Michael gazed down at her, the desire in his eyes never leaving. “And I care for you,” he said. Then he tapped his chest. “My heart tells me the same; that you have no ulterior motives to win my love. So, I must ask you a question, as well.”
Ulterior motives? she thought, but his breath on her lips kept her from asking. “And what would that be?”
He took her hands in his. “Will you allow me to court you?”
“I would love nothing more,” she replied in a whisper as she wrapped her arms around his neck and surprised herself by pulling him to her for one last kiss.
This time when the kiss ended, Michael pulled away and walked to the fireplace. “After the ball, the cottage will be ready for you. Until then, know that I care for you deeply and that if you wish to ask me anything, never hesitate to do so. For if we hold inside doubt and worry, it will only lead to anger or something much worse.”
“I promise I will come to you if I have any concerns,” she said as she walked over to stand next to him.
At one point, she had thought him a murderer, but now the notion seemed silly. He was a man of heart, strength, and wisdom, and he brought about a confidence in love she had never known before. She had always admired the looks that passed between Anne and David, and now, she would be able to share that same love with Michael, and the thought excited her even more.
Chapter Twenty
“And though the sun sets upon this day, I shall remain as the majestic sky, forever.”
Samuel looked up at Jane with anticipation. He waited her response to his recitation of a poem he had committed to memory he wished to recite at the ball before he was sent off to bed for the night.
“Samuel,” Jane said as she clasped her hands at her breast, “that was beautifully done. Your father will be extremely proud when he hears it.”
The boy smiled broadly as he wrapped his arms around her. She returned his embrace just as heftily. “Thank you, Miss Harcourt,” he said. “I cannot wait to perform before everyone.” Then his eyes went wide. “I almost forgot.” He made a bow that, although was a bit unsteady, would have been more than acceptable for a boy of his age before the King himself. Then he pushed back the unruly wave of hair from his brow that always found a way of going astray.
“Well, I believe that, since you have worked so hard, it is time for us to go outside. What do you think about that?”
Samuel nodded enthusiastically, and the pair made their way through the house and out the back door to the garden.
The guests would begin arriving the following morning and throughout the day, and by that evening, the house would be filled. Her heart went out to Michael, who was still busy seeing that everything was prepared and ready before his first guests arrived. He had had very little time to spend with her, but she understood how important this ball was to him.
Earlier she had seen him talking with Jenkins. His gaze had fallen on her and his smile had widened. Even from that distance, she could sense the deep attraction they shared, an attraction that bordered on something else entirely. Although she would have enjoyed focusing on what that ‘something else’ was, she had a more pressing matter to keep her busy, and it came in the form of a small child who ran freely through the field just outside the garden. The weather was perfect with a bright sun and few clouds to mar his play. They had eaten their midday meal an hour earlier, so she would allow him more time to run and exercise, for the following day he would be confined to the house.
“Miss Harcourt?” the boy said as he joined her on the bench that sat beneath a large oak tree.
“Yes?”
“Why are you not allowed to attend father’s party?” he asked with a furrowed brow. “He is going to let Aunt Catherine go.” He shook head in disgust. “If she is able to go, then so should you.”
Jane smiled and reached over to brush away a bit of grass that clung to his shirt. “Do you not like your Aunt Catherine?” she asked. “She seems to be a very nice woman who cares very much for you.”
He looked around to see anyone was nearby and then leaned in conspiratorially. “No, I do not like her, not one bit,” he whispered. “I think she is up to mischief most of the time.” Jane went to stop him from continuing, but he ignored her. “All she talks about is money. I think she wants my father’s money.”
Jane clicked her tongue at him. “Samuel, it is not nice to say such things,” she said. However, she was curious why he thought as such. “Why do you believe she wants our father’s money?”
“I heard her tell Uncle Robert that it’s not fair he does not have as much money as Father.” The idea of an adult being jealous of another seemed to confound him.
“Well, we should not repeat those things again,” she said firmly. “Now, why do you not go and play while I watch you? Let me know how many rabbits you see.”
The frown the boy had worn was replaced instantly by a large grin. “I will tell you,” he said as he jumped up from the bench. “I bet there will be a hundred of them!” And with that, he ran off toward the small hill.
