The Runner's Enticement (Men of Circumstance Book 2) (10 page)

Chapter 18

As Anna sat on the couch across from Evie the next morning, she couldn’t silence the word spinning around her head.
Coward
.

No doubt about it. She was a coward.

She nodded in an attempt to shake her focus back to her friend’s tale of one of the students. But as soon as Evie continued, Anna’s mind returned to the source of her cowardliness.

Facing Nate.

She might have managed to avoid him for the remainder of yesterday by feigning a headache and taking a light meal in her room, but she couldn’t elude him forever. Especially not on the drive to the school. He typically rode outside the carriage, yet she wouldn’t put it past the man to invade the interior in order to raise the questions she’d stalled him from asking yesterday.

Hence, Evie’s visit.

Anna swallowed her guilt at summoning her friend to the house for an early morning
meeting
on the school, particularly since Anna had nothing to discuss.

Evie’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Care to tell me what my being here is really about?”

The genuine concern and friendship looking back at her kept a lie from passing Anna’s lips. Instead, she remained silent.

“Shall I guess?” Evie continued with a knowing smirk on her face.

Anna’s heart started to pound in her chest, about to break out at any moment. Evie
knew
. How had her friend discovered her secret? Anna had been so careful to keep the school’s money problems to herself. Mostly to prevent her friend from being embrangled in her mess. Especially if Anna’s role in the thefts was ever discovered.

“Though I wouldn’t think on it too much. Mr. Frederickson is enough to get under any woman’s guard. It was only a matter of time before you became aggravated with the man’s company.”

With her pulse still beating in her ears, Anna took a moment to comprehend Evie’s words. She was talking about Mr. Frederickson?
Nate
?

Relief so deep it could rival any gorge rushed through her. Evie hadn’t been speaking of the school . . . or thankfully, the thefts. Her secret remained safe. But for how long? With Nate nosing around, she knew time was running out.

Meeting her friend’s steady gaze, Anna focused on the matter at hand. How to keep her dearest friend from finding out how far her unwanted desire for Nate had escalated.

Typically, Anna wouldn’t think twice about sharing her secrets with Evie. Early struggles to change the vision of the school and make it a success had brought them together more like family than friends or colleagues.

However, something about her time with Nate—when he wasn’t aspiring to unravel her secrets—prevented her from sharing the details with anyone.

Still, she was desperate enough to employ her friend’s help to keep from being alone with Nate. At the house she had the sanctuary of her chamber. At the school she had no such place. He’d already made himself quite comfortable in her office.

Careful not to tell more lies and thus accumulate additional sins, Anna finally answered. “Mr. Frederickson does have a special way of annoying people.”

No pinch of awareness settled over Evie’s face. Her friend’s implicit trust added to Anna’s guilt.

“I assume after a few days in his company you are ready for some freedom and have decided to use me as your interference.”

Anna breathed easier knowing Evie was unaware of how
close
Nate’s company had gotten. It rattled her that she had to fight her unruly mind as it replayed how soft yet demanding his lips had been as they’d caressed hers.

“From day one I knew the man would test my patience. I simply misjudged how dedicated to his job he’d be. I can’t venture a foot out the door without him falling in step behind me. I need some time to myself.”

Every word was true. She merely failed to mention that prior to Nate looking upon her as if she held the answers to all his questions, she only considered him exceedingly frustrating and a danger to her future.

Given the knowing glint in his eyes when he’d entered the parlor yesterday, he’d discovered something and she was determined to keep him from learning
everything
.

“Anna, you only had to ask. I figured it was merely a matter of time,” Evie said with a smile.

Fighting the heat threatening to burst over her cheeks, Anna nonetheless thought of how she and Nate had
handled
each other in the stable. Maybe Evie’s presence would be useful in more ways than one. The last thing Anna needed was a repeat of her lapse of judgement.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Anna glanced at her friend. Concern had overtaken her look of understanding. In that moment Anna ached for a confidant.

