Page 20 of Charming the Headmistress (Spinsters and their Suitors #3)
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
M orning light pooled across the polished floor of Haverton House’s study, gilding the edges of Camden’s desk as he closed the last ledger.
He had already seen to the morning’s estate correspondence, yet his thoughts kept drifting—again and again—to his recent visit to Greenbrook a few days ago.
More precisely, to the warm afternoon spent in the headmistress’s office, to Miss Langford's observant eyes and the soft, unguarded smile he couldn’t seem to shake from his mind.
A faint, reluctant smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back in his chair, the responsibilities of the day momentarily forgotten.
He had intended the visit to be about Helena, of course.
But there had been something undeniably pleasant about sharing tea with Miss Langford, watching the ways her eyes brightened when she laughed, how she tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear with unconscious grace.
It struck him how carefully she guarded her thoughts—yet how deeply she seemed to feel, once she let herself.
Her reserved demeanor gave way to moments of warmth.
It was as if the tea had dissolved the formal barriers between them, if only for a short while.
Camden’s fingers absentmindedly tapped the arm of his chair as he recalled the moment Miss Langford had joined them at Helena's polite request. He hadn’t expected her to accept, but she had, and her presence had added a layer of calm to the conversation.
And then, after Helena had left, the conversation had shifted—less formal, more personal.
He had found himself asking her about the school’s repairs, her management of the academy, and even her thoughts on accepting help from the parents.
She had seemed genuinely thoughtful in her responses, and for the first time, Camden had glimpsed something more than just a headmistress—he had seen the woman behind the title.
And then, of course, there was the moment when he’d kissed her hand as he left—a gesture that had felt natural, though its impact on him had been more than he anticipated.
Her cheeks had flushed a lovely shade of pink, and Camden couldn’t deny the quiet satisfaction he had felt at the sight of it.
The moment had lingered with him far longer than he’d anticipated; the softness of her hand haunted his thoughts more stubbornly than any ledger or estate matter could.
He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the lingering thoughts of Miss Langford from his mind. He had come to Greenbrook for Helena, and Helena was indeed making progress. That was what mattered most. And yet, despite himself, he was very much intrigued with Miss Langford.
A soft knock preceded Kensington’s unhurried entrance, his boots whispering over the polished floor as he strode into the study with the easy confidence of a man who’d never been unwelcome anywhere in his life.
He paused just inside the doorway, his gaze sweeping Camden up and down before he let out a theatrical sigh.
“Still rooted to that same chair, Camden? I feared I’d find you precisely as I left you a week ago. ”
Camden smiled. “You’ve barely crossed the threshold, and you’re already insufferable.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
Camden rolled his eyes. “I see London didn’t wear down your flair for dramatics.”
Kensington dropped into the nearest chair with a familiar creak and laughed.
“London inspires the dramatics, but it was duller than expected. Though I must say, your staff practically fell over themselves to make me comfortable. All of them were most attentive. I think they worried you’d sent me to whip them into shape. ”
“Did you?” Camden asked, arching a brow.
“I was tempted,” Kensington said breezily. “But your housekeeper has the place running like a naval vessel. And your steward told me the only reason you’re not in Town is your local obligations.”
“My steward needs to watch how he speaks to guests,” Camden said, though he wasn’t too put out by the revelation.
Kensington waved a hand in the air. “Don’t be cross with him. I only asked him how you were faring on my way in today. He mentioned you had tea at Greenbrook this week.”
“You know I go for tea with Helena,” Camden said. He had absolutely nothing to explain on that point.
“Of course,” Kensington said.
“I’m her guardian, Kensington, and the only family she has right now. I was there to check on her progress.”
Kensington leaned back, folding his arms over his chest, his smirk widening. "And how was Miss Langford?"
The question was casual, but there was no mistaking the glint of amusement in Kensington’s eyes. Camden frowned slightly, unsure of where this was headed.
"She was as she always is. Professional, composed," Camden said, his tone carefully neutral. But in truth, Camden couldn’t forget the way her lips had curved into a genuine smile, or how her eyes had softened when Helena spoke.
