“Nothing is guaranteed.” Her voice had fallen to almost a whisper. She wanted to trust in other people but couldn’t. Her independence was her cornerstone.
Getting a glimpse of the steely strength lurking in such a feminine package altered his view of her. She didn’t want to be taken care of. Was that what drove her passion for teaching?
“I suppose I ought to take the position in Scotland then.”
“Scotland?”What the devil?
“I’ve been offered a position at a village school in Dumbarton. I wasn’t going to take it because… Well, it’s so very far. But considering what you’ve just told me—”
“You aren’t going to Scotland.” It was true that by marrying her, his own standing would temporarily lose a hint of its luster, but as far as she and her brother were concerned, such a union would be considered a notable achievement. Having a sister as a duchess would not only reestablish her brother’s standing but lift it higher than it had been before.
“That won’t be necessary,” he added.
“But if what you say is true, it would be selfish of me to remain here in London with them.” Her eyes clouded with concern now, and she clutched his arm. Even through his shirt and jacket, her touch jolted him. It had him wanting to close the distance between them and identify which floral scent accompanied the sweetness of vanilla and mint.
“There’s another way for you to help them. If you—"
“Dinner is served.” Chaswick’s manservant chose a most inconvenient moment to make his announcements.
“Going to Scotland is the best way. I—I hadn’t realized. I mean, I suppose I knew, deep down.” The other guests in the room were moving about, pairing up with one another to escort or be escorted into the dining room.
He’d flustered her and that hadn’t been his intention at all. He’d merely thought…
“If I am not mistaken, Lady Sheffield awaits your escort into the dining room.” Collette pointed out, lifting her chin, looking quite brave and really…
Rather magnificent.
“Come driving with me tomorrow.” He was going about this all wrong.
“But should I be seen? I don’t want to cost Chase and Bethany any more influence than I already have. I’ll remain at home until it’s time for me to leave for Scotland.”
“You aren’t going to Scotland.” He covered her hand with his.
“But—"
“I’ll collect you at two o’clock.” He barely managed to get the words out before Lady Chaswick appeared at their side, along with the indomitable Lady Sheffield and an older gentleman Addison didn’t recognize.
Collette jerked her hand out from under his but not in time for such a curious gesture between a duke and an unemployed teacher to escape the two ladies’ notice.
“Your Grace?” Lady Chaswick made all the proper introductions. The man was Sir Grimsley, recently of Herefordshire, and based purely upon Lady Chaswick’s cunning expression, Addison had little doubt the man had been invited for the sole purpose of meeting Collette.
Frustrated to have been interrupted before matters were settled, but willing to wait to discuss it with her under more appropriate circumstances, Addison offered his elbow to the grand lady staring at him curiously.
And as he escorted Lady Sheffield into the dining room, he was certain on one account. Miss Collette Jones was not going to be traveling to Scotland. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Nor was she going to be courted by this Grimsley fellow.
* * *
Collette had always thoughtthe reason Chase hadn’t brought them out in public before had been to protect his mother’s sensibilities. How had she not realized that he had put his own position in society at risk?
Sitting through dinner her mind wandered all too easily. At least twice, Sir Grimsley, who Collette realized was the actual victim of Bethany’s matchmaking efforts, had had to repeat a question or comment he’d directed at her. He was pleasant enough, despite his advanced age, which she assumed was somewhere between forty and sixty, but…
“I imagine you were pleased to escape that place… that Miss Primm’s school for girls.” Sir Grimsley wrinkled his nose. “Not that teaching isn’t a noble endeavor, my dear, but I cannot help but opine that you would be far happier raising your own family.”
“But I was not pleased. I was most disappointed.” She spoke without thinking and hastily added, “Although you are correct in thatmostladies prefer to have families of their own.”
“Indeed,” he commented, leaning closer. In that moment, she knew that, rather than move to Scotland, if she wished to, she could marry Sir Grimsley—or someone like him.
