The Headmistress (Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School Book 6) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Unsurprisingly, Hannah was an early riser. The group had played charades the night before, but had retired early being tired from the sledding. Hannah had had a delightful evening. She never would have guessed the Duke could be so charming. Jane had certainly never described him as such, and it was obvious to her that he wanted to be with his family. Hannah would have to ensure that happened.

It had also been quite clear that Lord Wolford was miserable. Lady Fanny was difficult to draw out even when around the ladies, and Lady Mary behaved like a strumpet, not like a future duchess. Hannah shook her head. Thank God she was not a student at Miss Bell’s!

Hopefully, the Duke would take her advice and speak with his son and daughter today and rescind his silly demands. Hannah could not think of anyone more ill-suited to Lord Wolford then either of the Duke’s choices.

Hannah was the first one into the breakfast room and she relished the quiet to have her tea and toast in peace. Jane had planned another full day of activity, and it was a bit nauseating watching Lady Mary trying to entrap the gentlemen. Lord Wolford was the biggest fish as a future Duke, but Lord Allerton and Lord Romsey were also known to be quite eligible.

Hannah looked up when she thought she sensed some movement at the door, but no one was there. It must have been a servant. She went back to slathering marmalade on her toast when she looked up again to see Lord Wolford peeking into the room.

“It is safe, my lord,” she said, not bothering to hide her amusement. “For now, anyway.”

He smiled sheepishly as he came into the room. “As long as you do not leave me alone,” he added. “You will be my partner for the outing, I pray?”

“If that is your wish,” she agreed. “Did you sleep well?”

“Once I made it safely back to my room and locked the door,” he said with a hint of annoyance.

“As bad as that?” Hannah did not mask her surprise. Was there a reason Lady Mary was so desperate? Jane might know.

Others began meandering in and the private conversation had to cease. Thankfully the Duke sat on Lord Wolford’s other side so he was protected for the nonce.

Hannah was not surprised, but she felt very keenly for the Earl’s situation. She had heard of pretty much every trick there was to entrap a wealthy, titled gentleman into marriage. The situation must be more dire than she thought, or else Lady Mary was wholly shameful. Jane had never mentioned much about her young sister-in-law, who had been in the schoolroom upon her marriage to the previous Dunsmore.

Hannah ate very slowly so she could be prepared to leave when his lordship did, or when there were enough others to protect him.

When Jane entered the room with her bright smile and cheery countenance, Hannah gave her a look full of meaning that her oldest friend would not misunderstand.

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