Page 28 of Charming the Headmistress (Spinsters and their Suitors #3)

Camden hesitated, his thoughts drifting back to all the moments he had spent with Eleanor—the quiet conversations after tea, the way she always seemed to know what Helena needed, even when he didn’t.

“She’s been … remarkable,” he admitted, his voice quieter now.

“I don’t know what I would have done without her. ”

Kensington’s smile widened, and Camden instantly regretted the vulnerability in his tone. “Remarkable, is she?

Camden opened his mouth to argue, but he knew it would be futile. Kensington had a way of seeing things that Camden himself wasn’t ready to admit. He sighed instead, turning his gaze back to Eleanor, who was still engaged in conversation.

“She’s dedicated,” Camden said after a moment, his voice quieter. “She cares about this place, about the girls. And she’s made a difference in Helena's life—more than I ever could have.”

Kensington nodded thoughtfully, but there was still a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You know, Camden, there’s no harm in appreciating a woman who can hold her own. Miss Langford doesn’t seem like the sort who would be easily impressed by titles.”

Camden frowned slightly, though he knew Kensington was right.

Miss Langford wasn’t like other women he had met.

She was different. Her composure, her intelligence, her ability to balance so many responsibilities—it was all part of what made her so compelling.

“But is that a point in my favor? If she is unimpressed by titles, where does that put me?”

“Perhaps as the man who knows how she takes her tea,” Kensington said with a low chuckle.

“I’m being serious, Kensington. I have never sought to use my rank before, but what if that won’t even work.

” And Camden felt a hesitation of a different sort through the whispers and the gossip that surrounded him.

His title, his position in society, his rank and role as a guardian meant that he had responsibilities.

He could not return to the carefree life he’d once led before his brother’s death.

He had tenants, and others relying on him now.

He was very much like Miss Langford in that way.

He couldn’t afford to let his growing admiration for Miss Langford turn into something more.

And yet, as he watched her navigate the event with such grace, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was changing between them.

Before Kensington could respond, a commotion at the back of the room caught his attention.

One parent, a tall man with an imposing presence, was speaking loudly with a look of frustration on his face.

Miss Langford had approached him, her expression calm but firm, and Camden immediately recognized the tension in the situation.

Kensington followed his gaze, his smile fading. “That doesn’t look good.”

Camden stepped forward instinctively, but before he could move any further, Miss Langford had already diffused the situation.

Her voice remained steady, her posture unyielding as she spoke with the man, explaining something that Camden couldn’t quite hear.

Within moments, the man’s bluster had faded, and he nodded curtly before walking away.

Camden exhaled, relieved but impressed. Miss Langford had handled the confrontation with such ease, maintaining her authority without raising her voice or losing her composure. She truly was remarkable.

The hours after the presentations were filled with warm laughter, polite compliments, and the flutter of fans as parents mingled with teachers. Camden trailed Helena through the crowd, exchanging greetings and listening as she shyly accepted praise.

He soon found himself at Kensington’s side, who leaned in with a low whistle. “This appears to be quite the successful event.”

“I tend to agree.”

Kensington straightened his cuff. “While you’ve been with your niece, I have been speaking with the other parents here.

It appears you have slighted some of the county’s most influential people by not responding to their dinner parties.

I was given the particulars on four such invitations that were never responded to. ”

Camden drew in a sharp breath. “I have been quite busy with my own estate and the challenge that has presented.”

Kensington nodded, dropping his voice as they moved to the perimeter of the room.

“That was an acceptable reason to use before, but I am afraid it will no longer hold water with this group. They are aware of your frequent visits to Greenbrook, as well as the time you spend with Miss Langford in town. Several of them gave particulars of seeing the two of you together. It might be wise if you accepted at least a few of the invitations. At the very least you should respond to the requests.”

Camden nodded. “That is wise. I will want support in Lords during the Season, and it’s much easier to get it when one hasn’t offended every neighbor of his from here to London.”

“That is wise,” Kensington said.

“I should like to speak with Miss Langford before we leave,” Camden said.

Kensington smirked. “I had assumed as much from the way you have been watching her.”

Camden ignored him, eyes drifting to Miss Langford across the room.

She was speaking with a father whose daughter he recognized from Helena’s stories—Anna Bradbury.

Anna stood tall beside her father, pride and relief on her face.

Miss Langford's words were soft but firm, her hand lightly resting on the girl’s shoulder.

She looked up then, eyes meeting Camden’s. For an instant, the crowded room faded. They shared a look, unguarded and warm, until a parent stepped between them, shattering the moment.

As the crowd began to thin, Camden made his way to her. “Miss Langford,” he said, catching her attention as she finished speaking with the last of the parents. His voice lowered. “Congratulations. The day was a triumph.”

She looked at him fully, her eyes tired but shining. “Thank you, Lord Camden. The girls have worked so hard—I couldn’t be more proud.”

“And you should be proud of yourself as well,” he added softly. “Helena’s progress, the girls’ performances—none of it would have been possible without you.”

A faint flush colored her cheeks, but she only inclined her head. “I simply do what is required.”

He hesitated, wanting—needing—to say more. But the hall was still busy, the day not yet quite over.

“Then know this,” he said finally, voice pitched for her ears alone. “What you do here matters. To these girls. To their families. To me.”

Her eyes widened just slightly, her lips parting before she caught herself. “Thank you,” she breathed. “It means so much to me that you came. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all of your help.” She blushed as she said the words.

“It was a trifle,” he said.

Her eyes locked onto his. “Not to me.”

He nodded once, slowly, then stepped back as a staff member approached with a question.

But even as he rejoined Kensington, his thoughts lingered on her—the fierce pride in her gaze, the warmth in her voice, and the unspoken words that still hung between them. How had he ever thought her formidable?

Camden knew, with startling clarity, that something between them had changed forever.