“Yes.” She looked back at the painting again. Her father’s face was smiling. “But I'm afraid our relationship was not what it was once she died. He was not a happy man.”
“I'm sorry to hear that. But I understand you. My father and I did not see eye to eye on many things.”
When she looked at him again, she saw kindness in his eyes and an understanding. It felt strange, but at the same time, it was something she had wanted for so long. She didn't have many friends or confidants, and those she did have did not understand what had happened with her father.
“Well then, I am sorry to hear that as well.”
“No one should have to endorse such hardship as we have, Jane. If I may call you Jane?” He paused.
“Oh yes, Jane would be fine.” She smiled, but then it faltered when she noticed him looking her up and down. “Ah, but it seems I've interrupted something you are on your way to—”
There was a knock at the door and Jane jumped, inwardly chiding herself for her skittishness. She had never considered herself skittish before she’d met Lord Balwood, but now it seemed she was going to be forever afflicted by it. And now the man himself was there!
“Yes,” she said quickly and breathlessly, putting a few last hairs in place as she slid on her gloves, walking a little closer to the door.
Even if Edward seemed to understand her, she now wished him gone. The less audience she had in front of Lord Balwood, the better. When Mr. Minton opened the door, it was Lord Balwood on the other side, and Jane was transfixed yet again.
“Welcome, Lord Balwood,” she said, swallowing hard, hoping her words were coming out right.
“Thank you, Lady Jane.” Nathaniel’s gaze stayed on her for a moment, looking her up and down before he entered the house and the butler shut the door.
Her cheeks were warm as she too took in his appearance. He wore a dark coat and buff breeches with long dark boots. His cravat was crisp and snow white, and his hair looked just as perfect as always. His eyes somehow seemed even more intense than usual as they stared at her.
What is usual? You hardly know the man, you fool!
Her voice trembling a little, or at least, she thought. She pointed to Edward. “This is Lord Claridge, my father's heir.”
And she turned, thankfully, to see her Aunt Sarah descending the stairs with Iris behind her, to act as chaperone.
“Lord Balwood, welcome! And Lord Claridge, what a nice surprise.”
Her aunt glanced at Jane by way of explanation, and Jane shrugged.
“You must excuse Jane, Lord Claridge, for she has an appointment at the opera this evening with Lord Balwood.”
“But of course,” Edward smiled and bowed, and then he nodded to Lord Balwood. “And a pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“And you,” Lord Balwood replied, before he turned to the door. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Jane took her velvet cloak from Mr. Minton and stepped out of the door first with Lord Balwood at her heels.
They walked to his carriage’s open door, and he reached out a hand to help her inside. She took it, glad that she could turn away from him and face the carriage, for she could not stop her blush, and that was not the only thing that felt warm.
After Lord Balwood assisted Iris inside, her aunt said, “Have an enjoyable evening, the two of you. Thank you very much, Lord Balwood.”
“Thank you, Lady Barnet.”
Jane’s heart started racing as Lord Balwood stepped inside, shut the carriage door and sat across from her. She was still holding her breath when the carriage pulled away.
***
While the butler collected his hat and gloves for his departure, Edward stared from the window next to the door as the Balwood carriage rolled away. Lady Barnet was waving them goodbye, and he seethed inwardly. Of course, he'd known that there would be suitors aplenty to get at Jane’s dowry.
But he'd not expected to be shown up as soon as this. The season had only just begun! The quiet, seemingly reserved woman had already made plans, and with a marquess no less! He had not known the face of the man, but he knew the name. He had done his studying before he came to London. This most certainly did not bode well.
But Edward was not the type to give in. He would get what he deserved in the end, as would Lord Balwood.
Chapter 13
