Page 12 of A Lady's Stardust Passion
Talk of him and Lady Jane seemed to brighten her eyes, and for that, he smiled.
“Yes, I know. She was very interesting indeed and beautiful.”
“Well, I wondered if you might consider her. I know that she has many suitors after her this season because of her large dowry. But marrying her would solve all our problems, Nathaniel. And you would be happy. You seem to enjoy one another's company.”
That was an understatement, to be sure, and it made Nathaniel's neck itch. He pulled at his cravat, trying not to think about what had nearly happened on the balcony with his mother so close.
“We've only just met Mother. But I do agree she could possibly be the right woman.”
If only my guilt wouldn’t keep getting in the way. How can I rightfully pursue her when I have pecuniary concerns at the back of my mind? It doesn’t feel honorable.
But just one glance at the documents at the table showed just how dire the situation with his family was.
“Well, I thought perhaps you might invite her to the opera this evening. She could join us in our private box.” When he lifted a brow at her, she got to her feet. “I know you are old enough, and you can handle your own affairs when it comes to wooing.”
Her smile faded. “But no matter how well Emily does this season, we cannot depend upon it. She knows nothing of the situation, and I do not wish her to. A woman forced to marry for money is one thing. But for you, it would be different. You would still have your freedom, of course. Please think about it Nathaniel.”
She left, and Nathaniel sat back in his chair, tossing the pen he had in his hand to the side. He had been eager for a horseback ride that morning to clear his head. But instead, he decided he would go and pay Lady Jane Caldwell a visit.
Chapter 10
After breakfast, Edward left, and Jane walked arm in arm to the sitting room with her chatting prettily about him.
“Well, he is far different than what I expected after hearing only bits and pieces about what happened between your father and his.”
“What really did happen?” Jane asked, turning to her.
Lady Sarah Barnet was her mother's sister, and so she was not privy to all the details.
“I'm not sure.” Her aunt spoke with a little pinch between her brows as she sat down on one of the settees. “But it was bitter enough that it forced Edward’s father, Lord Alfred, I believe, to rush away from England to France to hide away. I don’t believe he and your father spoke after that.”
Jane frowned, slowly sitting down beside her aunt. “I wonder why he has come now. Is it truly just for the Season? You know it took Father’s solicitor over a year to track him down in France, and now he is suddenly here before we had a chance to send any message about meeting about the will.”
“Yes, quite strange.” Her Aunt Sarah looked into the fire, but then she smiled at Jane.
“But perhaps it is just as he says. He has no family now and wishes to come and foster the one familial connection he does have. With you. He is a very charming man, and I like to think that the situation between the brothers is long past with the both of them dead. Besides, it was not Edward’s fault, and so we should not hold it against him.”
“You’re right, of course,” Jane replied and then bit her lip, annoyed at the uncertainty she felt regarding him.
But she couldn’t give voice to any of those uncertainties before the butler appeared in the doorway of the sitting room.
“Lady Jane, there is a man here to see you. The Marquess of Balwood. Shall I send him in?”
Jane turned to her Aunt Sarah, whose eyes widened with delight, and she jumped to her feet, Jane following more slowly. “But of course, Jane. Will you not?”
Her heart was thudding far too fast at the sudden surprise of his arrival. She pressed a hand to the back of a nearby chair.
“Of course, please do send him in.”
The butler left, and Sarah went to the door. “I will send for Iris as well as tea.”
She glanced at Jane and frowned. “Are you all right? You look very feverish, dear.”
Jane put a hand to her cheek and wished that she would not blush so often and so heavily. But it was that blasted dream that continued to haunt her, and now he would be there in that very room, right in front of her. The man who’d kissed her skin, touched her tongue, made her wet between her thighs.
“Yes, I’m well,” she said, reddening even further, if that was even possible.
Her aunt left; the butler announced Lord Balwood, and then he was there in the room. The butler left the door open on his way out, and Lord Balwood simply stood for a moment, and they stared at each other. In the light of day, she could see he was even more handsome. His chestnut curls were tousled rakishly on his head, and he was freshly shaved. His hazel eyes pulled her in, and when he licked his lips, her gaze flicked to his mouth.
