“I wouldn’t dream of it, Lex. Why would he lock you up anywhere?”
That very question continued to trouble her, even after three days of thinking about nothing else in a bumpy, cramped mail stage. She stood again and wandered to the window. “I’m sure I have no idea.” Half a dozen cattle grazed on the far side of the Academy’s duck pond, just visible through the small garden and scattering of elm trees. “But that’s not even the worst of it.”
Her friend leaned her chin in one hand. “I thought not.”
“Yes. He threw a grand dinner party, and invited Uncle Monmouth. Without telling me.”
“My goodness.”
“He’s an awful, wicked man, and I should never have accepted employment in his household.”
“Is he a friend of your uncle’s?”
“I’m certain he’s not. He just tried to force a reconciliation, for his own convenience.”
“Convenience?”
Alexandra smacked the windowsill hard enough to make her hand sting. “Don’t even ask. I can’t explain it.”
“Lex,” Emma said, “I’m glad you’re here. I can most definitely use your assistance.”
“But?” A tremor of uncertainty touched Alexandra. There always seemed to be an exception to any positive statement lately.
“But I have the Academy to think of now. We’re—”
“I’m so sorry, then,” Alexandra interrupted, tears beginning a cascade down her cheeks. There really was nowhere for her to go now.
“Let me finish, goose. We’re an institution of learning, not a refuge for lovesick cellar escapees. I need to be sure you’re going to stay.”
“I am not lovesick!” Alexandra declared, wiping her eyes. “I told him I was leaving. He said that was fine with him, and so here I am.”
Emma looked at her for a long moment. “Are you certain of that?”
Stifling the urge to do more stamping, Alexandra settled for crossing her arms. “Of course I am.”
Her dark green eyes still holding her friend’s, Emma slid open the top drawer of her desk. “You may wonder why I wasn’t surprised at your delayed arrival from London.” She lifted a folded paper from the drawer and slid it across the desk. “I received a letter the day before yesterday.”
Abruptly suspicious, Alexandra strode across the room and snatched up the missive. Before she even reached it, she recognized the torn wax imprint that had sealed it. “Hesent you a letter?” He’d said he would take care of informing Emma, but she hadn’t thought he actually meant to do it. They’d been somewhat distracted during that conversation.
“I had to read it twice before I believed it was from the Earl of Kilcairn Abbey. It doesn’t…sound like someone of his reputation.”
With another nervous, excited shiver running through her, Alexandra unfolded the letter. “‘Miss Grenville,’” she read aloud, hearing Lucien’s deep voice in her head, “‘As you know, Alexandra Gallant was until very recently a part of my household. I am aware that she has accepted a position to teach at your Academy, and while I can hardly dispute your choice of instructor, I do find myself at odds with you over her departure.’”
“He’s well educated, isn’t he?” Emma commented, as Alexandra paused to take a breath.
“Extremely. He’s the most voraciously curious individual I’ve ever encountered.” She realized her comment sounded very like a compliment, and she cleared her throat to continue reading. “‘As you have probably noticed, I have already convinced Alexandra to remain in London for another few days.’” She lifted an eyebrow. “Ha. He has an odd definition ofconvincing. ‘It is my fervent hope that she will choose to remain here permanently. Either—’”
“I don’t think he meant permanently in the cellar,” Emma supplied.
Alexandra favored her friend with a glare. “‘Either she or I will inform you further.’”
“He doesn’t sound like someone planning to hurt you,” the headmistress said quietly.
“Perhaps, but you can see from this how very arrogant he is.”
“Hm. Read the last part,” Emma suggested.
Alexandra made a face, but complied. “‘Miss Grenville, Alexandra has several times referred to you as her dearest friend. I can only express to you my supreme envy over that fact, and the hope that you and I shall meet one day soon. I have found Alexandra’s friends to be exceptional, as I have found her detractors to be lacking in intelligence, humor, compassion, and every other quality I have come to admire so highly in your friend. Yours in anticipation of acquaintance, Lucien Balfour, Lord Kilcairn.’”
