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It shouldn’t have been so difficult to watch her get into their carriage and drive away.

Chapter 21

CLAIRE

I didn’t see Greyson the next day, or the one after that.

By the third day, I’d had enough of my foolish pining. Mr. Tomlinson had sent me a list of suitable boarding houses, and it was time I started seeking lodging elsewhere. I’d been tempted by the idea of renting my own small home, but I was completely out of my depth as to how I could go about searching for a suitable house and renting one. And since I couldn’t rely on Kendrick and Caroline’s hospitality forever, I needed to begin searching for other accommodations.

I was already having breakfast when Caroline and Kendrick joined me.

“You’re going somewhere,” Caroline said as she made her way over to the sideboard to fill her plate.

“Yes. First to the school, and then I thought I’d look at a few of the boarding houses my solicitor recommended.”

She looked at Kendrick, who turned to me. “You are welcome to stay here as long as you need. There is no hurry to find somewhere else.”

“Yes,” Caroline added. “I thought you were going to look for a house to rent?”

“I considered it, but to be honest, I’m not sure I’m up to the task of setting up my own house. It seems a little overwhelming. I thought that for my first foray into becoming independent, it would be easier to stay at a reputable boarding house for young ladies.”

“No,” Caroline said. “I want you to stay here. Greyson⁠—”

I shook my head. “Greyson is not interested in me romantically. I know that the two of you began your relationship in a similar manner, pretending a courtship that wasn’t real, but—” I waved my hand between the two of us. “You were the diamond of the season. It is easy to see why Kendrick fell in love with you. Greyson can do much better than me.”

Kendrick’s brows drew together. “I’m not sure that’s true. And everyone here knows you’re beautiful when you’re not going out of your way to hide it.”

I smiled at him. I couldn’t tell whether he was just trying to be kind or if he meant the compliment, but I appreciated the way he was trying to make me feel better. “There is no point in curling my hair and wearing a fancy gown when I am heading out to spend time with young children.”

Caroline placed her plate on the table next to me and settled into the chair. “I was so looking forward to torturing Greyson. I’m sure his interest in you is more than casual.”

I couldn’t help thinking about the masquerade ball, the way he’d kissed me, and how he’d touched me. But he was a man of the world. I had no doubt he’d done the same and more to countless other women. I wasn’t special.

I shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll find someone in time.”

I managed to force out the words despite the way they sent a pang of bitterness through me. I wanted to be that woman, but given everything he’d gone through recently with women trying to trap him into marriage, I wouldn’t force my unwelcome attention on him.

After breakfast, Kendrick escorted me in the carriage to the school since he was on his way to King’s.

“I’ll send the carriage around this afternoon to collect you,” he said. “My driver can take you to the different boarding houses.”

Words could never express how much I appreciated his offer. “You and Caroline have been very generous. I don’t know how I’ll be able to repay you.”

“It is the least I can do since you’ve been an ally to Grey. I know we’ve teased him about his plight, but he’s less tense now that he’s met you.”

I refused to allow myself to think there was any hidden reason for that fact. “Yes, well, given that my own stepmother and sister were among the people trying to run him to ground, I figured it was my duty to help him.”

He watched me in silence for a moment. “No one can deny your generosity of spirit. Not many would devote their time to looking after children who’ve lost their parents.”

“I may not be in the same situation, since I grew up knowing my father loved me. But I did lose my mother at a young age, and his second wife has always been indifferent to my presence. It brings me joy to give these children the comfort of knowing that there are people in this world who care for them and their well-being.”

The carriage slowed to a halt then, and he helped me down. I could feel his eyes on my back as I entered the school, and I imagined Greyson must have lectured him about taking me to the masquerade. But he needn’t have worried. No nefarious gentleman had tried to discover the identity of the mysterious woman who’d intrigued a few of them on Saturday night. And even if a few were curious, no one would ever connect me to that woman.

The children were just finishing their breakfast when I arrived.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” Mrs. Atkinson said, rushing to meet me. “When I received your note to tell me you were coming, it was such a relief. One of the governesses has fallen ill, and we are short-staffed.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But I’d be happy to take over her duties until she’s feeling well again”