The School of Charm: Books 1-5 Read online

While Reggie still lived.

  She might have been paranoid to believe he’d resort to murder, but it was a chance she was not willing to take.

  One distant cousin seemed to believe her, but she was a spinster with no power to help. Still, Emmaline Haversham did what she could by hiding her here at the Earl’s home. Telling her about the position and sending a reference.

  And now…

  She eyed the Earl again as he folded the note carefully. He was back to watching her like a hawk. She pushed the bowl away. Hungry as she was, she couldn’t bring herself to take another bit under that fierce stare. He made her too uncomfortable. Humiliation still burned in her at the way she’d begged him not to tell the Earl.

  What a fool.

  He must have been laughing at her.

  And now he thought to save her.

  “Are you finished?” he asked, eyeing the food that was still in front of her.

  She nodded. The sooner she got this over with, the sooner she could get to Reggie.

  What then?

  That she did not know. Perhaps Emmaline would help find her a new position, if she could find a way to get word to her. Or maybe Emmaline could convince her father to let them stay until they figure out where to go next. Maybe Emmaline’s father would believe her word against Duncan’s…

  Unlikely since Emmaline had told her that Duncan was a favorite of her father’s. And Emmaline’s father was a distant relative of hers; he barely knew her—certainly not well enough to believe her word over Duncan’s.

  “Shall we?”

  She looked up in surprise to see the Earl standing beside her, a hand out to help her from her seat. She took it his hand but kept her head tucked down, slipping her fingers out from his the moment she was standing.

  “Mrs. Harper, tell Gregory to dine without me. I might be a while.” He strode toward the door, clearly expecting her to follow.

  They might be a while? How far was this place he planned to take her?

  It wasn’t until they were in his carriage that she summoned the courage to ask. “Where exactly are you taking me?”

  The sun was starting to set, and the shadows in the carriage made him look dangerous as he flashed in and out of the light. Even so, she felt safer here with this veritable stranger than with her cousin.

  “Have you heard of the Earl of Charmian?”

  She nodded. The Earl of Charm was his nickname. She’d never met the man herself, but she knew the name.

  “His wife opened a School of Charm,” he continued.

  Her brows hitched up at that. “A School of Charm?”

  His lips twitched slightly in a way she was starting to recognize. It meant he was amused, and likely trying not to laugh at her. “Yes, a finishing school for young ladies.”

  Her brows drew down in confusion. “I cannot pay for finishing school.” She shifted in her seat. She did not need finishing school—after all, what good would it be to improve her embroidery or practice her French when she’d left society behind along with her dowry and her home?

  He was watching her with that serious expression of his. Grim. Yes, she could see why people called him that now, though she suspected it was just the way he looked. Like the Grim Reaper. She might have had a childish air about her, but he looked as though he’d struck a deal with the devil. Though she had a sense that there was so much more to him.

  In fact, she’d seen it for herself. Despite the lazy way he slouched back in this carriage seat and the heavy-lidded stare that saw everything, she still recalled the warmth in his eyes when he’d taken care of her earlier that day. She recalled in vivid detail the kindness in his eyes.

  “I appreciate the thought,” she said stiffly. “But I do not have the money for tuition or—”

  “There is no need to pay,” he said now.

  She bit her lip. “So, I could work there?”

  Hope flickered. Perhaps she could continue the same arrangement—working as a servant and paying old Mrs. Grishna to watch Reggie while she saved her coins to afford a home of their own.

  She could do this. All was not lost. A smile started to form until he continued. “I will pay your tuition.”

  She blinked. “Pardon me?”

  He leaned forward suddenly, and she remembered tales she’d heard of large cats in the jungle that would lie in wait and then pounce. He moved like that—all cynical laziness and apathy until he struck with a sudden intensity. Now he was so close she could smell his scent—something male and divine that made her feel warm and safe even as her heart thudded wildly at his proximity.

