The sun was still high in the sky, however, when Luke appeared on his horse, a beautiful chestnut creature that gleamed in the sun and made fast friends with Midnight after Luke climbed down and freed the horse of his load.
“What do you have there?” Jane asked as she walked over to join him.
His smile had that effect again, making butterflies take flight in her belly and causing heat to spread through her veins.
She dipped her head to hide a blush, wishing for the hundredth time that day that one of her friends from school was here.
Surely they could explain what it was she was feeling.
But they weren’t here and Luke didn’t seem to notice her unease as he set a large sack down on a grassy spot near the lake’s edge. “You’re still hungry, yes?”
Her belly growled as if in response, making them both chuckle.
He spread a blanket out first and then unloaded one wrapped parcel after another until a veritable feast was spread out before her.
“You brought a picnic!” she exclaimed with delight.
Luke looked so pleased with himself, and so satisfied by her response, it was all she could do not to go up on tiptoe and kiss his cheek.
Which…maybe she should. Was that what fiancées did? But she hesitated too long, and the moment passed.
“I asked cook to prepare a little of everything,” he said. “Since I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”
“Thank you, Luke,” she said. “That was very thoughtful.”
He ignored that. “I also told my mother to explain to your parents that I’ve stolen you away, and you won’t be home until nightfall.”
Her eyes grew wide as she sat on the blanket and tucked her bare feet beneath her. “Really?”
He hesitated, glancing up from where he knelt across from her. “Do you think they’ll mind?”
“Oh no. Not in the least.”
“But you had to sneak out…”
“Oh, they wouldn’t be at all pleased if I were to leave on my own. But the great Lord Northbridge can do no wrong, so far as they’re concerned.”
She’d said it teasingly, hoping to make a joke, but he glared down at the food he was spreading out and there was no missing his anger.
“Um…” Jane shifted uneasily. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you, that’s just—”
“You didn’t.” His gaze darted up to meet hers. “It’s your parents I’m irritated with. You deserve to be treated better, Jane. I hope you know…”
When he trailed off, she arched her brows. “Yes?”
“I hope you know I meant what I’d said. When we marry, you will have your freedom.”
She smiled, even though her insides chose that moment to go to war. Part of her was ecstatic at the thought of a life of independence, to do as she pleased and go where she pleased…
But another part of her imagined what it would be like to be married to this man, but then lead separate lives. Would he live in town while she stayed here?
Would they act as friends when they were together or as acquaintances who merely discuss the financial and logistical aspects of running a household together?
Would she be alone out here or would she travel to see her friends?
Would he take a mistress?
Seemingly unaware of her sudden spiral into terrifying thoughts of their future, Luke sprawled out beside her on the blanket, resting on an elbow, his long legs strewn out to the side. She couldn’t stop herself from staring. He’d grown so much. And not just in height and breadth. He was a man now, and the difference was at once intimidating and reassuring.
