Page 119 of Courting the Country Miss

He could give in to his selfish desire to fight for her, win her over, convince her they belonged together. But if she had already made her choice, could he do anything to change her mind?

He passed a sleepless night, revisiting the sight of Leticia in Bradbury’s arms, trying to piece together what it all meant, agonizing over his choices and which path to take, and watching through a child’s eyes as his mother left him over and over.

By morning, he could stand it no longer. He dressed in his most sober clothing and went to Mrs. Tallier’s house, only to be informed that Leticia had left for the school.

Alarm quickened his pulse. “Did she go alone?”

“No, sir,” the butler replied, “She went with Lady Averston, Mrs. Harper, and Peter. I sent along another footman for added security.”

At least they’d taken that precaution. After thanking the servant, Tristan went to the school, no longer as concerned with getting answers from Leticia as much as to ensure her safety.

Inside the school doors, Peter stood as immovable and grim as the King’s guard. Tristan exchanged a nod with Peter, and peered into the schoolroom. Children filled the desks. Mrs. Harper, who appeared unharmed except for a bruise under her eye and a reddened cheek, stood teaching with her usual calm efficiency. Her return to work only a day after suffering a frightening attack spoke volumes about her commitment. Tristan stole past the room and headed to the office where he’d found Leticia in the past. A footman the size of a pugilist stood with arms folded, leaning against the wall, his eyes alert. Tristan nodded to him and received an answering nod.

Inside the office, Leticia bent over the desk gathering together several papers and tucking them into a satchel. Elizabeth sat near a window, studying a ledger.

“Tish.” His voice came out hoarse and grim.

She looked up and smiled. “Good morning.”

She seemed pleased to see him. What did that mean?

Her smile faded. “Is something amiss?”

Tristan broke out into a cold sweat. He tried to pull together his mask of flippancy but only managed to feel more desperate. He glanced at Elizabeth.

His sister-in-law stood. “I believe I am in need of a cup of tea.” She glided out.

Tristan balled his fists. “Did I misunderstand you yesterday?”

Leticia’s brow puckered and true confusion touched her eyes. “About what?”

He rubbed at the space between his eyes and pushed his fingers through his hair. “About…what we said…after we kissed.”

Her expression softened, and though a faint blush pinked her cheeks, no shame revealed itself in her face. “About me finally realizing that I love you?”

The wind rushed out of his lungs. He struggled a moment to breathe. “Do you?”

She came around the desk and placed a hand on his chest, the other touching his cheek. “I always have. I was slow to realize it. I do love you, Tristan—so very much.” Her eyes darted between his, searching, probing. Gently, she asked, “What is it?”

“Why did you kiss Bradbury after I left?” Giving voice to his question scraped out the inside of his heart, leaving him ragged and empty.

She paled. “Oh, heaven above. How did you find out about that?” True guilt wrote itself all over her face.

He stepped back out of her touch. “I saw you. I came back for my gloves, and I saw you…and him…”

She pressed her hand over her mouth and let out a strangled noise. “I’m so sorry you saw that. But—”

“Stop.” He laughed sharply. “All this time you were so worried I’d betray you, and I was trying so hard to prove to you I wouldn’t, it never occurred to me you would betray me. Or did you plan on leading us both on a merry chase until you decided which one you wanted? Have you been kissing Kensington, too?”

Her guilty expression stepped back and hurt took center stage. “You don’t think I was leading you on?”

“Either that, or I have a different definition of the word love.” His words came out bitter.

Leticia frowned and her gaze darted to the door. “Do you smell smoke?”

“Fire! There’s a fire!” Peter’s panicked voice boomed through the school.

Tristan rushed to the main room, Leticia next to him.