And perhaps…
With a flare of anger he recalled his mother’s mention of Jane’s parents. The way they mistreated her and had left her alone in the city.
It wasn’t right. She belonged here in the countryside. These creeks and meadows were her home as well as his. He didn’t have to hear her tell him that she longed to be back, riding in the meadows. It was understood.
She might not wish to hear his proposal, but…
She’d be grateful to be called back home, at the very least.
The thought of her petulant scowl replaced by a smile of gratitude did strange things to his insides. It wasn’t like he wished to be her knight in shining armor, but…
Oh, all right, perhaps some part of him enjoyed the idea of coming to her rescue.
He spun around to face his mother before he could follow that line of thought any further.
“Mother…” He glanced up to see her watching him expectantly. “What would it take to convince Jane’s parents to bring her home…and quickly?”
His mother’s lips twitched with an amusement she didn’t even try to hide. “Knowing the countess, all it would take is a hint that there might be a marriage prospect for Jane in the area.”
“Someone like the heir to a dukedom?” His tone was dry, belying the tumult of emotions going on inside of him.
It was almost as if he was…nervous.
But that was ridiculous. It wasn’t as though he was actually proposing. And he wasn’t forcing the girl into anything. He’d give her a choice…obviously.
And if she says no?
He frowned. What he should be worried about is what if she said yes.
It’s unfortunate you grew up to be just like your father.
He flinched. She’d likely say no, no matter what he wished. But she’d likely thank him for taking her out of London during this wretched summer heat. And it was the least he could do for his old friend after accidentally offending her as he had.
So yes. This was his plan. He’d have his mother drop some hints so her parents would hurry to bring her home. And then he’d apologize, which he likely should have done the other night.
They’d rekindle their friendship, and if they could form some sort of alliance as well?
Well then…
All the better.
CHAPTERFOUR
Jane was alwayssorry to see her riding lesson come to an end, but never more so than today.
Sweat trickled down her neck and beneath the collar of her riding habit as she urged the mare on, the thudding of its hooves a brilliant match for the racing of her heart.
For a moment she shut her eyes, reveling in the feel of the fresh air and the scent of nature and the feel of the mare’s speed and strength as they moved together as a team toward their goal.
All too soon the mare reared to a halt, and both Jane and the mare found themselves under the critical scrutiny of her riding instructor, Mr. Stern, whose name did not do him justice.
He wasn’t just stern, he was outright taciturn.
But he was also demanding, and fair, and really quite a sweetheart when his wife and children were around.
All in all, Jane liked him immensely. Even now when he was regarding her like she was a little pest. “Not bad,” he finally said. “But you’re too reckless, Lady Jane. Too reckless by far.”
She grinned as she normally would, though today his typical chastisement rubbed her already-raw emotions.