  “You will be in their charge,” he said. “For the time being.”

  She leaned back, trying to get enough distance that she might wrap her head around this turn of events. “For the time being?”

  His gaze was even. “Yes. Until we find your family and sort out whatever mess you’ve gotten yourself into.”

  She blinked in shock before looking away out the window of the carriage. She wasn’t certain why she was hurt. If her own friends and family had not taken her pleas for help seriously, there was no reason to expect a stranger to trust that she’d had good reason to flee her home.

  “Perhaps Miss Grayson will be able to get through to you,” he said.

  “Miss Grayson?” she repeated quietly, still looking away, still hurt beyond reason. How was it that right now she felt more alone than she had this morning? It did not make sense.

  “A friend of mine,” he answered. “Lord Charmian opened the school along with his wife, but they’ve recently had a child and Miss Grayson was put in charge of the day to day running of the establishment.”

  Addie nodded mutely, uncertain what she was supposed to say to that. She was slightly curious what he thought Miss Grayson might be able to accomplish, or why he thought she would spill her troubles to a strange lady. But in the end, she kept quiet, because in the end…it did not matter.

  She would not stay.

  She couldn’t.

  They might accept her as a charge, but what of Reggie? And if she could not earn a wage, she could not pay for him to be taken care of.

  “You look troubled.” Somehow he made this sound like an accusation.

  She turned back to him, hoping he could not read her emotions. “Thank you for your assistance, my lord. You have gone above and beyond your duty.”

  She’d meant to be kind, to say the right thing, and yet now he was frowning at her like she’d offended him.

  “I did no such thing. I am merely doing right by one who is under my charge.”

  She pressed her lips together in annoyance. He made it sound like she was his child, just like he’d spoken to her like she was one earlier that day.

  “As I said, I appreciate your assistance.” She tried to mean it. It wasn’t his fault that his meddling in her affairs would only make matters worse for her. She’d been doing just fine working at his home, paying Mrs. Grishna with food she could sneak out and a little coin, and now she would be forced to start anew.

  But again, it was not his fault. It was her own stupid fault for fainting like a ninny at his house, and for telling him the truth about her station. She had no one else to blame.

  “You know…” He leaned back once more and his tone turned lazy and slow. “If you were to tell me what happened to you at your home, I might be able to be of more assistance.”

  “I thank you, my lord,” she said stiffly as she stared pointedly out the window. “But I assure you, there is no need.”

  “Did someone hurt you?” His abrupt question and the anger behind it had her inhaling too quickly and too loudly. She cursed herself for stiffening and forced herself to relax. The last thing she needed was an Earl to get involved. For all she knew, he was a friend of Duncan’s. Everyone she’d met seemed to be. With that thought she forced a small smile of regret. “It is as you guessed, my lord. I have merely run away after a tiff with my parents. I am sure we shall set things right eventually.”

  His eyes
glimmered with something dangerous—a heady mix of amusement and curiosity. It was impossible to look away.

  “How odd,” he said. “One would think that you’d be a better liar than this.”

  She frowned. She’d done a fine job of lying…hadn’t she? Also, how dare he call her a liar?

  “But then again, you couldn’t even recall your fabricated surname,” he continued in that low drawl that made her insides flutter.

  She bit her lip at the reminder. She ought to let it go. The less said the better. And yet… “You caught me at a low moment, my lord.”

  His quick lopsided grin, there and gone in a heartbeat, made her entire body go into a state of shock. “Indeed. I ought not to have taken advantage of your obvious distress by asking you for your name…Miss Adelaide.”

  His voice dripped with sarcasm, but it did not seem unkind. She felt a smile tugging her own lips until she squashed the urge. She should not encourage his teasing. Instead, she turned to face the window again as the carriage began to slow.

  “So,” he continued. “You did not run away over some trivial family rift. I thought not, but I had to be sure.”

  She whipped her head around to gape at him. “You are trying to provoke me.”

