“I will consider him,” Jane said quickly, pushing a hand on the door. “Now, let’s go think only of books before we return for tea.”
“Very well,” Margaret said with a chuckle, and they parted ways as usual, Jane to her maps and books about astronomy and Margaret to her romantic novels.
She was wandering along, her finger tapping on a few of the spines as the smell of leather and paper filled her nose, a comforting smell, the smell of her mother. But she was so distracted that she bumped into someone standing in front of the books.
“Oh forgive me,” she said, embarrassed, putting a hand to her mouth and looking up.
Her embarrassment only deepened when she saw it was none other than Nathaniel.
Chapter 16
“Jane,” Nathaniel said, smiling at a flustered Jane as she stumbled back a little. He reached out to steady her with his hand on her elbow, and as always, a frisson of heat rushed through him when he touched her. “Are you all right?”
“Oh yes. I was only distracted and wasn’t looking where I was going.” She glanced around them and stepped back further so that his hand fell from its place on her elbow. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned at her. In his other hand, he was holding a book, and he lifted it so she could see. “Looking for a book, of course.”
She blushed as she always did, making him want to kiss her. “Oh, that’s right. Yes, of course.” She let out a nervous chuckle. Glancing at the book in his hand, she read the spine. “Ah, indulging your map-making, are you?”
“Exactly.” He looked around and lowered his voice, moving closer to her. Once more, the smell of her perfume filled his nose, and he found himself feeling calmer, while at the same time completely aroused. “Now, what are you doing here?”
He was rewarded with the lovely, lilting sound of her laughter. Her nervousness disappeared, and her blue eyes sparkled. “Thesame as you, although I was not searching for a book on maps. I thought I might find a book on astronomy today.” She glanced over the shelves, still smiling.
He leaned against them, his body facing her as she perused. “So, tell me, did you enjoy yourself at the opera?”
“Yes, I did.” Her eyes lit up when she glanced at him. “It was wonderful. Such a romantically tragic story. But I suppose all operas are romantically tragic. Or is it tragically romantic?”
Frowning, she put her hands on her hips, and Nathaniel chuckled. “I suppose it is the same either way. But I’m glad you enjoyed it. Perhaps the next time, we might go somewhere where we could discuss the stars? In a few months, it will be warm enough for the Season to include some outdoor balls.”
“How wonderful. I should like that very much.”
“And perhaps map-making, too. You might find this interesting reading, even if you are searching for a different kind of book today.” He passed it to her, and she took it, her soft fingers brushing against his rougher ones.
She looked up at him as they touched, and her lips parted as she sucked in a breath. His eyes moved to her mouth. Nathaniel had heard all kinds of things about Lady Jane for the past few days since the Season had begun.
There were many men interested in becoming her suitor, but he’d never heard of anyone discuss her beauty at any great length. Nathaniel could not understand that. Looking at Jane, he wondered how he’d ever found another woman beautiful.
She was all things enticing and warm and bright and sensual. Her lips were utterly kissable, and he wished them anywhere else but a public bookshop so that he could lean down and kiss her, if only for a moment.
I simply must taste her, or I shall die.
“Thank you,” she said, stronger than him as she turned her gaze to the book in her hands.
Clearing his throat and trying to get his desire under control, Nathaniel said, “It was a favorite of my grandfather’s. I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I will. I have a book of old maps at home that I was reading this morning. I thought you might find them enjoyable. We can discuss them at another time.”
“Of course.” He smiled. “There is a soiree tomorrow night hosted by Lady Constance Beauregard. Will you be in attendance?”
She held the book to her chest and crossed her arms. “Yes, I’ll be there. Will you?”
“Yes. My mother is very eager for my dear sister to make her appearance at every event possible.”
“I understand your sister’s plight entirely,” she said with a little sadness in her eyes. “Perhaps she and I can help one another during this time.”
“Wonderful.” She took a step back, looking nervous again. He, however, was not eager to go, for he could stand and drink her in all day. He wished for more time with her. “I should go, though. My friend Margaret will be wondering where I am.”
“Certainly. Good day to you, Jane.”