“I . . . that is . . . maybe . . .”

She wanted to tell Evie. Some part
needed
to tell her. Tell someone. Not only about Nate. About the entire predicament she’d placed herself in. In the end, she couldn’t. It was her mess, her fight, and her responsibility to find a way out. Even if she had no idea how.

More than likely tipped off by Anna’s unnatural sputtering, Evie’s brows rose above her glasses before shocked words flew from her mouth. “Did you kiss him?”

Afraid the entire household had heard her friend’s shriek, Anna shushed her with a quiet word and a wave of her hand. “Evie, for goodness’ sake, hush.”

Evie’s eyes remained wide-eyed. “No denial? What happened to him being the most infuriating man in existence?”

“I never implied he wasn’t. The incident was hardly anything at all.” Anna wondered when lies had started to flow so easily from her lips. But after witnessing Evie’s reaction, she couldn't tell her friend that for the few moments she’d been in Nate’s arms, she’d desired to be no place else, with no one else. “It was a misunderstanding and will never happen again. Refraining from being alone with Mr. Frederickson alleviates any further discomfort.”

Anna struggled to remain still under Evie’s direct gaze. Her friend wasn’t foolish and Anna knew any crack in her composure would ruin her pacifying attempts.

When Evie’s features relaxed, Anna sighed in relief.

“I’m going to choose to believe you. Mostly because I hope my dear friend has enough wits to know to stay away from a man like Mr. Frederickson. Especially since you asserted the same thing mere days ago.”

The familiar feeling of disloyalty crept through Anna. One day she would atone for her sins and be the trustful friend and daughter she’d been before the unfortunate day Mr. Rollins had crossed her path. The very man she thought had been sent to be her savior.

With a bit more time, all would return to normal. Mr. Rollins would be paid and out of her life. The school would thrive and give underprivileged ladies the chance at a better life. And one very maddening Nathaniel Frederickson would be well on his way to a new assignment.

Anna refused to dwell on why the last thought caused her body to clench.

“I’m actually glad you called me here. I’ve wanted to discuss Clara Tindale with you.”

Clara was one of the first students who had benefited from Anna shifting the focus of the school, allowing daughters of families without ample funds to attend. A prime example of what drove Anna to do what she must to keep the school going. The girl was the only daughter of a hardworking merchant also blessed with five sons who needed schooling or an apprenticeship. Clara’s family didn’t have the money to see to her education. Without the scholarships Anna had made available for such situations, Clara’s future would be restricted to more undesired occupations. Instead, with her current education, she’d have other options available to her.

“I thought Clara was doing well with her studies,” Anna responded.

“She is. In fact, her excellence is what I wanted to discuss. I would like to train her for a position at the school. She is exceedingly bright and has a high aptitude for languages. It often pains me to think she might have missed the chance to use her talent.”

The exact reason Anna fought to keep the opportunity available. She wasn’t naïve enough to think her meager school would change the world—or even England. Or that the young ladies who entered the school doors would someday become members of parliament, doctors, or worldly scholars. Anna knew the limits women faced. She did, however, believe no matter one’s station or one’s wealth, everyone had the right to be educated. Be it mathematics to better serve as a housekeeper, or reading to serve as a governess or lady’s companion.

“What of Mr. Hurst?” Anna inquired of the current language teacher. “How does he feel about the possibility?”

“He is the one who suggested it. He has been thinking of returning to Wales and will be in need of a successor.”

“He feels Clara would be up to the task? She hasn’t been studying languages for long.”

“True but, in the words of Mr. Hurst, she has an ear for the languages.”

Anna kept her grin of satisfaction hidden. It wasn’t her habit to take credit for a student’s praise but in Clara’s case, she couldn’t help but feel a tad responsible for her accomplishment. If things had been left as they were and the board had continued to run the school, Clara would never have had the opportunity to discover her knack for languages.

