by Aston, Alexa
The physician set aside a cane he’d brought. He knelt and inspected her ankle, rotating it some.
“Any pain?” he asked.
“None. It’s just a bit tender.”
He rose. “I think you can try walking on it some for the rest of today. Just a few short distances, here and there. Tomorrow, you can be up and about more, especially if you use the cane. By the day after, you can resume your normal schedule but keep to the cane for a few more days. After that, you should be right as rain, my lady.”
Testing him, she said, “This could all be accomplished at Dunwood Academy, could it not?”
A pained expression crossed his face. “I believe it would be in your best interest to remain here for the rest of the week.”
“I believe being at home is in my best interest. I know Gilford spoke to you. He’s being ridiculous. Simply because I had a minor injury in his home doesn’t mean he needs to take such responsibility for me. Don’t you think it would be better for me to be in my usual surroundings? Sleeping in my own bed?” Ashlyn gave him her best headmistress look and saw him wither.
“You are my patient. I should recommend what’s best for you,” he agreed, though it was obvious he wasn’t happy to do so.
“Will you drive me home now, Doctor?”
He nodded.
“I appreciate your kindness to me. You have been the consummate professional.”
“His Grace will need to be notified. He’s . . . waiting in the corridor.”
She smiled. “Then by all means, have His Grace come in to hear the good news.”
The doctor went to summon the duke. Reid strode across the room and gazed at her intently but said nothing.
“The doctor and I agree that I will heal just fine at Dunwood Academy,” Ashlyn began.
Reid whirled to the other man. The physician’s eyes were already downcast in order to avoid the scathing glance from the duke.
“This is your final word?” he demanded.
“Yes,” the doctor said, not daring to lift his head. “I’m to take Lady Dunwood home now.”
Reid looked back to her. “You’ll not ride in a pony cart. I’ll have my carriage brought around. Let me see you out, Doctor.”
The men left the room and she breathed a sigh of relief. She thought Reid might have put up more of an argument and was relieved he hadn’t.
A footman appeared and placed her trunk on his shoulder and slipped the cane over his forearm. Then Reid appeared. Without a word, he lifted her from where she sat and carried her downstairs. Ashlyn longed to throw her arms about his neck and kiss him one more time. It was a good thing she’d discovered how strong-willed she was the last few years because she drew on that to refrain from doing so.
A footman opened the carriage door and Reid place her onto the plush seat. He took the one opposite her. She should have suspected he would see her home. The door closed and the vehicle launched into motion.
Neither of them spoke. She looked everywhere except at him. At least he wasn’t sitting beside her. She didn’t know if her willpower would have extended to a carriage ride where he was within reach.
They’d almost reached Dunwood Academy when he leaned forward and took her hands. It forced her to meet his gaze.
“I was wrong before. I didn’t mean to dictate to you in such an oppressive manner. I also discovered something I hadn’t known before.”
Ashlyn licked her lips nervously. “What?” she asked.
“I’m in love with you, Ashlyn.”
She jerked her hands from his and slapped him. Her hand stung from the blow and she saw the red mark that sprang to his face.
“You’re an arrogant, insufferable man. You can’t stand the thought of anyone—much less a woman—saying no to you. Because of that, you’re willing to say whatever you think I want to hear. I’m appalled at the lengths you’re willing to go to in order to put me under your thumb. You don’t love me, Gilford. You couldn’t love anyone but yourself. Get it through your bloody thick skull. I will never wed you. Never.”
The door opened and she saw the footman standing there, the cane the doctor had brought in the servant’s hands. Ashlyn pushed herself from the seat and reached for the man’s hand. She clasped it tightly and kept from wincing as she moved down the handful of stairs. Taking the cane from the servant, she turned back to face the man glaring at her.
“Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Your Grace,” she said sweetly and wheeled around. Using the cane, she hobbled inside Dunwood Academy and collapsed onto the nearest chair.
