of all ages.” That in itself would be a challenge since the Season was over. But it was a means of buying time and perhaps dissuading him. “You will return with the names of these women and tell me which ones interest you. We will meet again after you have completed this task.”
His eyes gleamed with amusement. “So, we’ll meet again in September, is that it?”
“After you attend your next ball,” she corrected.
“You mean Lady Scarsdale’s birthday ball, don’t you? I understand we are both attending.”
“And how do you know that?” Her words were sharp, and she made no effort to hide her annoyance.
“Mr. Gregor told me of your plans,” he answered. “He suggested we could go together and share a carriage.”
Of course, Cedric would join in on the plotting. She tightened her mouth and stated, “I don’t see a reason to share a vehicle. I’m certain you have your own.”
“Are you afraid of me?” he asked softly.
“No,” she lied. But inwardly, she couldn’t deny that his presence made her uneasy, his kind demeanor notwithstanding. If he did become a student, the idea of seeing Sir Brian every day felt like a blatant interference with her privacy.
He seemed to read her expression and asked, “Will it be a problem if I attend the birthday ball, Mrs. Harding?”
Rachel wanted to say yes, but she shook her head. “Of course not.” She could not let the baronet get under her skin or interfere in any way with her business. And perhaps the unwanted, nervous feelings of attraction would disappear once she began treating him like any other student.
They simply had to.
Chapter Ten
Ireland
“Drink this.” Emmaguided Cormac’s hands to hold a mug that contained broth. “See if it eases your pain.”
Ever since they’d managed to get him back to his bedchamber, she’d been forced to face a truth she didn’t want to acknowledge. His sickness was real, and even now, she hated how helpless she was.
“Thank you,” he said.
She waited until he’d finished and then took the mug. “Do you want something else? Bread, perhaps?”
“A little later.”
But the weariness in his voice suggested it wouldn’t happen. She’d asked a footman to summon a physician, and while she waited, the dowager entered the room.
“I want to speak with you, Emma.” Josephine’s voice held a rigid anger. “Alone.”
