He breathed in her scent and felt hazy on it. She nodded slowly, her eyes turning to him, and she licked her lips. He had no idea where her aunt’s lady’s maid was, but he hoped she did not interrupt them before he could hear her answer.
“Yes, Nathaniel. I would.”
He pulled away then quickly, afraid that if he stood closer, bad things would happen. Someone would come around the corner, or someone would see that he was nearly tenting his breeches.
“As would I, Jane. More than you know.”
They continued their walk with something like a promise buzzing between them.
Chapter 31
It was four days later that Edward was helping Lady Barnet and Jane out of the carriage. While Lord Barnet took his wife's arm, Edward took Jane’s, and they were heading towards the large doors of the Worwood country estate.
He had received his own invitation at his home, and while he'd been frustrated that he was to be in Lord Balwood’s presence again, along with Jane, he had been entertained by the fact that no doubt Lord Balwood had been disgruntled to hear of his invitation. Lord Balwood had smugly replied to Edward's concern for Jane's welfare, but since that moment, Jane had been kind to him. He wondered if she'd overheard.
“Have you heard of the Duke of Worwood before meeting Lord Balwood, Edward?” she asked him as they approached the line of guests.
“No, but now that I have been at White’s every day since my arrival in London, I have heard of his illness. I hear that he is a good man. I am keen to meet him one day.”
Jane seemed to get some sort of odd pleasure from that, and she nodded. “I have not yet met him myself, but I can imagine he is kind. Lady Worwood seems wonderful, as does the young Lady Emily.”
“I was very grateful to receive an invitation,” Edward said. “And I do hope you will save me a dance.”
“But of course. You are family, after all.”
He wanted to snort aloud. Family, indeed. Time was ticking, and he needed to make sure she stopped seeing him as only family and as soon as possible. But first, a dance.
***
Jane was breathless as she took in the beauty of the ballroom. The chandeliers practically glowed overhead, and the light fell on jewels and crystal below, creating a dream-like charm.
Being out in the country, the ballroom was large, far larger than any London one, with soft fabric on the walls and artwork and tall vases of plants. It was stunning, and after Lady Emily had made her presentation, the ball was in full swing. She had sought out Nathaniel, but he was often in conversation with the guests.
That is to be expected.
But her body buzzed with anticipation at the prospect of being alone with him. Had she misunderstood his meaning when he’d spoken to her at the Gardens?
No, surely not.
Her body was so warm that she sipped at her cool lemonade, hoping it would cool her enough to not appear to be permanently blushing. But then she spotted Nathaniel, and he caught her eye. Smiling, he began to move toward her through the crowd. Her heart racing, she put down her glass and waited for his approach. But it was then Edward appeared right in front of her, his hand outstretched.
“Forgive me. I was busy with a few new acquaintances, but I am here now to ask for your hand for the next dance.”
“Oh,” she said, deflated. “Yes, of course, Edward.”
She took his gloved hand, disappointed at the turn of events. But at least she’d not had scores of suitors asking her to dance that time.
There were many who were not there, of course, but it also seemed that everyone believed Lord Balwood to be courting her officially, and she was rather glad they seemed to stay away a bit more than they had before. She tried not to wince as Edward pulled her into his arms as the dance began. She caught Nathaniel’s eye again as he looked on.
“I thought that mapmaking lecture was rather fascinating. Didn’t you?”
She glanced at Edward. “Yes, I did very much. You have an interest in mapmaking?”
“Yes. I should like to expand my interests now that things have changed in my life. I do believe I might begin to travel. As we discussed.”
“How wonderful for you, Edward! I like the idea very much. You should do that!”
Normally, she might have been jealous, but she was far too focused on Nathaniel and their plans to watch the stars. She barely heard what Edward said before the dance was over, and he led her to the edge of the floor.