Chapter Nineteen
Ashlyn rode to church in the carriage, three of her tutors sharing the compartment. Mr. Peterson, the fourth, drove the cart which carried all of the boys in its bed.
A week had passed since the country ball at Gillingham. She’d resumed most of her normal duties, aided by the cane which helped her get around with more ease. Yesterday was the first day she hadn’t used it but she’d brought it along today since she’d be walking some outdoors on uneven ground.
The vehicle slowed and Mr. Butler got out first and helped lower her to the ground. When she turned, she spied Viscount Ransom, who never missed a Sunday service. What surprised her was that he stood with Lord Martin and Lady Edith, whom she’d never seen at church. Then Ashlyn remembered seeing the viscount dance with Lady Edith and decided a romance must be blossoming between the two.
Ransom waved her over. “Good morning, Lady Dunwood. How are you this fine day?”
The day was overcast and gloomy, with rain threatening. Of course, Ransom was only seeing what he wanted to see through the eyes of love. Ashlyn bit back a smile.
“Good morning, my lord. Lord Martin. Lady Edith.”
The young woman looked at her anxiously. Her father avoided all eye contact.
“How do you fare, Lady Dunwood?” the young woman asked. “I see you’re using a cane.”
“My ankle is much better. Thank you for asking. I did receive Lady Eden’s card.” She glanced around. “Is she here so I may thank her for sending it?”
Lord Martin quickly said, “My daughter has gone to stay with relatives in the north. She will be there for some time.”
Reid had said he would take care of the girl. Ashlyn wondered if Eden Martin had been permanently banished from the Gillbrook area or if her exile was merely temporary.
“Then I suppose she will miss the upcoming Season. Will you attend it, Lady Edith?”
“Oh, yes, Lady Dunwood. Will you?”
She shook her head. “No, I’ve my school to run.”
“Do you never take time for yourself, my lady?” the viscount asked.
“Well, my pupils have their Easter break coming up soon. All the students and staff will be gone on holiday for two weeks, beginning the Monday before Easter. I will indulge in long walks and afternoon naps, I suppose.”
She would also go to visit the Westons but didn’t care to share her plans.
“Is that who I think it is?” Lord Ransom asked.
She turned and her stomach lurched.
The Gilford ducal carriage was pulling into the yard. A buzz of voices erupted.
“I wonder why Gilford is coming here when he has his own church to attend?” pondered Lord Ransom.
Ashlyn knew. It was because of her.
Moments later, the Duke of Gilford exited his carriage and made straight for their group, greeting all of them with good cheer. She was thankful he didn’t pay her more attention than the others.
“Are you ready for your upcoming Season, Lady Edith?” he asked.
She smiled. “Yes, Your Grace. Very much so.” She glanced to Lord Ransom and back.
“I hope you will save many dances for my friend here,” Reid continued, smiling at Lord Ransom.
Ashlyn hadn’t known them to be friends since Ransom seemed several years younger and Reid had been away for a decade at war.
Lady Edith blushed prettily. “Oh, I plan to, Your Grace.”
&nbs
p; She believed the couple would announce their engagement before the end of the Season. Ashlyn decided if so, she would tell young Edward that it was in part because of the kindness he’d shown by dancing with Lady Edith. It had brought her to the attention of the viscount.
“I believe the good reverend is ready to begin,” Lord Martin said.
She saw everyone had made their way into the church and looked about to see that her boys had settled down and acted with decorum as they filed in.
“My lady?” Reid offered her his arm.
She didn’t want to seem churlish, so she took it. The solid feel of it made her long for things she could never have.
As they went into the church, she asked, “Why are you here today?”
“Because you are.”
He seated her and took the spot next to her. Too close for her liking. Reid removed the cane from her hand and rested it against the pew.
“How is your ankle?” he asked quietly.
“Better. I won’t need the cane by tomorrow.”
