A Duke in the Night(18)

Clara let a heartbeat pass and picked her words very carefully. “I might suggest, Your Grace, the appeal for Lady Anne lies in the collaborative aspect of many of our classes. Something that a private education with governesses may not be able to provide. I’d like to think that the presence of other like-minded young women offers a unique opportunity.”

Holloway was frowning, gazing past her at the facade of Avondale. “Lady Anne is not a dandizette, interested only in whether her latest bonnet should be trimmed in feathers or fruit. She’s…” He trailed off, and Clara watched in fascination as he struggled for words.

She didn’t dare interrupt.

“I confess I often don’t understand her,” the duke finally said. “But I do know that she is…exceptional.”

Clara already knew this. It had been evident in Lady Anne’s interview when she had first applied to Haverhall. It was why she was here at Avondale.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Clara focused on keeping her tone light. “Because I believe she will find herself in good company this summer.” She paused, wondering just how much he wanted to hear. Wondering just how much she could safely tell him. “I also believe that Lady Anne will find herself adequately challenged. I think she will not only learn a great deal in her tenure here but will be able to contribute significantly as well.”

He was silent for several seconds. “Did you know you are very good at answering a question without providing any real information at all?” he finally asked. His eyes returned from the house to clash with hers. “Perhaps I should get you to teach a class to my stewards on negotiation.”

“I didn’t realize we were negotiating,” she replied warily.

“Everything in life is a negotiation, Miss Hayward.”

Clara fell silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Perhaps Holloway was right. “This program, this very school, is the legacy that was left to me by my parents,” she started. “I have made it my life’s work to ensure that each one of my students gets the attention and education that she deserves. Your sister included. And to that end, I hope that you will see the value in Lady Anne’s remaining here for the duration of her term.”

The duke leveled an appraising look at her. Clara did not look away. Somewhere near the house, a carriage rattled across the drive, and a horse whickered.

“I was told that you were tutored in Latin and Greek by Oxford dons that your parents hired,” he said abruptly. “Is that true?”

“Yes.” She saw no reason to lie.

“Why?”

Clara hesitated, unsure what he was after. But it seemed as if the Duke of Holloway was doing his best to peer beneath the surface, beyond her explanations and careful delivery, looking for something more. And discovering whatever he found lacking.

“Why were you?” she asked instead of answering.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Why were you tutored in Latin and Greek?”

“Because it is part of the education required for a gentleman.”

“But not for a lady.”

“I didn’t say that.” His fingers were tapping slowly against his thigh. “But what good could it possibly do you?”

“I imagine the same good it does you, Your Grace.”

He stared at her.

“Do you use it in correspondence? Everyday conversation?” she asked pleasantly.

“Of course not.”

“And neither do I. But a mastery of those languages opens up entire troves of philosophy, wisdom, and tales of those who became legends. It would be a shame to miss such learnings from the past when so many of the same lessons can still be applied to the present, don’t you agree?”

He was frowning at her again, his eyes narrowed, his dark lashes shadowing the blue of his eyes.

“Are they something that you wish Lady Anne to be introduced to? Latin and Greek?” Clara prompted.

“No. Yes.” Holloway’s brows were knit, and he looked as unsatisfied with his nonanswer as she was.

Clara remained silent, still unsure what he wanted from her. Unsure what he was looking for in this labyrinth of a conversation where every step Clara took felt like a trapdoor waiting to spring. She needed to redirect this conversation.

“Where are you staying, Your Grace?” Clara asked. “I’ll make sure Lady Anne sees you tonight, even if I have to drive her myself. You are right—I think it is the least that she owes you.”

“That won’t be necessary, Miss Hayward.”

“But I thought that—”

“You won’t need to drive her. I’m staying here.”

Clara felt the bottom of her stomach drop to her toes. He couldn’t possibly be serious. “I’m afraid there is a mistake,” she said. “Haverhall has let Avondale House from—”

“The Earl of Rivers. Yes, yes, he told me. He also told me that there are more rooms in this pile than anyone could possibly find use for and a vacant dower house that begs habitation. And he asked me to confirm that things were shipshape for you.”

“The condition of this house and its staff is exemplary,” Clara said, trying to keep the alarm out of her voice. “As is documented by my brother at the beginning and end of each of our stays. At the earl’s request, that documentation is delivered directly to him for review. I suspect his steward does the same thing, though at more regular intervals. I can’t imagine why he would require you to be quite so redundant.”