She nodded, “Of course dear, a small penance to pay for my stupidity.”
“Mom, it was an accident, please don’t be so hard on yourself.” Jane whispered.
“Well, any questions?” Dr. Owens asked. “No? Then the anesthesiologist will be by later, and I’ll send in the nursing coordinator.” She quickly shook Gray and Jane’s hand and left.
“Well, she seems,” Jane paused, “Competent.”
“I believe the word you’re looking for is confident.” Her mother said wryly.
“Hmm, but competent is more reassuring.” Jane answered.
She pulled out her phone and texted Susannah, and James with the update and asked for Helen’s number and if she could drop by the hospital to meet with the nursing coordinator. She also texted James that the combo could be a birthdate, either Aunt Nancy’s, or her mother’s.
A few minutes later Helen texted that she could be there at two.
Jane’s eyebrow quirked at Gray, “So did you two enjoy your talk?”
Gray grinned, “Yes, of course. Your mother suggested we have Missy, Drake and Tessa over for dinner when she’s up to it.”
Jane grinned, “That sounds lovely.”
“Jane, I should like your wedding to be at Easter. Would that suit you Gray?” Mrs. Austen asked.
Gray’s eyebrows went up, “I’d prefer New Year’s.”
She clucked her tongue, “Nonsense. That’s not enough time to organize a wedding.”
Jane whispered, “Mom, please, now is not the time to discuss this.”
“Of course it is. Jane, I had assumed you would make your dress. Surely you would need more than two months to create it.”
Jane sighed, “Mother please, I don’t want to talk about this right now.” She looked to Gray.
He smirked, “Valentine’s Day?”
Her mother seemed to be mulling that over. “That sounds nice, doesn’t it Jane? Very romantic I suppose, but the grounds will be so bare. Don’t you want flowers blooming in the gardens Jane? I’ve always pictured your wedding in the garden, with the roses in bloom, the scent wafting in the air.”
Jane groaned, “You’re not listening.”
Her mother replied, “They won’t smell the same if we get them from the florist.”
“Mother.” She said pleading.
She looked at Gray, “Please help me.”
Gray wrapped his arms around her, snuggling her close. “Jane, we can wait to announce the date.” he murmured, “But I’d like to announce our engagement in the papers.”
Jane looked shocked, “What? I, uh, no. Seriously, enough. You have to stop encouraging her, this has gone too far.” She looked at her mother, “What did you two talk about?”
Gray shrugged and her mother clucked, “Jane, darling don’t be rude.”
“Right.” She stood up. She picked up the water and held it in front of her mother, allowing her to take another sip.
“Thank you, Jane.” She murmured.
Jane’s phone rang and she picked it up, looking at her mother, “It’s James.”
“Janie, I got the safe open, it was Aunt Nancy’s birthdate. It’s full of jewelry. Really expensive jewelry I think.” James said, sounding a bit strange.
“Huh, why don’t you talk to Mom, she’s awake.” Jane replied and handed the phone to her mother. “Mom, please?”
Her mother looked at the phone, rolled her eyes and took it. “Hello James, you know I hate these things.”
“Yes ma’am. The jewels in the safe, was there a specific one you wanted me to bring you?” James replied politely.
“Yes, please. There is a velvet pouch, either blue or black, inside is a pink topaz ring. Have you found it?”
“That and much more, do we have this insured?” he asked.
“James, not now. In the bag, there’s a ring. Yes?”
“Yes ma’am. Silver with diamonds on the band and a topaz in the center.” James responded.
“Excellent, can you clean it and bring it to me?”
“Today, ma’am?” James asked.
“Of course today James, why else would I be willing to talk to you on this contraption.” She snapped and handed the phone back to Jane.
“James, it’s me. I guess I’ll see you later.”
James muttered, “Obviously. I’ll come with Helen. Jane, there’s a diamond tiara in there. I locked it up and put the safe in your room, but there’s got to be thousands and thousands of dollars of jewels in there.”
“Oh, I wonder why…” she looked over to her mother, “I’ll see you soon,” and hung up.
