“Thank you,” Kingston said. “If you will follow me…”
They walked in silence until they reached the study. Kingston pushed the door open and held it so Jaclyn and Mrs. Havenwood could enter. Once they were both inside, he followed them and closed the door behind them. “What is this regarding?” he asked.
Mrs. Havenwood smiled. “Can I not just be concerned about my student? She had been ill for a while, and I have not been able to see to her recovery myself.”
“Is that what this is about?” Jaclyn asked. “I am all right. I promise.”
Mrs. Havenwood sighed. “I am glad that you have fully recovered from the incident. Your ordeal has made me rethink many things about how the school is run. Starting with Melisande. Her reckless behavior has to be curtailed, and she cannot be allowed to run wild. It will lead to her complete ruination…” She shook her head. “But that is not why I am here. I fear I owe you an apology, my dear.”
“For what?” Jaclyn asked.
“I did not protect you as I should have.” She sighed. “When your brother ordered that your belongings be packed, I thought that you would be gone before I had the chance to speak with you.” She smiled at Kingston. “Luckily, your husband had other ideas. I am glad that you two have found your way to each other. I had hoped that you would.”
“You knew how I felt about him?” Jaclyn asked softly.
Mrs. Havenwood grinned. “It was obvious to anyone willing to look. The way the two of you would look at the other when you thought no one was paying attention…” She shook her head. “It was clear there were deep feelings there. My only fear was neither of you would stop bickering long enough to accept them.”
Jaclyn blinked, her heart suddenly swelling with emotion. She had never thought of it quite like that—how Mrs. Havenwood had seen what had been so painfully clear to her now. She glanced at Kingston, who stood by her side, arms folded across his chest, a quiet smile playing at the corners of his lips. His expression was a curious mixture of satisfaction and something softer, something warmer.
“I never realized you knew,” Jaclyn said, her voice barely a whisper.
Mrs. Havenwood chuckled softly, her keen eyes twinkling. “I did. It wasn’t just your brother’s temper or Kingston’s sharp remarks that gave it away. It was the way you both moved when you were near each other, how the room seemed to hold its breath when you two exchanged a word.” She paused for a moment, her gaze shifting between them both before returning to Jaclyn. “But of course, neither of you would have seen it at the time.”
“No, we wouldn’t have,” Jaclyn said, her voice wistful. “I was too proud, and he was far too stubborn.”
Kingston's smile widened slightly. "And you still are."
She shot him a playful look, her heart fluttering in a way that only he seemed capable of eliciting. "Some things never change."
Mrs. Havenwood’s smile softened. “And perhaps that’s a good thing. It means you’re both steadfast—something I know will serve you well in marriage.”
Jaclyn nodded, the words sinking in. It had been a long, difficult road to get to this place, but standing here now, beside Kingston, she knew that despite all the struggles, this was where she was meant to be. Kingston cleared his throat, his voice turning more serious. “We’re grateful for your support, Mrs. Havenwood, but I must ask—what was it you meant when you said you owed Jaclyn an apology?”
The headmistress’s expression grew somber, and she gave a slow nod. “I should have protected you better, Jaclyn. I failed to see what was happening around you, and for that, I apologize.”
Jaclyn felt a weight lift from her chest. For years, she had carried the quiet hurt of feeling abandoned by the very people who should have looked out for her. But hearing Mrs. Havenwood speak these words, offering her an apology, a recognition of what had transpired, soothed something deep within her.
“There is nothing to forgive,” Jaclyn replied softly, her voice thick with emotion. “You acted in the best interest of the school and my family.”
Mrs. Havenwood shook her head, looking genuinely contrite. “Still, I failed to see you as more than just a student. Your well-being should have been my priority, and I didn’t protect you from the harm that was done.” She hesitated before adding, “I would like to offer you something, Jaclyn. An opportunity, if you will.”
Jaclyn frowned slightly. “What kind of opportunity?”
Mrs. Havenwood’s gaze softened. “I would like you to return to Havenwood Academy, not as a student, but as an instructor. You’ve learned much, and I see a great future for you in shaping young minds. You have a gift, Jaclyn. A gift that should not be squandered.”
The idea was so unexpected that Jaclyn felt a slight shock ripple through her. She had never thought of herself in a teaching capacity, especially after everything that had happened. But something in Mrs. Havenwood’s voice made her pause and consider the possibility.
“I—I don’t know what to say,” Jaclyn admitted.
“You need not answer now,” Mrs. Havenwood said gently. “But I would be honored to have you return to the school, if you choose. If not, I will understand. But you should know, Jaclyn, that I have faith in you.”
The weight of those words hung in the air, filling the space between them, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Jaclyn felt a sense of peace settle over her. The journey had been hard, but perhaps, just perhaps, it was leading her toward something more than she had ever dreamed. Something she could not yet see but felt in her bones.
She turned to Kingston, who had been quietly watching her, his brow furrowed slightly in thought. “What do you think?” she asked him, her voice a touch uncertain, her heart still raw from all that had transpired.
Kingston’s gaze softened as he stepped closer, his hand gently brushing hers. “I think that whatever you choose, I’ll be here. And we’ll do it together. Though if you wish to teach at Havenwood I will have to secure some property nearby. I do not think a duke and duchess should reside within the school’s walls.”
The simple reassurance, the quiet promise in his words, settled her restless heart. For so long, she had been driven by the fear of losing him, of being left behind, but now she realized that the path forward, whatever it may be, didn’t need to be walked alone. He really was willing to do anything for her. Lord, how she loved this man…
