But what if they declined the invitations? Then the house party would be for nothing.
She itched to get into the study and examine the names for herself. Even if they did not attend, she would at least have their identities. Perhaps another tour of the house with Tom might serve her purpose... though it would very likely mean crossing paths with the Ice Baron again—and enduring his condescending, barbed remarks upon her supposed incompetence.
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
Chapter 14
Charlotte knew the list existed and knew where it was—the study. The only problem was how she might gain access to it. She toyed with the idea of asking Tom for another tour and risking him locking her in the cellar—or somewhere worse. She dismissed it at once. Perhaps she might offer to assist with writing the invitations.
Thus embroiled in her contemplation, she walked into the schoolroom to hear Tom complain.
‘I’m dreadfully bored,’ he whined, slumping over the table.
‘Perhaps we can come up with some games,’ Charlotte suggested. ‘Tag, badminton, blind man’s bluff...’
Tom screwed up his face. ‘What’s blind man’s bluff?’
‘I’ll show you,’ Charlotte promised. ‘But only if you do one lesson with me first.’
Tom hesitated—then reluctantly agreed. Who knew bribery would work?
Charlotte produced a children’s book, but the boy’s face fell at once.
When she asked him to read aloud, he shoved the book off the table.
Realisation struck her; he appeared almost afraid of it.
‘Do you know your letters, Tom?’ she asked gently.
He did not respond. Instead, he turned away.
A pang of sadness pierced her. He was clever—only neglected. People were so distracted by his challenging behaviour that they paid no proper attention to his education.
Determined, Charlotte fetched crayons and transformed the alphabet into winding maze-like patterns, hoping to entice Tom’s interest.
‘I know that you enjoy it when I read stories to you. Would you not like to learn how to read them yourself? Then you may enjoy them whenever you wish.’
Tom nodded. ‘What if I can’t learn?’
‘Well, that is why I am here. I shall teach you. Can you copy these for me, like one of your drawings?’
‘I’ll try.’ He took the crayons, concentrated hard, and began to draw.
An hour later, fidgety but not angry, he earned his reward.
First, she blindfolded him and hid behind the curtains, but Tom quickly found her. Then Charlotte blindfolded herself, slipping the key from the door in case he attempted to lock it again.
‘Now, remember the rules, Master Tom.’
She stumbled about for half an hour, but it seemed Tom was an excellent hider. Charlotte refused to give in, laughing as she lunged at every creak and whisper.
‘Caught you!’ she cried, grabbing a hand.
A strong, muscled arm. A broad chest. A stubbled face.
Charlotte yanked off the blindfold—
—and found herself staring straight into the bemused eyes of Lord Stanley. His brows rose in evident surprise. She released his arm as though it were hot coal and abruptly stepped back.