While her mother was on the phone Jane leaned close to Gray and whispered, “I have no idea what you think you are doing, but stop it now. Do not encourage her. I’m serious.”
Gray nodded slowly, acquiescing.
When her mother hung up Jane asked, “Mom, why was that safe in the attic?”
“Well, dear, your father suggested we place them there to keep them away from Richard.” She said matter-of-factly. “Now, you’re curious to know about them, aren’t you?”
Jane nodded, “James said there’s a lot of jewelry in that safe. Was it Aunt Nancy’s?”
She beamed, “Yes, do you remember the story Jane?”
Jane nodded and said to Gray, “Mother’s Aunt Nancy was a beauty. She met a very wealthy French man, and they had a torrid affair. He was married and at that time divorce was not possible, but I suppose affairs were expected.”
Her mother clucked, “His family wouldn’t allow it, he was royalty, dear. Don’t forget, it was all about family lines, and she was an American.”
“How did they meet?” Gray asked, amused.
“Nancy sang opera, they met in New York. She had minor roles at the Metropolitan.”
“Wow,” Gray breathed, “All of you women are so accomplished.”
Jane blushed, but her mother continued, “Nancy was quite talented. She had many suitors, and finally married after her affair with the Frenchman ended. But the jewels, oh my, the jewels he gave her. You see his family had a diamond mine in Brazil, and she has pink diamonds that are exquisite. I thought of them when I saw Jane blush last night. There is a ring that I want you to have Jane. Consider it an early wedding gift.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Jane said resignedly.
James arrived later with Helen, Susannah, and the blue velvet pouch. He handed it to Mrs. Austen and leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“It’s good to see you with color in your cheeks, ma’am.” He said warmly.
She opened the pouch and gently dropped the two pieces on her palm. She held up the first one, it was a stick brooch with an oval pink diamond in the center and six emerald cut diamonds on either side, decreasing in size. The second item was the ring. A two carat round pink diamond in white gold with a filigreed band that glittered with small white diamonds.
James grunted, “It’s all like that, the safe is like a Tiffany’s.”
Mrs. Austen nodded, “some of it is quite gaudy and I never felt the need to reset the stones. Here James, this is for Susannah. You may do what you wish with the stones, don’t feel that you have to keep it in the brooch; I realize Susannah may prefer a different setting. Jane, this is the ring.”
“It’s beautiful.” She breathed.
Gray picked it up and raised his eyebrows, “I wonder if it fits?”
Jane glared and took the ring from him. “Mom, it’s beautiful. I’ll save it for when we need it.”
“Darling, please try it on.” Her mother begged.
Jane slowly released a breath and slipped the ring on to her ring finger of her left hand. “It fits,” she whispered and pulled it off and put it on her right hand.
Thankfully Helen interrupted, “Well Maggie, you’ve got yourself in a pickle.”
She nodded, “I’m afraid so. Surgery is scheduled for this evening. Are you familiar with Dr. Owens?”
Helen blew out a breath, “She’s a hell of a talented surgeon, k
ind of cocky, and definitely not the worst bedside manner but pretty close.” She winked at Mrs. Austen, “But she’s the one I’d want doing surgery on me.”
Gray smiled as Jane, James, and Mrs. Austen visibly relaxed.
A bubbly woman entered the room, she was probably 4’10” with dyed brown hair and gnarled hands that grasped a blue folder. She waved, “Hello, I’m Landy Keyes, your coordinator. I understand that Mrs. Austen wishes to go home instead of rehab?”
Jane nodded, “Yes, please.”
Helen touched Landy’s elbow and grinned, “Helen Burns, I’m her personal nurse. You just let me know what she’ll need and I’ll make sure it’s ready for her.”
Landy grinned, “I’m happy to hear that, it’s extraordinary in this day to have such family support.” She opened the blue folder, “I’ve a list of the things you’ll want for her comfort. Shower chair, etc. She won’t have to worry about steps will she?”