  His smirk held no regret. “If you won’t tell me what’s going on, I’ll do whatever I must to get to the bottom of this.”

  “Why?” she shot back. “Why do you care?”

  She regretted the words instantly. Of course, he didn’t care. That wasn’t what she’d meant. She’d merely meant…why would he not let her be?

  He regarded her for a long moment as the carriage stilled beside a large building of gray stone. “I’m not entirely sure.”

  He said it so quietly she nearly didn’t hear him. It was more to himself than to her, and before she could respond, he was opening the carriage door and helping her down. He stayed by her side as a butler greeted them at the door, and sat beside her on a settee as they awaited Miss Grayson in a drawing room that was comfortable and lovely.

  Homey, even.

  Addie took in the space with a mix of longing and regret. If it was only her on the run, she’d be all too happy to stay in a place such as this. Not nearly so fine and grand as the Earl’s townhouse. It was stately and fine, but it had a woman’s touch and it felt welcoming. Even now, a fire burned to fight the chill in the air this spring evening, and she longed to curl up beside it and sleep away her troubles.

  She stiffened at the thought. Now was hardly the time to be tempted by luxuries. The Earl glanced over at her, as he’d been prone to do since they arrived. She ignored the curious looks that he hid so well behind that lazy façade.

  It was a façade, she was beginning to realize. He looked so at ease, but he was always watching, always thinking. She had the nervous sensation that he was also always plotting.

  Plotting what? She had no idea. But this particular evening, his scheming seemed to be entirely fixed on her.

  When a maid announced that the Miss Grayson was on her way, Addie sighed with relief. At least now she could get on with it. She could nod her agreement, pretend to be docile until the Earl finally left and washed his hands of her.

  Her eyes darted to the door when it opened again, and her eyes widened with surprise. She was not certain what she had expected of Miss Grayson—perhaps someone befitting the word ‘gray’ in her name. But this lady was neither elderly nor dull. She was…well, she was spectacularly beautiful, there was no other way to describe her.

  Tall, with silvery blonde hair, she looked like she ought to be a queen, or perhaps a duchess, or maybe even a princess from a fairy tale. Her slim build was sheathed in a plain green gown, but even so she shone like a jewel.

  She would have been intimidating if her gaze when she turned to Adelaide had not been filled with such kindness. “Welcome,” she’d said gently, taking Addie’s hands in her own and squeezing. “I am so glad you have come.”

  Addie’s lips tugged up in a smile. The lady had said it so sincerely, for a moment there she’d nearly believed her.

  When Miss Grayson turned to the Earl, she caught the smile they shared. Something small and secretive. Addie felt a stab of…something.

  Loneliness, she supposed. When they walked a few feet away and shared a few murmured words, it was clear that they had a friendship, of sorts.

  She tried not to stare at them, looking down at her own faded, shoddy frock instead. Whatever this sensation was when she watched Tolston talking like a normal human being and not like some stodgy Earl…she didn’t like it.

  The sooner he left, the better.

  And yet, when he came over to wish her a stilted and cold goodbye, she was not relieved. Not at all. She could not quite bring herself to meet his eyes as he looked down at her. She wasn’t sure whether she wished to see that warmth she’d seen earlier or if she was terrified to see it—she knew from experience what havoc it wreaked on her. And so, she kept her gaze on his chin.

  A lovely chin it was, too. He had a small cleft, and the shadow of facial hair at this late hour gave him a rather dashing, dangerous air. For a moment she could tell herself he was a pirate or a highwayman—not the great, noble, upstanding Earl of Tolston with his grand house and his plentiful staff and his long-awaited pursuit of a wife.

  Now, why had she gone and thought about that?

  He went to turn away after wishing her the best, but seemed to hesitate. “You can trust Miss Grayson.”

  Surprise had her gaze darting up to meet his.