Which only proved Anna need to do
everything
to keep the school running . . . and out of Mr. Rollins’ hands. At least until she could recruit more families of wealth to help supplement the scholarships for the families lacking the funds.

“Since she has Mr. Hurst’s blessing, it sounds like a wonderful prospect for Clara and a perfect chance for the school to showcase what it is capable of accomplishing.” Anna failed to keep the pride out of her voice. After all she’d sacrificed to give young ladies like Clara the ability to succeed, she was entitled to a little self-satisfaction.

Something she’d need to recall when she next faced Mr. Rollins.

Chapter 19

Still seething over the mysterious letter left in his room, watching Anna exit the house with Miss Harold had pushed Nate to the brink of an all-out rage. The infernal woman was going to be the death of him. He’d somehow survived The Viper and his deadly clutches, but one slight bundle of feminine goodness had him at a loss.

To think he’d been on the verge of walking away from being a Runner due to the job losing its excitement. Now he’d be forced to quit because he’d definitely lost his touch if he couldn’t manage to obtain a few answers from an overindulged lady.

Especially hours later after he’d spent another day at the school and never managed a moment alone with her. Inexplicably, since yesterday, Anna had become highly sought out, be it by teachers or students. And if they weren’t by her side, Miss Harold would need assistance with some dire situation. He’d believe himself next in line to the crown before he'd trust any of the supposed
emergencies
truly required Anna’s immediate attention.

As frustrating as it all was, he hadn’t become the best Runner by rushing. He knew how to bide his time. She wouldn’t be at the school forever and eventually Miss Harold would have to depart. Nate scowled as another endless stream of students entered her office. It would be counterproductive to let Anna suspect he might be ready to pounce.

No, his eventual success would be sweeter if she never saw it coming. He only needed to hold out for thirty more minutes and her day at the school would be concluded.

As would her avoidance of him.

With thoughts of besting her at the game she’d created running through his head, he had a difficult time keeping his features fierce.

Plotting his counterattack, he almost missed the soft voice asking for a moment of Anna’s time. He glanced over in time to see Anna standing. Then his breath caught at the subtle pull and shift of her dress, highlighting all the curves of her tempting body as she crossed to the next person awaiting her counsel.

During the last few hours, guessing what the next person’s ridiculously embellished need for Anna might entail had become a game to Nate. From the looks of the young lady standing inside the door, he assumed she was a student and had a very detrimental fashion question only Anna could advise her on.

“Clara, shouldn’t you be in class?”

He grinned, thinking his first assessment was correct.

“Mr. Hurst allowed for me to leave class so I could speak with you. I wanted to thank you.”

Nate had a feeling assessment number two would be far off the mark. For the first time today, he was curious as to what Anna’s young visitor wanted. The girl’s eyes were bright with emotion and if her words were anything to go by, it was pure gratitude. Though what Anna could have done to warrant the deep response remained a mystery.

The girl was on the verge of tears. As unfamiliar as he was with the mental state of young ladies, he was fairly confident they weren’t tears of sadness. After observing Anna at the school, he knew she was dedicated to the students and did her share of duties to ensure it ran properly, but he’d yet to see anything to explain the situation before him.

Anna hurried to Clara and grasped one of her hands. “There is no need to thank me. Truly. If anyone should be thanked it is Mr. Hurst for noticing your abilities and sharing his wisdom.”

Clara shook her head. “Mr. Hurst might have suggested me for the positon, but if not for you and the school, I would never have had the chance to become something more than some man’s wife. Do not misunderstand. I want that someday, but being able to teach here will give me the opportunity to do something for myself. Something I’d never allowed myself to think possible.”

The glaze of tears in Anna’s eyes mirrored Clara’s. “Now I must thank you. Ladies such as you are the reason I changed the purpose of the school. Knowing the endeavor has benefited at least one person is enough to validate all the sacrifices.”

Sacrifices?
The conversation became more interesting. What kind of sacrifices did a society miss have to make? Didn’t she go to her father for everything?

