Page 49 of His Perfect Bride
She’d told Jackson about the jewels she’d uncovered in the Firths’ yard. While the velvet bag with the jewels was still in the drawer in her room, they’d discussed the option that the kidnapper had wanted them back and would hold Augusta as a prisoner until they handed the jewels over.
Sage could admit the conversations with Jackson had been the highlight of the trip, even more so than getting to see the stunning mountain vistas on all sides. When they’d exhausted their discussion of Augusta, they’d found other topics to chat about. As usual, Jackson was a fount of knowledge about everything, going into great detail for most subjects, whether the history of the area, rock formations, salmon fishing, Natives, and even the process of gold mining.
She didn’t mind that he got carried away with complex and intricate details. Even if she didn’t always understand what he was telling her, she loved that he was so intelligent and interesting.
He was attentive to her too, making sure she was warm and comfortable and had something to eat and drink. Even now, as he spoke with the captain in the pilothouse, he was watching her in that keen way that told her he was attuned to her every need.
He’d proven himself again today to be a good and honorable man, not only toward Augusta but also toward Sage, treating her with the utmost of respect. In fact, he was so gentlemanly that at times she almost wished he would cast aside all reason and manners and just pull her back into his arms. But he’d kept a respectable distance and hadn’t touched her, except when he’d assisted her now and then.
They hadn’t discussed the kiss again. And they hadn’t discussed the nature of their relationship—or lack thereof—either. A part of her wanted to push him to discover why he’d kissed her and what it meant, but she didn’t want to upset the peace that had settled between them.
He ducked out of the pilothouse and crossed the promenade toward her. The light gray of his suit and the white shirt contrasted with his dark hair, lending him a shadowed, haunted look, especially with the dark blue evening hues surrounding him.
As he drew near, he lifted his hat and combed his fingers through his hair. He’d neglected to shave again today—hadn’t made the time with their haste in searching for Augusta. Now the scruff on his face was more defined, making him all the more appealing. So much so that a strange sizzle of heat burned through her abdomen, followed by the overwhelming urge to cup both scruffy cheeks and press her lips to his.
He had such a fine mouth, such firm lips, such perfect teeth.
Oh dear heavens. Why did he have to be so attractive? Resisting him would be easier if her body didn’t react so strongly every time he was near.
He halted a foot from her, regarding her with his usual seriousness.
“We have just a couple of minutes left before we arrive in Centreville.” He studied her face, seeming to take her in as much as she was taking him in.
Their focus on each other didn’t mean anything. It was just that they were the only two around—except for the captain. At one point they’d passed by a group of Natives fishing from their canoes. They’d also seen men on a sandbar who’d waved as they’d passed. But otherwise they’d been alone. Regardless, she had to stop looking at him so much.
Ahead on the shore, a whole herd of deer—or perhaps elk—grazed in an open field not far from the riverbank. Some had lifted their heads and were peering back with wide eyes, their ears flickering. “Look.” She pointed in their direction. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
Jackson followed her gaze and nodded. Although he’d been living in the New World for the past eight to nine years, he’d told her he never tired of seeing the beauty and that he never would. He made no secret of the fact that he planned to remain in the colony for the rest of his life and had no aspirations to return to England to be with his father and mother.
As with other times when he mentioned his parents, Sage hadn’t wanted to pry into the past issues. But she also longed to know more about him. In fact, there were times when she wanted to know everything about him.
Jackson leaned against the railing. “I regret I’ve put you into an awkward situation.”
“I don’t find it awkward.” She’d actually had a lovely afternoon. If she hadn’t been worried about Augusta, she would have enjoyed it even more.
Jackson cleared his throat. “I’m afraid I truly have made our situation awkward and did not realize my mistake until too late.”
At the distress in his tone, she shifted and gave him her full attention. “What mistake?”
He blew out a breath. “I didn’t realize the captain…well, he assumed that we are…he still believes you and I are…married.”
“Oh.” The same heat from moments ago swirled inside her. “We can set him straight and let him know I’m your servant.”
“We shan’t do that, Sage. Because you are not my servant.”
“Then we’ll let him know I’m your sister’s servant.”
“Afraid not. We shan’t do that either.”
“It’s the truth.”
“Not entirely, and we both know it.” He didn’t meet her gaze, but something about the way his jaw flexed told her he was serious.
She supposed she always had been more of a companion to Augusta than servant.
“The truth is”—Jackson blew out another breath, more exasperated than the last—“I should have realized how inappropriate our traveling together alone and unchaperoned would be.”
“We’re not alone.” She nodded toward the pilothouse. “We’ve been sitting in sight of the captain all day.”
