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And then she stormed from the room. My stepmother was watching me closely. “You wouldn’t have anything to do with this, would you?”

I kept my expression carefully neutral. “To do with what? I’ve been here all afternoon.”

She shook her head. “Never mind. I assume you’ll be staying in for dinner?”

I nodded. “Yes. But I will be heading to the school tomorrow morning. Those girls were quite distraught, and they’re so young. I want to make sure they’re settling in well.”

She nodded, distracted. “Very well. Dinner will be served at eight.” And then she turned and followed my sister upstairs.

I leaned against the cushioned back of the chaise longue and grinned. Mission accomplished. For now, at least, Greyson was saved from the scheming clutches of my stepmother.

Chapter 5

GREYSON

Only a few minutes had passed when Mrs. Atkinson came hurrying into the small office.

“Mr. Grey.” Her voice was breathy, telling me she’d hurried when she’d learned of my arrival. “You weren’t expected today. Did I forget about a scheduled meeting?”

When she settled behind a desk that was covered with piles of paperwork, I lowered myself into the guest chair.

“Not at all,” I said. “I am here on a personal matter.”

Her expression didn’t change, but a knowing gleam entered her eyes. “Do you have a child you wish to enroll?”

The question was simple enough, but I knew what she was really asking. Was I using the school as a way of dispensing my duty toward a bastard I’d fathered? I knew many behaved in such a way, but I’d always been careful to ensure I never sired a child. And if such an event took place despite my precautions, I certainly wouldn’t send them off to a charity school. I’d ensure that the child and its mother were taken care of.

I allowed ice to enter my voice. “Of course not.”

If she realized I was annoyed, she gave no indication of it. “Then what brings you here today?”

“I wish to inquire about one of the young women who comes in to volunteer.”

I’d surprised her. Her brows rose almost to her hairline before she schooled her expression again.

“Which one? I hope no one has done anything to anger you. But if they have, I’ll speak to them myself.”

“Miss Sullivan.”

She frowned. “Claire? Surely she hasn’t offended you in some way. I know that her heart is in the right place. If she misspoke⁠—”

I shook my head. “No, nothing like that. I know her family.” It was a stretch. I’d only seen her stepmother and sister from across the lobby as they left the hotel yesterday, but I didn’t want the headmistress thinking I’d developed a romantic interest in her. “Her mother asked me to check on her daughter. She worries about her.”

Mrs. Atkinson’s smile widened. “Oh, everything is wonderful. Claire is a delight. All the children adore her.”

That was a good point in the young woman’s favor. “Miss Sullivan’s mother didn’t know what it was that her daughter did here. I told her that I didn’t know precisely. I assume she makes an appearance periodically. Perhaps she engages with some of the more easygoing children.”

It was what most of the volunteers did, after all. They always played with the well-behaved girls who came from more well-to-do families and who had better manners.

“Oh no, not at all,” Mrs. Atkinson said. “Claire makes it a point of welcoming the new children. She seems to have a way with them. Most are understandably distraught when they arrive, having lost one or both of their parents. Some of them have been passed around amongst different family members before they finally arrive here, when those families decide it is too much of an effort to care for children they didn’t sire.”

I was very familiar with that scenario. It was one of the reasons the school had been set up. Given the fact that my own mother had been one of those abandoned children, it was a cause that held a special place within my family.

“But Claire—” She shook her head in wonder. “I don’t know what it is, but these children light up in her presence. I’ve seen the most taciturn little girl smile and laugh when she’s playing with them. In fact, can I share a secret with you?”

I nodded, my curiosity about Miss Sullivan growing.

“She has devoted most of her time here to helping those who have difficulty adjusting to the school. I’ve heard her saying that she wished she could come more than once a week. Can you imagine? I don’t understand why she’s not already married with children of her own since she clearly loves them so much.”