Page 50 of The Gentleman's Confession
He nodded, encouraging her to speak.
“We are good friends, are we not?”
His hands stilled on his breeches. “Yes.”
“Nothing has happened to make our friendship change?” Her slender, fair brows arched in the middle.
Guilt, regret, and sadness flooded him at once. Had he neglected her in his carefulness to not give her the wrong idea? It was a fine line and one he’d conscientiously tread for years now. “Nothing has changed.” He hoped she saw the sincerity in his eyes.
Her smile grew only a fraction. “I am pleased to hear it.”
“I am happy to reassure you whenever you need a reminder.” He wasn’t in the same hurry to leave now, but she stepped back and said goodbye. He tipped his head in farewell and watched her go inside.
“Well done, Miles.” He took his hat off and hit it against his leg. Affections were not meant to be toyed with. He had tried his best to protect Lisette from himself and himself from Jemma, but it hadn’t been enough. Irritated, he raked his hand through his hair, mussing it to match the mess of his love life, then stalked to the carriage.
He had his foot on the step of his carriage when the door of Manning House shut behind him. He dropped back down and turned to see who had exited.
Jemma?
She picked up her skirts, hurried down the steps, and jogged to meet him. “I thought you’d left.” Her chest heaved, and she caught her breath. “I had to thank you again. Today fed my soul.I needed to forget myself, and for one day, I did. Thank you, Miles.”
He smoothed his hair, suddenly self-conscious of the disarray atop his head.
“The wind must have picked up.” Jemma pushed a curl off his forehead. Her touch sent his skin tingling. Their hands brushed in the process, and they both quickly pulled back. She hid hers in the folds of her skirt, and he dropped his awkwardly to his side.
“I’m glad today helped,” he started, returning his hat to his head. “If you think another lesson would help, I have thought of a few more ideas.” Ideas that could finally win him her heart.
Her expression turned sheepish. “I am not sure a dozen lessons would help me. Mr. Bentley might be stuck with a marriage of convenience.”
Miles’s hands involuntarily tightened into fists. Mr. Bentley would have to fight him for such a privilege. He forced his muscles to relax before responding. “Day after tomorrow, let’s try the bench again.” He wanted to plead for her not to give up. Not on the lessons but on him.
She was slow to answer, ducking her head as she did. “I will be there.”
Even with the reluctance in her stance, her agreement gave him a whisper of hope. Another lesson meant another opportunity to be with her. Unless ... unless she started to develop feelings for Mr. Bentley. Miles wouldn’t want to take that from her. But didn’t she deserve to have a choice between them? If she wouldn’t let him tell her how he felt, he would show her. He would tread carefully, examining her feelings with every move. It might just be the most important lesson he had left to give.
CHAPTER 23
Jemma hadn’t meant to becareful in her selection of gowns on the day she was to meet Miles. It just happened. She chose her new sea-green dress with the wide neckline, hoping the color would bring out her eyes. The slender gold chain she donned on a whim, much like the splash of rose water to her throat. She added a pale-pink bandeau around her head and sighed. “What am I doing?”
She studied her reflection in the mirror, and her fingers began to tremble. She was nervous to spend time with Miles again. Excited, too, if she were honest.
Lisette knocked and let herself in. “I thought I would accompany you on your walk today, if you would like a companion.” She stepped farther into the room. “I feel the need to stretch my legs and take in some sunshine.”
Jemma’s hand gripped the edge of her dressing table. Any other day would be acceptable, but not today. It wasn’t like she could confess that she was seeing Miles—not with her feeling the way she was lately. Her guilt would be all over her face. It could be that way even now. Lisette would feel betrayed ...
Or maybe this was the perfect opportunity to tell her cousin everything. Jemma could invite Lisette to join them to see that it was all harmless and for a good cause. And that neither her nor Miles was at all confused. “Actually—”
“Good morning, girls.” Mrs. Manning stopped in the doorway behind Lisette, cutting of Jemma’s response. “I have a short visit planned this afternoon to see Lady Felcroft around nuncheon. Would you two like to come and visit with Cassandra?”
“What a lovely idea,” Lisette said.
Jemma chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I had some things I wanted to see to today. Go ahead without me.”
“Are you certain?” Lisette’s forehead puckered.
“Send Cassie my love. Tell her I will see her next week at the cricket match.”
They agreed, and Lisette followed her mother out.
