Page 101 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“I think that is wise.”

“You do?”

Lord Evan nodded. “If someone was brazen enough to attempt to abduct you in Hyde Park, I’m afraid it could happen anywhere.”

“I can’t possibly live my life in fear,” she said. “That is no way to live.”

“I agree with you.”

“I’m pleased to hear that.”

Lord Evan smiled. “You will discover that I am rather agreeable when it comes to you, my dear.”

Jane felt her cheeks grow increasingly warm at his use of the term of endearment. “Is that so?” she murmured.

“Perhaps Baldwin would permit me to escort you on a ride in a few days.”

Jane’s breath hitched at his offer, and she worked to keep the eagerness out of her voice. “I think that would be most agreeable, assuming he is not opposed to it.”

“I hope not,” Lord Evan said. “After all, riding is an excellent pastime for any young woman.”

“That it is.”

Lord Evan stopped in the hall and pointed towards a portrait of her great-aunt. “This is a lovely portrait,” he commented. “May I ask who it is?”

“It’s my dear great-aunt, whom I was named after,” she explained.

“She must have been a remarkable woman.”

“That she was,” Jane replied. “She was widowed at a young age, and she refused to marry again, even though she had an abundance of suitors.”

“Why was that?”

Jane sighed. “She loved her husband with her whole heart, and she claimed she never found love again.”

“That is rather endearing.”

“I agree,” she replied. “My great-uncle left her comfortable, so she was most fortunate that she didn’t have to rely on anyone.”

“That was rather fortunate.”

Jane’s eyes searched his as she asked, “Do you believe in love, Lord Evan?”

“That is a rather complicated question.”

“I don’t believe it is.”

Lord Evan’s eyes left hers to study her great-aunt’s portrait. “I believe it is easy to fall in love, but the real test of that love is if it can endure.”

“Well, I believe two people can fall so deliriously in love that nothing else matters.”

Lord Evan chuckled. “If only it was that easy.”

“It can be.”

“Not in our circles, I’m afraid.”

“Why do you say that?”

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