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“She said it was something she’d eaten, so I’m sure her illness will be of short duration. But since you’ve shown an interest in teaching the children how to read…”

I smiled. “Just show me where I’m needed.”

Chapter 22

GREYSON

Anticipation filled me as I made my way down the hall to the school’s library, where a governess had told me Claire was reading to the children. I’d been busy over the last few days, making arrangements. After what had taken place at the masquerade, I’d also made a point to keep my distance from her. I hadn’t wanted to pressure her into doing something she’d regret.

I needed her to be clear-headed about what would happen between us. I wasn’t a lovesick fool who was going to turn around and offer to marry her. She was practical enough to know that. Six days wasn’t a terribly long time, but it had been damn near impossible to stay away from her.

I’d stopped at Kendrick’s house first, and when I learned she was at the school today, I came here. It wasn’t wise. The headmistress had already noticed my interest in Claire, and I didn’t want to make her time here more difficult. But it seemed I was at the end of my patience.

I congratulated myself on my timing when a group of children exited the library, following Miss Billingsley, the senior governess at the school. I remembered her from when we were hiring the staff. Her experience had stood out to me, and I’d almost given her the headmistress position. But I hadn’t been able to ignore the fact that Mrs. Atkinson already had experience in that role.

I smiled a greeting as I waited for the group to pass.

I didn’t see her when I entered the library. An assortment of books and papers were spread over the surface of a table, and I frowned, annoyed at the younger governess who’d told me Claire was here. I started to leave but stopped when I heard a muffled oof to my left. I turned and saw her climbing up the library ladder, several books in the crook of one arm.

I leaned against the door frame and watched her swing her backside in an exaggerated manner so she could shift her skirts out of the way as she climbed. I grinned, enjoying the view very much.

She placed three slim volumes on a shelf before frowning down at the one that remained. From the way she was glancing to the right, I expected her to climb down the ladder and reposition it. I was just wondering if I’d get to watch her repeat her ridiculous ascent again when she gripped the ladder with her left hand and leaned precipitously to the right, the remaining book outstretched in her right hand.

When the ladder wobbled, I was already moving.

“Be careful, Claire.”

Calling out had been a mistake, because it caused her to jump. And then to my horror, her foot caught on her skirts, and she was falling.

My own heart was racing now, but I managed to catch her, turning so my back would take the brunt of the fall against the bookcase. The sound of the book falling to the floor was unnaturally loud in the room. I stared down at Claire, who was fully pressed against me. She blinked up at me, her eyes wide with alarm, and we stood frozen like that for several seconds.

I should have apologized for causing her to stumble, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy having her in my arms again. My gaze settled on her mouth, and I was beginning to lower my head when she sucked in her breath and pushed against me.

I released her immediately and watched as she adjusted her skirts before looking past me to see if anyone had witnessed our interaction.

“We’re alone,” I said. “Miss Billingsley took the children outside.”

Her voice was a low hiss. “What are you doing here? We can’t do this at the school.”

I raised a brow. “Do what, exactly? I saved you from falling.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I fell because you surprised me.”

I shrugged. “I called out because the ladder was wobbling.”

“Yes,” she said, between clenched teeth, “but the ladder is secured to the shelves, which are in turn secured to the wall. If you hadn’t given me a start, I wouldn’t have tripped on my skirts.”

We were staring at each other now, and I couldn’t help noting how good it felt to see her again.

Her hands were on her hips as she frowned at me. The flushed color of her cheeks made her blue eyes appear brighter. “What are you doing here? You can’t visit me here so often. Mr. Grey only visited the orphanage once a month.”

I shrugged. “I am a family friend who is checking in on you because your stepmother worries so much.”

She rolled her eyes, and I chuckled.

“As you can see for yourself, I am doing well. You can go about your day and needn’t concern yourself with me any longer.”

My eyes narrowed. “Are you upset about something?”