Chapter Six
“I told you that they were planning an assignation.”
Cait and Julian nearly jumped at the bellowing tone of Norbright.
How had she not heard their approach or noticed the door to the closet being opened?
She was ruined!
What if Norbright shared what he had witnessed with his friends? Or worse, Mrs. Wiggons? She’d be sacked and then where would she go?
“Come out of there,” Claudia insisted.
“It is not what you think,” Julian quickly offered.
“You are alone with Miss Doyle, in a poorly lit conservatory. A small closet no less. And, thoroughly kissing her. I am pretty certain that it is exactly what I think.”
“We were hiding,” Cait murmured.
“From whom?” Norbright looked around and asked.
“Students,” Cait answered. “We had come here to read and then they arrived, so we hid.”
“Read?” Norbright snorted. “I have an entire library at your disposal.”
Cait’s face heated. What must Norbright think of her. She taught his young and impressionable sisters. He may insist that she no longer be allowed to do so.
Her stomach tightened as the contents within roiled.
How could she have been so foolish to first be alone with Julian, then in a closet, and then allow…no,enjoysuch delicious kisses and caresses?
She was a teacher! A spinster! Cait should have never allowed such. Except, she had enjoyed every moment, but had it been worth it if she lost her position at the school?
“I recall us being in a similar situation,” Claudia reminded him. “You kissed me in this very room while we thought all others slept.” Claudia smiled.
“Why did you come out here in the first place?” Norbright asked. It was clear that he did not believe that it was to read. “Unless my friend here thought to sed—”
“—I did not,” Julian ground out, cutting off what Cait suspected was an accusation of seduction.
“Wewerereading,” Cait announced. “And making plans.”
“For what?” Claudia asked.
“For the three newest students who wish to follow in Eliza’s footsteps.” It was a foolish plan, but she’d been so easily caught up in the mission, which was likely because Julian had joined in her plot.
Both Claudia and Norbright groaned.
Julian quickly explained what he had overheard by the cliff and the visits from two separate sets of students that night.
“What do you plan to do now?” Claudia asked.
“Fashion a cloak,” Cait answered, pleased with the plan that had come to her.
“If there is a cloak, that will convince the students there are selkies, will it not?” Claudia asked, her eyes drawn together as if confused.
“That would depend on where it is hidden,” Cait answered with a grin.
“Where?” Claudia asked.
