“It is nothing with which to concern yourself, my lady. However, I feel we must cut short our lesson for today.” Before the poor girl could react, Lottie stood and headed toward the door. She stopped the man who had seated them earlier, not sure where their waiter was. “I’m afraid my charge and I must take our leave.” She withdrew a few coins from her reticule with a shaky hand and gave them to the startled man.
Lady Edwina had caught up to her by that time and they both made their way out of the tea shop.
“Wait!” Lord Sterling was on their heels, and Lottie wished him to perdition.
He had the nerve to grasp her arm to stop her. “I want to speak to you about something that might be to your benefit.”
Lottie closed her eyes, then turned to Lady Edwina. “My lady, please proceed to the carriage and I will meet you in a minute.”
Still looking bewildered, the girl nodded and headed toward the carriage parked a few steps away from the store’s entrance. Once Lottie was sure Lady Edwina had entered the carriage and the door closed, she turned to Lord Sterling.
“My lord, I have no idea why you continue to annoy me. Please know that I do not wish to speak with you, nor have you approach me in public.”
He leaned back on his heels, his hands in his pockets. “Come now, Miss Danvers. Or whatever your name is. I knew from the first time I saw you that you looked familiar. You are Mrs. Danforth’s daughter. And please do not deny it since you look exactly like her.”
There was truly no way to go but forward. She raised her chin and attempted to look bored. “And if I am?”
“Then I would like to offer you my protection. I can set you up with a house, a carriage, and all the fine clothes and jewelry you wish. Right here in Bath.”
The anger coursing through her almost had her striking the man. However, with the few people who were on the public street, and especially those who watched with interest, she merely lowered her voice. “I am not for sale.”
Before he could respond, she practically ran to the carriage, climbed in and tapped the ceiling for the driver to proceed.
“Are you well, Miss Danvers?” Lady Edwina studied her carefully.
“Yes, my lady. I apologize for cutting our lesson short, but I can assure you we will do it another time. Ple
ase forgive me.” She took out her handkerchief and patted her upper lip.
That was about all the words she could get passed the large lump in her throat. She managed to hold onto her composure until they arrived at the Monroe townhouse, where Lottie wished Lady Edwina a good day and immediately left her to walk—and practically run—to Berkshire’s house.
Addie had been busy with the bookstore since her return to London and a few weeks had actually passed since Lottie had last seen her. For now, she needed someone she could trust to pour her heart out to.
Once Lottie had been instructed by the butler to proceed upstairs to Addie’s sitting room alongside her bedchamber, she hurried up the steps and entered the room, knowing her face was blotchy from crying. She twisted her handkerchief in her hands.
Addie stood and reached out her hand. “What’s wrong, Lottie?”
Lottie took in a shuddering breath, having just come to the decision as she climbed the stairs to the bedchamber floor. “I have to leave Bath.”
“Leave Bath! Why?” She patted the space alongside her on the lovely flowered settee.
Lottie sat and dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “Because I just came from Milsom Street where I was taking tea with one of my students.” Another deep breath. “Lord Sterling walked into the shop and greeted me.”
Addie waited patiently for Lottie to pull herself together. “Yes?”
“Don’t you see? I can’t stay in Bath. Lord Sterling has moved here permanently.” He hadn’t said as much, but since she’d seen him so often and he offered her a house in Bath, he must be a permanent resident.
Addie took her hand. “And?”
“He knows my mother. Everyone in London knows my mother. Now everyone in Bath will as well. I must leave.”
She hopped up to escape and Addie grabbed her skirt. “Wait. I don’t understand.”
Lottie attempted to pull away, but Addie held firm. “You came to tell me you have to leave Bath. I will not let you go until you explain why. And not just because Lord Sterling, who as far as I know has very little consequence, knows your mother.”
Lottie tried to say the words, but it took her a minute to actually say them out loud to her best friend who had no idea. “My mother is Mrs. Danforth.”
Stunned silence followed the words echoing around the room. Addie sucked in a deep breath. “Oh, no.”