Chapter 12

Desiree had many aims in life, but she hid them well under flirtatious laughter and demure smiles. To think that Jacques would ever have considered Ignatius a threat made the poor lanky man laugh. A mere tutor for one such as Desiree? Never. He would never be within range of her expectations. He doubted Jacques was good enough for her either. In fact, none of the men present were admirers with whom Desiree Delacroix would settle.

Suddenly that became clear to him. No wonder the only time she ceased her pretence of yawning was when he talked of other places, described major cities. Why, yes, if any of the local men thought they had a chance with her, they were mistaken. Ignatius could see it now. In a few months, she would begin to besiege her father and then would come a trip, perhaps overseen by her tutor and a handful of servants. Desiree would ask to see something of the world. One thing Ignatius did not want was to be her chaperone while she sought a suitor.