Nate remained silent as the two gushed about who was more thankful. To his regret, all talk of what Anna had given up for the school had ended, stymieing his eavesdropping attempts.

When she finally ushered Clara from the room, he smothered his excitement. Not because he detested her last visitor, for he’d actually learned a lot from the student, but because the day was done and he could finally get Anna alone. Instead of celebrating, he settled for hurrying to her side, ready to escort her to the waiting carriage and begin his questions.

“Ready to depart?” Proudly, he’d managed to ask without a touch of gloating.

She turned to face him. Instead of impending doom written across her face, a twinkle of rebellion shone in her eyes. Dread waged war with his inner excitement. He had a feeling he was about to lose the game after all.

“Let me see if Evie is ready. I invited her to join my father and me for supper.”

There was no mistaking the triumph coating her sweetly spoken words as she confirmed his defeat, before she whirled and exited her office. He no longer needed to fabricate the scowl pulling his mouth tight.

Since nothing short of kidnapping her would get them alone, Nate did the only thing he could and exited the school to mount the waiting Rascal where he could seethe in peace.

Little wonder that by the time he returned to his room to prepare for supper, he was ready to do bodily harm to just about anyone. As he spied an eerily familiar white piece of paper on his bed, he feared his problems had doubled.

Anxious and worried to learn what the latest note contained, Nate spared no time crossing the room and retrieving it.

Same as before, there was nothing revealing about the outside. Once unfolded, the easy script contradicted the blatant threat.

Now that you’ve had a chance to consider your fate in my hands, it is time for you heed my demands. Because of your interferences, I lost an opportunity to increase my wealth by way of your brother, Wesbrook. For that, you shall take his place and bring me what I desire.

I will not start with meaningless requests, unlike what I demanded of Wesbrook. I want one thing from you—riches. Being a lowly Runner, you might wonder the intelligence of such a demand. Well, I have an answer for you. Lord Brodford’s collection.

Instead of catching a thief, I require you to become one. Before you decide to be a hero and not fulfill your obligation, think on the fact that I have the power to make your job as Lady Annabel’s protector necessary.

Nate dropped the letter to the bed and closed his eyes to block out the image of Anna’s name included in the threat, but not before he caught sight of the amount being extorted. Whoever was behind the threats had become bolder. He now demanded double what Gabe had been asked to supply for his silence—and he was a duke.

There must be more to Brodford’s collection than Nate realized if it had the potential to pay off the blackmailer. Surely it would require the entire collection and not merely a few pieces.

Not that he’d contemplate caving to the warning. Even though the idea of anything dire happening to Anna clenched his gut, he would never cross the line and become a criminal. He trusted his ability to keep her safe. He just needed to be more vigilant, especially with proof her safety was indeed in danger.

Years of training and service made the next few minutes instinctive for Nate. He pushed aside his worry for Anna, concern that hit deeper than he thought possible considering the level of annoyance she evoked, and went to work.

He started by excusing himself from the evening meal. With Miss Harold in attendance and his men positioned throughout the estate, Anna would be safe for now. Unless the mystery person had eyes in the house and took Nate’s actions as immediate noncompliance, it would be too soon for any threat against Anna to be carried out.

His absence from the meal taken care of, Nate returned his focus to planning his counterattack. There wasn't much to go on, nothing new since the first letter, but with Anna in danger he would stop at nothing to find the person responsible. Which included ending Anna’s game of avoidance.

His instincts howled that the man on horseback, the man he’d seen with Anna, couldn’t be ignored. Nate paced his room, determined to take getting information from her to a new level. A mission he would deploy that very evening.

Nothing more to be found in the letter or his room, he went in search of his men. He knew no man was an army but lucky for him, he came with a small force. Once the men had their orders, they’d lay down their lives to protect their charge.

Something Nate was counting on. He was starting to suspect if anything happened to Anna, he’d never recover.