Throughout the service, Ashlyn’s attention wandered. She couldn’t help it. Reid’s entire right side nestled against her left. The cologne he always wore wafted about her. His rich baritone drew her in with each verse of every hymn. Images of their night together flooded her mind, causing her color to rise. She wished she had a fan to cool herself.
The congregation stood for a last song and prayer before they were dismissed. Since they were at the front, most present filed out before her row. Reid handed her the cane but took her hand and tucked it possessively into the crook of his arm.
Once they emerged from the church, groups of people stood chatting. Her boys ran around, playing some form of tag with other children. When Arthur and Harry caught sight of their brother, they broke away from the fun and came toward them.
“Good morning, boys,” Reid said.
They both greeted him and Harry asked, “What are you doing here?”
He winked conspiratorially. “I thought I would come check on you. And arrange a time for your mother to come visit this week. She returned home yesterday and is anxious to see you.” Reid turned to Ashlyn. “Do you have a time that’s convenient for Her Grace to stop by the academy?”
She knew any visit would include the duke.
“Tomorrow would be acceptable,” she replied evenly.
“Could you and Mama come for tea, Reid?” Arthur asked eagerly and then glanced to her. “If that’s all right, my lady?”
“Tea can be a rather boisterous affair with a dozen lads and their tutors,” she said. “I could have you and your mother served in the small parlor. That would be more conducive for conversation.”
“Could you come ride with us first, Reid?” Harry pleaded. “Monday’s a riding day. We do so before tea.”
“I don’t see why not. That is, if Lady Dunwood wouldn’t mind entertaining your mother.”
“I’d be happy to show Her Grace around the school while you ride with your brothers,” she said. “For now, though, it’s time we left.”
“You’ll ride home with me,” Reid said.
Her brows arched.
“Would you care to ride with me, Lady Dunwood?” he amended, his tone tempered.
“Oh, can we come along, too?” Harry asked.
“Yes, that would be excellent,” Arthur seconded.
Ashlyn knew it would be good for them to spend time with their brother.
“Yes, you may.”
“Race you!” Arthur cried and the two boys ran for the ducal carriage.
“Will you come?” Reid asked softly.
“Yes.”
She didn’t see the harm and told herself it would be good to observe the interaction between the three brothers.
Reid escorted her to the coach and assisted her inside. The boys already sat together, leaving her to sit beside Reid.
Ashlyn didn’t speak during the ride to Dunwood Academy, letting the conversation flow between the brothers. The boys told Reid about various classes and their friends. Harry was concerned about a horse who’d pulled up lame. Arthur shared a difficult equation that he and Edward had solved together. As they pulled up to the school, Reid gave her a smile. The boys scrambled out, leaving them alone.
“They are happy,” he said. “Thanks to you.”
“I’m a small part of things. They have managed to make themselves happy by participating and finding new friends.”
He took her hand and lifted it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. He pressed a kiss onto her fingers.
“Until tomorrow.”
*
Ashlyn was working in her study when Mrs. Clayton announced Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Gilford, had arrived.
“I’ve placed Her Grace in the small parlor where you requested tea be sent after the boys’ ride,” the housekeeper said.
“Thank you, Mrs. Clayton.”
She went and greeted their guest and asked, “Would you care for a tour of Dunwood Academy, Your Grace?”
“I would like that very much.”
Ashlyn showed her the boys’ bedchambers first and then the various study rooms and classrooms. She introduced the dowager duchess to Mr. Butler and Mr. Peterson, telling her that Mr. Selleck was chaperoning the boys on their ride, along with Mr. Jarrett, their head groom.
“The only one missing is Mr. Phillips,” she said. “He went into the village shortly before you arrived.”
“What does he teach?”
“Music and drawing. Both Master Arthur and Master Harry have taken up the pianoforte. Mr. Phillips also assists me in teaching dancing and comportments.”
