“Perhaps he likes to do good deeds without credit. Or he worries if his generosity is known, others will hold out their hands. Accept the gift with gratitude.”

“But I don’t know who to thank.”

“If he wanted thanks, he’d have given you his name.”

“I don’t suppose you can find out who he is.”

“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t even if I could. On occasion I’ve done things for others in secret simply because I don’t want them feeling beholden to me. Perhaps he feels the same. But whatever his reasoning, it needs to be honored.”

She sighed. He was right. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder about her mysterious benefactor. “Well, I suppose I should get back to the shop and determine how to make the most of the contribution I received.”

“When you marry a lord of the realm, you’ll receive a good many more, I suspect. Moving about in that world will have grand advantages, Fancy.”

Not if the man didn’t love her.

“I remain optimistic, Mick, that I’ll find happiness there.” Approaching him, she gave him a hug. “Thank you.”

That evening, when Fancy walked into the reading parlor to prepare it for the students’ arrival, she was surprised to find Matthew looking up at the painting above the fireplace. “Hello.”

He turned and smiled at her, genuine pleasure reflected in his green, green eyes. “Hello.”

It wasn’t that she was feeling off-kilter, but it seemed they should be greeting each other with a kiss or an embrace instead of this awkwardness. “I don’t have a ball to attend tonight.”

“I know, but I enjoyed teaching the other night and thought you might welcome my assistance. I have nothing else pressing.”

“I’d like that very much, and I’m fairly certain Lottie will as well.”

He laughed. The joyous sound that vibrated from deep within him made her chest feel as though it were expanding to encompass the world. “Perhaps I could take the gents and you could take the ladies.”

“I think that’s a rather splendid idea.” She eased up until the hem of her skirt touched the toes of his boots. “I’m glad you find these efforts worth your while.”

“Maybe I’m just using it as an excuse to spend more time in your company.”

“I’m glad of that as well.” Based upon the sudden warmth of her cheeks, she was fairly certain she was blushing. “The most astonishing thing happened this afternoon.”

“Indeed?”

“A solicitor came to see me on behalf of someone who wanted to make an anonymous donation to my lending library and other efforts. Five hundred pounds.”

“How will you use it?”