He felt a curious need to protect her—and to see her again. "Why do you ask?"
Kensington gave a mock sigh. "Oh, no particular reason. I just happened to hear that Miss Langford isn’t attached to anyone at the moment. Thought you might find that interesting."
Camden’s frown deepened, and he shot his friend a pointed look. “Are you hoping I will put in a good word for you?”
"No, of course not. I have not yet found a reason to give up the London clubs in favor of a country tea table,” Kensington agreed, his smile widening.
“I didn’t say that,” Camden said.
“You didn’t have to.”
Camden sighed, shaking his head as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "You’re impossible."
Kensington chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Come now, Camden. You can’t expect me not to notice the change in your mood. You’ve been more reflective than usual since you started visiting Greenbrook."
Camden rubbed the back of his neck, trying to suppress the flicker of discomfort that Kensington’s words stirred. He hadn’t intended for his thoughts about Miss Langford to become so apparent. But Kensington always had a way of seeing through his defenses. “I’m not sure there’s much to say.”
Kensington stood abruptly. “Come,” he said, gesturing toward the window where the estate’s stables gleamed in the pale sun. “I’ve spent days in London taverns. I need fresh air.”
It felt good to be out on a ride. Camden breathed deeply. They made their way through Camden’s lands, checking on tenants as they went.
“How have you been faring in London? What is the progress?”
Kensington chuckled. “Preparations are being made. With any luck all of your renovations will be done before the Season. You have a capable staff. There was almost nothing for me to do while I was there.”
“I don’t believe it.”
Kensington shrugged. “You should give your housekeeper more credit. She runs that place like a ship.”
“That she does.”
“What’s been happening with the estate here? I imagine the repairs are still ongoing?"
Camden nodded, grateful Kensington didn’t revert back to their previous conversation.
"Yes, we’re still working through the most pressing repairs.
The roof on the west wing should be completed soon, and I’ve hired more laborers to manage the remaining work on the tenant cottages.
” He pointed to one of the cottages. “This one here and the one farther down have almost been completed. After they are finished, then repairs will start on the other ones.”
"Good," Kensington said, his expression more serious now. "And the finances?"
"They’re tight," Camden admitted. "But manageable, for now. I’ve almost completed going through my brother’s books. It’s been a process, but I’m so close.”
“That’s excellent,” Kensington said. “That means you will have more time to give to other pursuits.”
Camden ignored Kensington’s last remark, and continued on with the subject of finances, hoping Kensington would take the hint. “I’ve made some arrangements with the local suppliers, and I’ve managed to negotiate better terms on a few of the outstanding debts.”
“You’re not going to need me here with all the progress you’ve made,” Kensington mused.
“Nonsense. You are my friend. You know you are always welcome at Haverton.”
“I appreciate that,” Kensington said. “Are you up for a ride into town?”
Camden nodded, and the two rode for a distance until they crested a hill with a sweeping view of the valley—and Greenbrook Academy in the distance. Tiny figures dotted the lawn, but from this distance, they were impossible to identify.
Camden found his gaze lingering on those figures. Was one of them Miss Langford? The thought sent an odd thrill through him, one he hadn’t invited.
“Greenbrook Academy seems to capture your attention.”
“It is a school that is also in need of attention.” He turned his gaze to Kensington.
“When I was there, Miss Langford told me of the repairs Greenbrook needs. It is hard to gauge any need against another, but she has been put off several times by workers. I assume they are engaged in other urgent work and that it’s not a slight to the school. ”
“You believe some of the laborers you’ve hired for your tenant’s residences are impeding Greenbrook from being repaired on schedule?”
Camden shrugged. “Not necessarily, but it had crossed my mind.”
Kensington eyed him. “I can see why that would bother you.”
Kensington nodded. “I imagine a school of that size is always needing some sort of attention. Are they in need of your assistance?” Kensington couldn’t quite keep a straight face as he asked his question.
Camden hesitated, thinking back to his conversation with Miss Langford about the school’s repairs. "There are a few things that need attention," he said slowly. "She’s managing well, but I suggested that she consider asking the parents for help. It might ease some of the financial strain."