The warmth of his soft gloves enclosed around her fingers—fingers that were always cold. And before she could shake his hand, as she’d intended to do, he bent over and brushed his lips just above her knuckles.
“The Duke of Bedwell, at your service, Miss Jones.”
Unfortunately, for both of them—but mostly for her—her response to his formal greeting was an almost-snort and then a gurgling sound that she quickly smothered. The Duke of Bedwell had kissed herbare hand!
She’d had her hand kissed before, but only by a few of her brother’s closest friends, and she’dalwaysbeen wearing gloves. Perhaps she ought to have risked another encounter with Mrs. Metcalf after all.
She cleared her throat. “I hope we can disabuse you of your prejudice.”
The duke raised his brows.
“Against the school—your prejudice against the school.”
“I have nothing against the school, Miss Jones. Not for other students, anyhow. But this is not the proper place for my sister to be educated. I’m only allowing her to attend because she is adamant about doing so. She would be better off learning at home, from a private governess and various tutors.”
That would leave the very sociable young lady with only adults for company. Lady Fiona would be miserable.
“If she were to do as you wish, she would miss out on friendships and the satisfaction that comes from learning with others. We have concerts, games, and outings…”
“Are you really so keen on arguing with me today, Miss Jones? On your first day, if I am not mistaken?” How did he manage to appear so dashing while acting so disagreeably?
However, his words had her clamping her mouth closed.
“You are not mistaken.” She could not afford another complaint. Especially not if it came from the Duke of Bedwell. “And no, I am not. Well, not that I wish to argue with you on any other day, either. I only wished to reassure you…”
There was no mistaking the exasperation in his gaze this time.
“I’m so very sorry, Your Grace.”Stop talking Collette. “It goes without saying that you know what’s best for Lady Fiona.” Except, you don’t really.But she held her tongue this time.
He glanced toward the door. “What is taking my sister so long? Surely, she’s not unpacking her trunks?”
“Oh, no. Likely she’s excited to meet new friends. I’ve no doubt they’ll be down shortly.” She glanced out the window. “Any minute now, in fact. Everyone is already leaving for the park. The girls won’t want to miss any of the Welcome Tea festivities.”
The students, teachers, and parents alike traditionally celebrated the launch of a new school year with Miss Primm’s Welcome Tea in the park in the center of town. Although, from the descriptions she’d heard, it sounded like more of a picnic than a formal tea, what with the games, contests, and a small ceremony.
Already, most of the students had exited the school to stroll along the dirt road while many of their parents rode in fine carriages to the venue. The cook and maids and all sorts of offerings had been driven over earlier so that they could set up the chairs and have all the preparations in place for their guests.
Collette, too, ought to be making her way to the tea. As a teacher, she would be expected to assist in serving. If she left quickly and ran part of the way, she just might be able to arrive in time. She bit her lip and moved toward the door.
“You are welcome to go up and fetch her yourself, Your Grace. You know how young girls are, most likely they’re so busy talking that they’ve forgotten the time. If you’ll excuse me…”
“Miss Jones.” His voice prevented her escape. “I’m unfamiliar with the layout of the school, and I hardly think it proper for a gentleman to wander alone in the young ladies’ private quarters.”
“Oh… yes.” He was right, of course. Collette could simply fetch Lady Fiona herself.
However… perhaps he’d feel better about leaving his sister here if he saw how clean and orderly the dormitory had been set up. And she knew for a fact that Lady Fiona had been allotted one of the newer beds and that her desk was near the window that offered the very best view.
“I’ll show you upstairs, if you’d like, Your Grace.” That way, after the duke had returned home, he could imagine his sister hard at work at their lovely school rather than worry that he’d made a mistake sending her here.
He pursed his lips.
“Very well.”
Collette exhaled. “Right this way.”
* * *
Only after Miss Joneshad turned to lead the way did Addison stretch his shoulders. He was more than half tempted to have Fiona collect her belongings and return home with him at once.