Jane laughed as she watched him searching through the tall grass, her mind turning to what the boy had said. Although she had seen nothing but kindness from Catherine, she thought back to the night she and Lord Blackstone had come to dine at Wellesley Manor. When Michael had mentioned his desire to host a ball, anger had flickered across her face. Yet, later, she believed that her concern, as well as that of Lord Blackstone, had been for Michael’s mental state.
Then a new thought, something she could not quite grasp, tried to enter her mind. However, before it could converge into anything tangible, she looked over to see Michael approaching, as handsome as ever.
“Is all ready for tomorrow?” she asked, although she doubted he had missed even the smallest detail.
“As much as it can be,” he replied with a chuckle. “Although there is something important that I have forgotten until now.”
“Oh? And what would that be?”
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small card and handed it to her.
Smiling, she took the card from him and read the words to herself.
Miss Harcourt,
It would be an honor if you would meet me in the drawing room tonight at ten.
Sincerely,
Michael Blackstone
Jane found the small gesture endearing and she knew her cheeks had to be a deep crimson. “I accept,” she said. She wished to ask him what he had planned, but he spoke before she could do so.
“Until then,” he said with a deep bow. “I still have so much to see to.” He gave her a wink and then walked away.
Jane played with the card in her hand. Whatever plans he had made for tonight, her anticipation to find out was great.
***
Having already put Samuel to bed some time ago, Jane had more than enough time to ready herself to meet Michael at ten per his request. Although she did not know what he had planned, the thought of meeting him brought a smile to her face as she looked herself over in the mirror. She had selected one of her new dresses in his favorite color of blue with a deep neckline and lace on the sleeves and banded down the skirt. A large yellow rose had been embroidered on the bodice as well as smaller flowers around the bottom hem. She had to admit, the coloring went well with her complexion, a thought that had never occurred to her before.
She made her way down to the drawing room. The house was silent, for more than likely all of the servants had gone to bed so they would be well rested for the festivities the following day. Even Jenkins was nowhere to be seen, a man who would be in place at the slightest sound of being needed.
Outside the door to the drawing room, she took a deep breath. The candle holder trembled in her hand. Why was she so nervous? she wondered. Perhaps it was the unknown that held her stomach hostage, but whatever the issue, she would never learn what the Duke was up to if she remained in the hallway.
She tapped lightly on the door and then opened it just as the c
lock struck ten.
Michael stood beside a small table, his dark-blue coat contrasting nicely with the white ruffled shirt beneath it. Just like Samuel, that unruly wave of hair hung over his brow, but he did nothing to push it aside. The rest of his hair was tied back with a dark-blue ribbon that matched his coat.
“Jane,” he said invitingly. He lifted two glasses of wine and offered her one. “Surely there is no woman more beautiful than you.” He looked her up and down. “That dress displays a beauty I have never seen before.”
As was now customary when he showered her with praise about her beauty, her cheeks heated. She closed the door behind her and walked over to him. Although they had shared their hearts, held one another’s hands, and even kissed, tonight somehow felt different—somehow special.
“I am graced by your presence,” he said.
“The honor is all mine,” she replied.
He wore a wide smile. “Tomorrow my home will be filled with guests, all wishing to take a peek at the Duke of Fire. You and I, however, both know that man is now gone.”
She nodded. “Indeed. Far gone.”
He chuckled. “That is one of the reasons I requested your attendance this evening.” He raised his glass. “To new beginnings,” he said and then tapped his glass against hers.
“New beginnings,” she parroted and then took a sip of the wine. She reveled in the sweet flavor that rolled across her tongue. Never had she tasted such a fine wine.
“Although I wait in great anticipation for the ball tomorrow, I must admit that I look forward to when everyone leaves.” He set his glass on the table, and then took hers and placed it beside his.
“Might I ask why?” she asked, although she had an inkling what he might say.
“For I can begin to pursue a woman for whom I care deeply.” The words were like honey to her soul, and he grasped her hand in his. “Jane, I will be forever grateful for what you have done for me. When we begin our courtship, I will the happiest man in all of England.”
