Has Iris told her what she’d seen?
She dreaded to think that was possible, but it didn't look like Aunt Sarah knew anything more beyond the fact that Jane had left for a time.
“You're right, Aunt Sarah. Forgive me. I will try my best not to do so again.”
Her aunt looked relieved. “Very good, Jane. At first, I thought you’d been ill last evening, but when I saw that you were not, I did worry. But Lady Fortnum’s letter is the reason I decided to speak to you about it in the end. I do want you to enjoy yourself and not hear me harping on things all the time.”
“And I am. It is only that things get a little overwhelming throughout the evening that I seek a bit of solace.”
And instead found a kiss that made you weak at the knees.
“That is entirely understandable, Jane, but you must then go to the women's retiring room, or a little farther away from the dancing. That is the best suggestion I can make.”
Jane nodded. “Will your friend be talking more about this to everyone?”
“Certainly not.” Her aunt got to her feet with a smile. “Lady Fortnum might enjoy her gossip, but she knows how important this is to us both. She has been a good friend, and she will hold her tongue.”
“Thank you, Aunt Sarah,” she said, reaching out for a sketchbook, when the There was a knock on the door, and Mr. Minton came in.
“Lord Balwood is here to see Lady Jane,” he said.
“How fortuitous,” her aunt said, waving to Margaret to get to her feet. “Come now, Margaret, play chaperone, won’t you? Go and sit in the corner there.”
“Of course, Lady Barnet,” Margaret said, winking at Jane before she went to her place.
Jane got to her feet, feeling nervous at the prospect of her best friend being in the same room with her and Nathaniel. She had not even told Margaret of the kiss yet, and she was certain to receive a load of teasing once he left. She wasn't sure she could bear that today, but there seemed to be no helping it.
The butler cleared his throat, and she quickly replied, “Yes, Mr. Minton, do send him in.” When the butler left, Jane turned to Margaret's amused face, and then she slowly sat down in her chair, waiting anxiously for Nathaniel to enter the room.
Chapter 26
Nathaniel wished he had not given his hat away to Mr. Minton at the doorway. For then, he would have something to do with his hands as he stood there in front of Jane, her friend in the corner. She looked so lovely in the light blue day dress, with a few dark curls framing her face.
She had taken his breath away the night before in her stunning gown, but somehow, she looked even more beautiful in a simple day dress.
It also makes you picture her in your home, the home that will be paid for by her in a dress that her dowry will also pay for.
“Welcome, Lord Balwood,” Jane said finally, looking slightly pale.
That morning, when he decided to call upon Jane, he had hoped and prayed that he would not find in her expression any hint of regret for what had passed between them. And he was rewarded. She looked nervous, but not regretful.
“I trust you're well?” he asked.
She nodded, folding her hands in front of her. “Yes, I am. Thank you. And yourself?”
“Very well.”
“Please sit,” Jane said, and taking a deep breath, Nathaniel sat down. He had thought of little else since their kiss, and staring at her now made it all come back to him with a rush.
He could be bold and move closer to her. He could put his hand on her arm or her knee. He could reach out with his thumb and caress her plump lower lip, seeing what he could find in those startling eyes of hers.
Focus, he reminded himself.
“I wonder, Jane, if you would be interested in accompanying me to the Royal Society today.”
“The Royal Society?” All of Jane's nervousness seemed to have fled, and her eyes widened, as did her smile.
“Yes, there is a lecture…on mapmaking. I have been very interested in going. I thought perhaps you might enjoy it as well.”