Jane and James looked at each other. He shook his head, “No.” He nodded at Mrs. Austen, “You’ll move into the cottage, it’s one floor, no steps. The shower already has the handicap bars installed, and the toilet too. Even the kitchen is handicap accessible.” He looked over to Helen, “It’s two bedrooms Helen, you can move in there and we’ll take the attic.”
She nodded in agreement and Gray was struck by how quickly the family got along and took care of each other. They were so selfless.
Landy nodded and handed the blue folder over to Helen. “If you’d like, you can call me anytime. I have my card in the folder.” She patted Helen on the arm and the two discussed physical therapy and other logistical matters.
Susannah cleared her throat, “I was wondering, if, since Mrs. Burns is willing to move in, if perhaps I could get a job. James and I are at a point where we have decided we’d like to adopt.” She looked at Jane and seemed worried, “I need an income, and we need insurance. I don’t want James to stop writing, and honestly, I’m not enjoying running a B&B anymore.”
Jane nodded and looked to her mother, “Mom, what do you think?”
She scoffed, “I think Susannah has done an amazing job, and if she’s ready to move on then we celebrate. I want James and Susannah to have children, and I want to spoil them.”
Gray spoke up, “I understand that I’m in need of a receptionist Susannah. Benefits included. Would you be interested?”
Susannah beamed, “Absolutely!”
He grinned, “Excellent, the current receptionist has been sexually harassing me. It’s been an ordeal.”
Jane narrowed her eyes, “You wish Poole.”
He grinned and sighed, “Yes, I suppose I do.”
Mrs. Austen spoke up, “Well that’s settled then.”
Gray held Jane close and whispered, “I love your family Jane.”
She grinned, “I’m pretty partial to them too.”
James leaned over to Mrs. Austen, “How does this sound to you?”
She shook her head, “I think Helen and I shall enjoy the cottage, I appreciate your willingness to move.”
He nodded, “Certainly. We’ll move your clothes over for you, any pieces of furniture you’d like moved as well? Do you want your bedroom furniture moved?”
She shook her head, “No, it’s much too big. Just the clothes and my bathroom, the rest will work itself out, don’t you think?”
Jane grinned, “True, we can move furniture once you and Helen get a feel for the space. You want your desk though, right?”
She shook her head. “No, I really like it in the office.” She moved and winced slightly, “We can make arrangement later. Just move my clothes for now.”
Gray spoke up, “I should return to work for a while, Susannah would you like to come and meet Mrs. Fairfax. She can get you in to the system.”
Susannah raised her eyebrows, “We’ll be back before the surgery?”
Gray nodded, “Of course.”
She hugged Mrs. Austen, “I’ll be back, unless you’d like me to stay.”
Mrs. Austen shook her head, “Nonsense. I’ll see you this evening sweetheart.”
James leaned down and gently hugged her and kissed her cheek, “Love you, ma’am.” Once again Gray noticed that he said ma’am more like mom. Gray kissed Jane and patted Mrs. Austen’s hand before leaving.
A few hours later she received a text from Susannah, “Where are the envelopes?”
She replied, “Bottom left drawer. You’ll need to reorganize the desk; Michelle had an extraordinary filing system.”
Susannah texted back, “Thank God. Found tape in filing cabinet, under s for scotch?”
Jane chuckled, “No, s for sticky, staples under ‘a’ for attachy things.”
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
While her mother was in surgery, Gray took the opportunity to take Jane down to the cafeteria to talk. He held her hand and when they sat down in the booth he sat close to her and finally whispered, “I get the sense that you are reluctant about our upcoming nuptials.”
“Damn Gray, for someone who seems to love romantic language you really don’t live it. I’m not saying that’s a problem but still…”
He grinned, “You don’t think the future generations will enjoy telling this story?”
She rolled her eyes, “It’s a little better than you knocked me up and we got married in Vegas.” She pushed the salad around on her plate. “My mother will take a hold of this idea and become obsessed with it. It’s not healthy, and I don’t want her to turn this into a circus. Also, I would like a date dammit. A real date. Movie, dinner, something along those lines. I don’t even know what you do for fun.”
