Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath #2) - Kristi Ann Hunter Page 0,107

you throw away your passion when you deserve so much more.

Mrs. Carlton’s School for Girls is in need of a riding instructor. You’ll start as soon as you can get to London. They have one of the finest reputations in England, and you will only add to the quality of lady they turn out.

Don’t worry about logistics. The boy from the inn has other letters to deliver once he’s given you this express. Those letters should arrange everything you need. It may take a day or two for it all to come together, but I trust everything will happen.

Once your brother is healed, I’ll help him find a job near you. Perhaps he can even work in the school’s stable.

You deserve your dreams, Sophia.

He hadn’t signed it, but it was clearly from Aaron. She looked up to find everyone staring at her. Some held open letters of their own.

Miss Snowley cleared her throat. “There’s a trunk waiting for you. It isn’t much. A few of my old riding habits and a couple of dresses, including the one you’re wearing. Six in total, I believe. And boots.”

That was twice her current wardrobe. Sophia swallowed.

“Harriet and I spent yesterday altering them according to the measurements she took last time.”

Sophia’s grip tightened, causing the paper in her hand to crinkle. How was she to respond to such generosity?

Lord Farnsworth held up a note. “I’m to pay your way to London on the mail coach, but he doesn’t say why.” He looked to Lady Rebecca. “What does yours say?”

“That he’ll be back in Newmarket in time for the wedding but understands if I would rather he not attend.” She looked up at her fiancé and frowned. “Apparently he’ll come up with an excuse so that you don’t have to know I was uncomfortable with his presence.” She scoffed. “As if we would even be getting married if not for him.”

“You know,” Miss Hancock mused, “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you do anything other than smile.”

Lady Rebecca’s face went blank, and then she looked at Lord Farnsworth. “My goodness. What have you done to me?”

“Loved you just as you are, my dear.”

She answered with a soft, gentle smile and folded her hands in her lap.

Lord Trent waved his paper in the air. “My request is easy. I get to stable that beautiful horse until Miss Fitzroy makes other arrangements.”

“Well.” Miss Hancock threw her letter onto the table. “He asked me to stay out of everything and not interfere.”

A round of suppressed laughter was the only response.

Lord Wharton frowned. “I’m rather miffed I didn’t get a letter.” He gave a pointed frown to Miss Snowley. “He’s known me far longer than the rest of you.”

“He didn’t know we’d be here,” his wife said. “It’s possible your letter is arriving at the solicitor’s now.”

“I hope so.” He nodded toward Sophia. “What does your letter say?”

“I’d imagine it’s far more personal than ours,” Miss Snowley warned.

Sophia looked back down at the strong, slanted writing that was to be her last tie to Aaron Whitworth. “He arranged me a job. I’m to be the riding instructor for Mrs. Carlton’s School for Girls.”

“That’s Mother’s school,” Lord Wharton said, his voice soft with awe. He cleared his throat. “Well, not exactly Mother’s, but she is one of the patronesses and volunteers there often.” He exchanged a wide-eyed look with Lord Farnsworth. “He did go to London.”

“And voluntarily met with your parents.”

Both men appeared utterly shocked.

Sophia didn’t blame them. Aaron had asked everyone he knew for assistance. Every person he could possibly ask a favor of had been contacted.

For her.

It was a beautiful, difficult, selfless gift that provided a way for her to leave his life with more than she’d arrived with. As much as she wanted to appreciate it, she couldn’t help wishing he’d chosen to put the same effort into keeping her around.

Thirty-Three

Aaron shouldn’t feel like he’d run clear across the Heath.

What had he really done yesterday?

Had a conversation with Graham’s mother, who had immediately been intrigued by the idea of a riding instructor with Sophia’s abilities.

Assured Lord Grableton he was fine on his own and the other man was free to go to his club.

Cleared the billiard table three times while he waited for Lady Grableton to return from Mrs. Carlton’s School for Girls.

Sent an express to the inn in Newmarket that would set everything in motion.

Finished removing Sophia from his life.

Perhaps that was why he’d felt like a horse who’d been sweated and then left