Page 14 of Love Lessons for a Lady

Dicked in the knob?

Had she taken to sampling the sherry too often? Why in all that was holy had she offered Mr. Terramier such a lavish contract? It was unheard of.

Chasity’s own employment contract was much less lavish.

“He was reluctant to fit three partial days a week into his already busy schedule,” Mrs. Crenshaw said by way of an excuse. A poor excuse, at that. “I sensed he was also disinclined to surround himself with young girls. You’ve seen the way they make fools of themselves, fawning over him.”

Not just the students.

“I’m sure it becomes most tiresome.” A distinct brittleness entered the headmistress’s tenor. She didn’t like other women ogling the dance instructor.

Chasity digested this bit of news. In essence, Mrs. Crenshaw had all but bribed Mr. Terramier to take the position.

Chasity’s estimation of him sank a notch.

Had Mr. Terramier manipulated the headmistress with his beguiling smile and seductive glances? Coerced the smitten woman into offering extravagant terms? Chasity hadn’t thought him a charlatan or a swindler, but how well could she know him in the few hours they’d spent together—always with students present?

Her mind racing, she plucked at the fabric of her skirt hidden by her desk and considered the headmistress. She, too, chose her words with profound care.

“Those are very generous terms, Mrs. Crenshaw.” Too generous, in point of fact. “I am surprised a solicitor agreed to draw them up. Perhaps there is a loophole?”

“I…I, that is…” Mrs. Crenshaw swallowed and averted her gaze. “I drew the terms up myself and also drafted the contract. I didn’t want the additional expense of having a solicitor do so.” She wrung her hands. Actually, wrung her hands. “Now, I don’t know what to do.”

Color suffused her cheeks, and pressing a hand to the juncture of her throat and collar bone, she swung her attention toward the window again.

Oh, dear Lord.

Chasity fisted the fabric of her skirt as the truth slammed into her with the force of a hurricane’s winds. Mrs. Crenshaw wasn’t just smitten with Aston Terramier; she was in love with him. It was pathetically obvious, and compassion sluiced through Chasity for the older woman. Her position was impossible, for Chasity was nearly positive Mr. Terramier didn’t return the headmistress’s regard.

Leaning forward, she placed her folded hands upon her desk. “Forgive me, but I’m still unsure how I may be of assistance.”

Casting a glance over her shoulder, the headmistress speared her with such a penetrating look, Chasity felt rather like a mouse cornered by a cat. A prickle of unease sent a shiver from her waist to her shoulders.

Pivoting slowly, Mrs. Crenshaw held Chasity’s gaze. Sadness and staunch resolution etched her thin features. “Mr. Terramier must resign. I’m not required to pay his wages if he terminates our contract. At least I had the foresight to include such a clause. And a morality clause as well.”

“That would be the optimal solution, I agree.” Chasity gave a cautious nod. “Forgive me for being obtuse, but I still fail to see what I can do to help.”

Mrs. Crenshaw had embroiled herself in this conundrum, and she would have to extract herself.

The momentary softening of the headmistress’s angular features evaporated, and the in-charge, do-as-I-demand matron was fully back in place. She pointed a long, thin forefinger at Chasity.

“You, Miss Noble, are tasked with ensuring Mr. Terramier resigns. Your future at Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies depends upon it.”

What? My future depends upon it?

Because Mrs. Crenshaw acted like a daft, infatuated schoolgirl and entered into a reckless and extravagant agreement, Chasity now faced possible termination? She bit the inside of her cheek to check her immediate and outraged objection. She was at risk of losing her position because of the headmistress’s foolishness?

Nae the woman’s feckless stupidity.

After inhaling a calming breath, and despite her racing pulse, she asked, “I’m sure I’m mistaken, but your directive sounds very much like an ultimatum.”

Her inscrutable countenance once more in place, Mrs. Crenshaw marched to the door.

“Call it what you will, Miss Noble. If Mr. Terramier does not give his notice, you will be terminated. I shall be required to economize sacrificially to pay him off should I be forced to sack him. I cannot ignore his grandfather’s directive. I’ve no doubt the viscount would cause a scandal and have the doors to this school closed. That would cause harm to many more people than just yourself.”

And I’m to be the sacrifice for your idiocy while you keep your position?

Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies has hired a new music and dance instructor.