“The pleasure was all mine,” he responded.
I’m certain it was.
She smiled as she waited for him to leave and turned to her father and sister before they could ask her any questions.
“I am quite parched from the dance. I am going to get something to drink.”
She slunk off before either of them could stop her, approaching the table set out for refreshment. However, the moment their eyes were off her, she turned away, walking quickly in the direction of the garden, although slow enough to not attract any attention.
Jane walked deeper into the garden, mapping the path she had come through before she got lost in the maze. That was the last thing she wanted to happen. She sat down on a stone-carved seat and pressed her back to the backrest.
Jane breathed in the smell of flowers, allowing herself to relax and her head to body to expel the memories of Lord Lewis. She sat up straight when her ears picked up the sound of someone coming towards her through the trees.
“Oh no… anyone else but him,” she muttered under her breath. She had only begun to ease out the dreadful thoughts of him and was not ready for another encounter.
She gasped in horror. What if he had followed her here to compromise her? Had his words been some veiled threat she hadn’t caught?
“I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think would be the best way to ensure your husband is well and truly happy, Lady Felicity.”
The stunned woman stared at his grandmother as though asking for help, before staring back at him. She masked her nervousness behind a giggle although it did nothing to hide it.
“I suppose I would do whatever he wants me to,” she said, unsure of how best to answer the question.
“So, you would lose yourself in order to ensure his happiness?” he asked.
“I- I -” she looked around desperately, relief flooding her as she turned back to him. “I believe my mama is in need of my assistance. It was lovely to meet you, Your Grace.”
She hastily hurried off, her retreat almost comical.
“Lady Maisy,” Colin turned to the last of the ladies that had surrounded him upon arrival.
“Y-Your Grace.”
Her voice no longer held the confidence with which she had addressed him before now.
“How would you care for my children if I already had some?” he asked, his stare a bit intimidating even as he tried to be as free as he could.
“Ah, Your Grace, I suppose I could always get a governess to care for them and ensure that they are well-educated,” she replied with a small shrug.
Colin raised a brow, he most certainly was not pleased by her response nor did he find the manner at which she replied without thinking twice wise.
“You would not be involved in their learning?” he asked, hoping she would think this time. His brows knitted and his expression was solemn.
Her eyes bulged as she looked between his grandmother and him. Colin could never understand why they constantly looked at her for help.
“I suppose I would if you wanted me to, however, they stand to learn more from a governess,” she replied strongly.
“I see.”
“Might I ask, Your Grace…” she requested his permission without a glint of fear in her eyes.
He couldn't rule out the fact that she was an impressive one, beautiful and bold. This was the longest conversation he'd had with women like her so far.
“Why these questions?” she asked.
Now, he was the one who looked at his grandmother before replying.
“Well, I'd like to know the type of relationship my future wife would have with my children if I had any,” he replied.