Gray grinned, “For fun? I don’t have fun, or at least I haven’t had fun until I met you. I work; I read for work, I watch television for work.” He leaned back, “That was Lizzie’s greatest complaint. I never seemed to turn it off.”
“Before work, what did you do for fun?”
Gray thought about that, “I used to ski, but I would never do that now with my knee.”
Jane sighed, “What was the last movie you saw in a movie theater?”
He thought about that, “Die Hard maybe? We were in college.”
“You haven’t been to a movie since college?” she asked incredulously.
“I get out Jane.” He said petulantly and then grinned, “I don’t suppose the symphony counts?”
Jane shrugged, “Did you go for your enjoyment or for business?”
“Enjoyment?” Gray’s voice lilted up hoping it was the right answer.
Jane shook her head, “Oh dear. I thought Patrick was stodgy. You realize you can’t buy time.”
“I enjoy my work Jane. I love what I do. Do you consider painting work?”
“No. Ok, I will concede that your work is your passion.” The tone of her voice was almost resigned and made his heart clench.
“Jane, I thought you understood that you are my passion now.”
“No Gray, it’s ok. Look, dating, courting, whatever, would give us time to figure out how we fit into each other’s lives. Could we just try that first and not worry about the future right now?” Jane looked up hopefully.
Gray put his arm around her and drew her close, “Yes, of course.”
After midnight, Gray drove Jane back to her house. Her mother had made it through surgery and was resting peacefully. James and Susannah followed them in their car and in the driveway they said goodnight. Susannah hugged Gray, and kissed his cheek, thanking him for everything.
Gray looked at Jane, surprised by her sudden warmth. Jane grinned and pulled him in the house. “She’s thrilled to have a job of her own.” When Jane closed the door she pushed him against it, “and she’s very happy that you make me so happy.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. It started out gentle and quickly turned into a passionate kiss. Gray pulled her closer, “Ms. Eyre, you make me very happy too.”
He kissed her forehead and chin and then nuzzled her neck, trailing kisses from her ear down her neck.
She threaded her fingers through his hair and tilted her head giving him more access.
“Jane, I made a promise to your mother,” he breathed.
Jane froze, “What kind of promise?”
“I would be patient.” He pulled away and took her hand in his, brushing it against his lips, “She made me promise that we wouldn’t rush into marriage because we had to.”
“Had to?” She stepped back, “Oh my God Gray, if you think I’m waiting until my wedding night you’re nuts. You turn around and go buy some condoms, because I’m not willing to wait. Are we clear?”
Gray chuckled and pulled her tight against him, “I’m so glad you said that.”
Jane’s stomach flipped, “Oh.” She looked up at him shyly, “I’m going to shower. I didn’t have a chance this morning.”
He grinned, “Care for company?”
Jane’s looked up from under her long lashes, and nodded slowly.
In the morning she woke up, limbs tangled with Gray’s and grinning stupidly. Her body was completely relaxed and she hated the idea of leaving his warm embrace. Last night had been the most amazing, romantic, passionate experience of her life. Weeks of teasing each other had culminated in to a night of ardent lovemaking. Gray had whispered passionate promises of a life happily ever after.
His fingers traced down the curve of her spine cupping her buttock and moving her closer.
“Good morning, my love,” he murmured in her hair.
“Do you feel like running this morning?” She asked against his warm chest. Her leg was thrown over his waist, and her arm crossed over his chest with her hand tucked under his shoulder.
He groaned, “No.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Is it alright if I tell you now that I only run on weekends.”
Jane squeezed him tighter, “Yes. I expect complete honesty Mr. Poole.”
He quickly rolled over and pinned her against the mattress, “In that case, I will tell you that I prefer this in the morning.” His knees pushed against her thighs, and she felt his arousal against her belly.
“Oh.” Jane said huskily, “I could live with that.”
Unfortunately the phone rang interrupting them. Jane answered it and sat up abruptly when she heard Detective Goold’s voice on the phone.
Jane Eyre Austen Page 17