  Mistake. It was a huge mistake. One look, and she felt like he could read all of her secrets. Worse, she saw that blasted warmth again—the sweet, tender affection that seemed to lurk beneath the surface.

  It was that warmth that had made her cry like a fool earlier, and she hated the fact that she longed to give in to that urge again now. What a relief it would be to throw herself into his arms and weep. What a temptation it was to let this man with his strong shoulders and his grim expression deal with all the problems in her life.

  She’d never much gone for tales of knights or dashing princes who saved the damsel in distress, but looking into the Earl’s eyes right now?

  She was beginning to understand the appeal.

  “Thank you for your assistance, my lord,” she said with as much humility as she could muster. She dropped into a low curtsy, which was not only polite, but spared her the pain of having to meet his gaze any longer.

  “Miss Grayson will take good care of you.” He sounded like he was reassuring himself as much as her.

  When he left, the air felt cooler but she was once more able to breathe freely. Miss Grayson was all that was kind and hospitable as she showed her to her room and had a tray of food sent for.

  “The rest of the girls are so excited to meet you,” she said as she fussed about the small but pretty room, making it even more comfortable. “I told them they’d have to wait until the morning after you’ve had a chance to rest.”

  Addie forced as smile in return. The rest of the girls? She wondered how many, and what had brought them here to this house. But she would not ask. For then, Miss Grayson might take that to mean that she too could ask questions.

  Addie appreciated the fact that she did not pry, although before she left her room, Miss Grayson turned back with that warm smile. “Perhaps in the morning after you are fed and rested, you’ll feel comfortable enough to talk, hmm?”

  Addie’s expression remained the same. An answering smile that said nothing at all. That seemed to suffice for Miss Grayson, and she took her leave.

  She moved to make herself comfortable—she had hours yet before she could escape unnoticed, but before she’d settled in, there was a soft knock on the door, followed by a pretty redhead poking her head into the room. “Hello.”

  Addie blinked in surprise.

  The girl didn’t wait for a response or a welcome before sneaking in, peering down the hallway quickly before darting into the room and partially closing the doo
r behind her. “I’m Louisa,” she said, her smile bright and welcoming. With a small curtsy, she added, “Miss Louisa Purchase. Who are you?”

  “I—that is—” She let out a huff of exasperation. Tolston had been right. She truly was a terrible liar. “Miss Adelaide Tillman,” she said.

  “You must call me Louisa,” the redhead said. “Miss Grayson said we ought to give you space until morning, but I just wanted to say hello and make sure you knew how welcome you are.” She grinned, and Addie found herself smiling back at the other young woman. It seemed almost impossible not to. “We were all so pleased to hear we’ll have some more company.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “And a new lady who’s mired in mystery,” she said in a hushed voice that didn’t disguise her glee. “All the better.”

  Addie was torn between laughter and tears. Louisa made it sound as though her hardships were something lovely and romantic. They weren’t. Not at all.

  And yet, the girl’s optimism and enthusiasm were sweet, and her expressive eyes were filled with heart.

  “Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  At least there she didn’t have to lie. This girl seemed lovely. It was too bad she couldn’t get to know her better.

  Louisa backed away toward the door. “I’ll let you get your rest. But if you need anything—anything at all—please do let me know.”

  “I will, thank you,” she said, her own voice just as quiet.

  When Louisa walked out and shut the door behind her, Addie had to brace herself against a wave of longing. How lovely it would be to stay here indefinitely. To have a motherly figure in Miss Grayson, and maybe even a friend in Louisa…

  But that was just a daydream. Not her reality. She took a deep breath and locked the door behind Louisa. Best not to let her mind wonder about things that could not be.

  She looked out the window and watched the sun setting over the buildings across the way. No, it was no use longing for things she could never have, and a home here was one of them. An image of the Earl of Tolston flashed through her mind so fast and fierce it left her breathless. Those eyes, that smirk, the way he’d held her in his arms…