Page 100 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Not long enough, if you ask me,” Baldwin declared.

“I have lived a life that was full of love and laughter,” his mother said, glancing between them. “That is what I want for all of my children.”

“Why are you speaking as if you are saying goodbye?” Jane asked.

Her mother smiled tenderly. “We don’t know what this world will throw at us, but I am ready for anything that comes my way.”

“But I’m not,” Jane pressed.

“You are a strong woman, much stronger than you give yourself credit for,” her mother said. “Now do you understand why I have been so adamant for you to find a suitor?”

Jane nodded. “I do.”

“I just want you to be happy.”

Baldwin pushed back his chair and rose. “If you will excuse me, I have work that I need to see to, but we shall continue to discuss this later.” He walked over and leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek. “I love you, Mother.”

“I love you, too,” she murmured.

After Baldwin exited the parlor, she rose and said, “I believe I shall rest for a while.”

“Would you like me to escort you to your bedchamber?” Jane asked.

“That won’t be necessary.”

Jane watched as her mother glided out of the room, and she found herself dwelling on the unwelcome news that had just been shared. Her mother had always been the one constant in her life. She couldn’t imagine a life without her mother in it. Frankly, she didn’t want to.

Rising, Jane walked out of the parlor and stepped into the entry hall. A knock came at the door. She watched as Pratt strode across the marble floor to answer it. He opened the door and the familiar voice of Lord Evan drifted through the air. A thrill of anticipation raced through her at the sound of his deep, baritone voice.

As Lord Evan stepped into the entry hall, his eyes landed on her and a slow smile spread across his lips. He bowed. “Lady Jane,” he started, “what an enchanting surprise.”

She tipped her head. “How are you faring this morning?”

“I am well.” Lord Evan took a step closer to her and stopped. “We have to stop meeting like this,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Unsure of what to say, and afraid of making herself look like a fool, she rushed to say, “Are you here to see Baldwin?”

“I am.”

“Would you like me to escort you to his study?”

“I would be honored,” he replied, offering his arm.

Jane stepped forward and placed her hand on his sleeve. “I would be remiss if I didn’t ask how your father is faring.”

He grew serious. “Not well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“As am I.”

As they walked down the hall, Lord Evan glanced over at her. “I would much rather hear how you are faring.”

“Well, I am dreadfully bored.”

“Why is that?”

“Baldwin has insisted that I don’t leave Hawthorne House without taking him along as my escort,” Jane shared.

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