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“That blighter admitting he raps his students’ knuckles or takes a rod to them, is, I assure you, not a good fit.”

“I could do it.” The words tumbled from Zanders’ mouth, and while he had not planned on offering to instruct the students, he did not regret it either.

Have you lost your bloody, sodding mind?

“You?” Jaw slack, Lilly stopped short, gaping at him as if he had sprouted horns upon his head or grown another pair of eyes…This set, googly and bright purple.

Her total disbelief should not have stung as much as it did, but Zander did not examine why her incredulity chafed.

Holding his chin between his thumb and forefinger, he gave a thoughtful nod. “Yes. Me.”

“You are teasing me.” Shaking an ink-stained finger at him, she laughed again before continuing toward the corridor. “Very convincing, I must say. For a heartbeat, I almost believed you.”

“I could do it,” Zander persisted.

What was more, he wanted to. Not only would teaching provide him with something to do, but it would also give him a purpose.

Especially if he never regained his memory.

His mind shied away from that abhorrent thought.

He was not prepared to face that reality, just yet.

Unmasked skepticism radiated off her.

Well, then, reassure her, he would.

“I have always been fond of children…”

I have?

“I can teach all those subjects. I attended the University of Cambridge and graduated with First Class Honors and as a Second Wrangler.”

That unexpected memory brought with it a rather smug sense of satisfaction.

Bully for me.

She swung her flaxen head toward him, eyes wide and mouth slack again. “Precisely when did you remember that, may I ask?”

“Just now, as we were speaking.” He plowed a hand through his hair, then grinned. “Impressive, eh?”

“Hmm. Surely, there is a record of those accomplishments. I must write The University of Cambridge’s registrar.” Excitement and hope tempered with hesitation filled her gaze.

Which would win the internal battle?

And what if Lilly’s inquiry proved successful, and she identified him?

What then?

Zander would finally know who he was.

But that could take weeks…months even.

Indeed, it could, and he would cross that bridge if, and when, the time came.

Eyes narrowed to slits so that only her irises showed, and her head canted sideways, Lilly clasped her hands together.

“I cannot believe I am even considering this for a second. Regardless, a male instructor would be ever so beneficial for the lads. Particularly a man who has experienced more in life than academics for the less scholarly-oriented boys.” She tapped her chin with her forefinger, peering at him with such a penetrating stare, he felt she saw into his soul. “You would need a surname, of course.”