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She shrugged, but her attempt at indifference fell short of the mark. “Clearly, you have better things to do with your time. I won’t keep you.” She picked up the book that had fallen and returned it to the stack of books that remained on the table.

“I missed you.”

She stilled for several seconds before turning back to look at me again. “I’m not sure I believe you.”

I felt a moment of regret for making her doubt herself. But hopefully I’d make it up to her soon.

“Are you done here for the day?”

She nodded. “Yes, I was just tidying up here. I’ve been trying to visit all the boarding houses on the list Mr. Tomlinson provided. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any vacancies in the ones I’ve already seen.”

I scowled. “I thought you were staying with Kendrick and Caroline until you found a house.”

She let out a soft breath. “I can’t rely on their hospitality forever. They were very kind to me. But…” She shrugged. “Looking for a house is such a monumental task. I thought it would be easier to begin with a boarding house.”

I couldn’t help wondering if I’d erred in waiting so long to see her again. I lowered my voice in case anyone lurked in the hallway.

“Have you changed your mind about what we discussed the last time we spoke?”

Her gaze searched mine, and I saw her swallow. Finally, she shook her head.

Disappointment filled me. “No?”

“No, I haven’t changed my mind.” She cast a furtive glance at the doorway before taking a step closer. “I would very much like to continue our discussion.”

I clenched my hands behind my back to stop myself from dragging her out of here. “I have my carriage out front.”

She licked her lips. “It isn’t wise for the two of us to leave together.”

My gaze had settled on her mouth, and I told myself to focus. “I’ll leave now and will wait for you around the corner. I trust you’re almost done here?”

She nodded. “I’ll only need a few minutes, and then I’ll let Mrs. Atkinson know I’m done for the day.”

Anticipation was surging through my veins as I forced myself to leave the library. I’d waited six interminably long days. Surely I could stand to be away from her for a few more minutes.

Chapter 23

CLAIRE

It was difficult to keep from grinning as I approached the carriage, and I admonished myself not to get carried away. Greyson had waited almost a full week before reaching out again, so it was clear I wasn’t a priority to him. Still, I couldn’t deny I’d been overjoyed to see him.

An imposing black carriage stood where Greyson had told me he’d be waiting. I smiled my thanks to the driver who held the door open and helped me in. When I settled on the bench opposite Greyson, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was the only one sensing the way the air seemed thicker in here. I knew he’d been with countless other women—I didn’t want to know how many—but this was a new experience for me. And given what had happened the last time we were alone together, it was impossible to keep from blushing.

I reached into my reticule and took out Mr. Tomlinson’s note. “I have the list of boarding houses here. I’ve crossed out the few I’ve already visited” I gave him the folded page and watched him as he scanned the list of addresses.

When he met my gaze, his eyes had narrowed. “The remaining establishments aren’t in the best parts of London.”

I shrugged. “It is not a big concern to me since I won’t be entertaining there.”

He said nothing as he handed the note back to me. The carriage was already moving, which confused me. “Aren’t you going to tell your driver which address we’re going to?”

“He already knows. I told him before you joined me.”

I leaned back and bit my bottom lip. After another minute passed, I couldn’t hold my tongue. “It’s not too far, is it?”

He shook his head, a hint of mockery in his tone. “Perhaps we should ask Mrs. Atkinson if you could stay at the school. They might have a room for you there.”

“I didn’t even consider that possibility. Do you think she’d say yes? I’ve never seen the bedrooms.”