“His Grace told me of the country ball he held while I was away. He said your pupils were impeccably behaved and a credit to Dunwood Academy.”
By now, they’d returned to the parlor and Ashlyn indicated for the dowager duchess to sit.
“I was very pleased with His Grace inviting our pupils, as well as how they accounted for themselves.”
The older woman gazed steadily at Ashlyn. “He’s also told me how my boys now conduct themselves.” She sighed. “I knew at the time I was neglecting Arthur and Harry in favor of their father. I told myself I only had a limited amount of time with my husband and that I would have my sons forever. I’m afraid I almost lost them.”
“They are the same boys you’ve always known,” Ashlyn assured. “They lost their way for a bit but they are back now. I find them eager and interested in many subjects. Arthur is quieter and more disciplined, while Harry is gregarious and tries very hard.”
“I’m relieved to hear this. His Grace told me the same but it is good hearing this from a woman.”
The door opened and Reid and the two boys came in, all of them in high spirits.
“Don’t worry, Lady Dunwood,” Arthur said. “We washed up before we came to tea.”
“I am relieved to hear that.”
The boys greeted their mother affectionately with hugs and kisses. It was very different from the goodbyes they’d given her when they’d first been dropped off at the school.
They spent a pleasant teatime, though Ashlyn avoided meeting Reid’s gaze and she never directly spoke to him.
“Could we take Mama to the stables?” Harry asked. “We muck them, you know,” he said proudly.
“You . . . what?” their mother asked, looking bewildered.
“It’s a part of learning responsibility, Mama,” Arthur said with pride. “We also feed and curry the horses.”
“You must come meet the horses, Mama,” Harry insisted. “They’re nice to pet.”
“All right,” she agreed and rose. “We’ll be back shortly,” she said, taking her children’s hands.
Leaving Ashlyn alone with Reid.
The door closed and she steeled herself for an onslaught—but none came. Instead, he politely spoke of things they’d seen on the afternoon ride and asked about several of the boys he’d met. She wondered what game he played. Perhaps he thought by asking abo
ut her pupils it would endear him to her.
“I haven’t changed my mind,” she blurted out.
A shadow crossed Reid’s face. “I didn’t think you would so soon. I intend to prove myself to you, Ashlyn. To make myself worthy of you.”
She sighed. “There’s no future for us, Your Grace. It would be wrong if I allowed you to think so. What you should do is get yourself to London for the Season and find a suitable bride on the Marriage Mart.”
Determination sprang into his eyes. “I will persevere, Ashlyn. No matter how long it takes. I will see that you understand how much I love you. Need you. How I want to—”
The door swung open and the trio returned.
“Mama fed two of the horses their apple,” Harry proclaimed. “She wasn’t afraid at all. I told her she’d like them.”
Ashlyn rose and Reid did the same.
“I’m so glad you were able to visit, Your Grace,” she told the boys’ mother. “Feel free to stay as long as you wish but I have business to attend to.” She glanced back to Reid and curtseyed. “Your Grace.”
She escaped the room, worried that Reid might eventually wear down her resolve.
“Don’t give up your hard won freedom for him,” she told herself as she returned to her study, trying to get her emotions under control.
Minutes later, she watched out the window as the ducal carriage pulled away.
Chapter Twenty
Ashlyn watched as various pairs of boys descended the stairs ferrying trunks. Drake and Peter were the last down, bearing hers.
“Place it next to the door,” she instructed them and then went outside, where a flurry of carriages made their way up the drive.
Her students and staff were all leaving this morning. The boys would be returning to their homes, except for Edward, who’d been invited by Arthur to visit at Gillingham for a few days. Her tutors had departed an hour earlier to catch the mail coach for the Lake District, which the four men would tour together during the holiday. Mrs. Clayton and Mrs. George were off to London, where they planned to stay with Mrs. Clayton’s sister and take in the city’s sights. Betty and Louise had left minutes before and would be visiting their families.