Jane felt her heart soar as she looked up into Michael’s eyes. “When I first arrived here, I thought myself plain and unworthy of the admiration of others. However, I have come to learn something of great importance.” Her voice was just above a whisper as emotions overtook her heart. “I care not if no one looks at me again, save you. For your gaze is the only one I want because…” her voice trailed off as the realization hit her. Plenty of men who would be considered handsome had cast their eyes her way, but she had not welcomed such infatuation, and she had forced her eyes to down each time. However, she wanted his eyes on her, his smile, the desire alight in his eyes. All of his adoration she welcomed with open arms. Only one reason would a woman ever desire that gaze, and that was when…
“I love you,” she whispered.
Michael looked down at her, all that and more in that gaze. “And I love you, Miss Harcourt,” he rasped.
This time their kiss was hungry, searching, and she did not want it to ever end. That new emotion, now that it had been voiced, coursed through her, and she now knew what Anne and other women meant by that word.
When the kiss eventually came to an end, Jane laid her head against Michael’s chest and listened to his heartbeat as he wrapped his arms tightly around her.
“There is a future for us, Jane,” he said as he kissed the top of her head. “I can see it.”
Jane let out a sigh. It was just as Anne had said about one trusting their heart. Once again, her heart told her that Michael as telling the truth.
Chapter Twenty-One
The foyer that for years had been quiet—except for servants who passed through or when Samuel came rushing in excited to share his adventures with anyone who would listen—was now filled with voices as lords and ladies talked, their voices carrying over one another. Many Michael had known from years past, but some he had met for the first time tonight. Throughout the day they had arrived, some appearing timid while others seemed fearful as introductions were made. However, their reaction to meeting him did not surprise him, for he knew what they believed of him. Plus, his face did nothing to deter their hesitancy.
Michael wondered if his guests expected a Duke standing beside an open fire acting as a madman might. Perhaps they watched in anticipation for him to show signs that he was losing his mind. A few stared openly at the scars on his face, some with faintly veiled disgust, but most affected not to notice—though he knew they could not have missed them.
In the end, he cared nothing for their opinions or observations, for this ball was not for them. No, it was for him as a way to show all those of the ton, from Baron to Duke, that he, the Duke of Hayfield, would carry on as he had six years earlier without fear of ridicule.
“Will we not sit,” Robert asked in agitation. “I am growing hungry.”
“Not yet,” Michael replied. “Jane has planned to have Samuel recite for us first. They should be here any moment.”
His brother snorted with contempt. “Surely you do not mean to allow that…servant…to appear before members of the ton?”
Michael ignored the man’s tone and simply nodded.
“I will tell you this, Michael, and then I will say no more. That woman does not have your best interests at heart. Be careful, for she has somehow charmed you and will seek to find her way into your coffers. Mark my words.”
Letting out a small laugh, Michael said, “Your words are properly marked, your wisdom appreciated and noted. Now, let us enjoy this splendid evening before us and not waste such a grand spectacle on something which has no merit.”
“As you wish,” Robert replied with a bow just short of mocking. “You are the Duke.”
“That I am,” Michael replied, confidence soaring through him. Then he smiled as Jane and Samuel appeared on the upstairs landing. Samuel looked a smaller version of Michael with his dark coat and trousers and his wild hair neatly combed. His heart filled with pride as he looked at the future Duke of Hayfield, who would no doubt impress everyone this evening with his rendition.
In turn, his eyes went to Jane, and his smile widened further, if that were even possible. She wore her new blue dress, and he knew she wore it for him. Her hair was piled high on her head and blue flowers that matched her dress were woven into her curls. Governess or not, she was the most beautiful woman in attendance, made obvious by the wide eyes of the men and the jealous scowls of the women.
“Your Grace,” Jenkins said in a loud voice. “Honored guests. Lord Samuel Blackstone and Miss Jane Harcourt.”
Samuel gave a perfect bow and Jane gave a perfect curtsy as the crowd looked on from below.
Michael scanned the crowd and realized that all eyes were on him. “My son Samuel would like to recite a poem before we dine,” he announced. Then he gave Jane a single nod.
She smiled and motioned to Samuel to begin.
“The Sun Also Rises, by Michael Turnlow.” The boy paused for a moment and Jane leaned over and whispered in his ear. Although Michael could not hear her words, he knew they were words of encouragement, for it was what Jane did—encouraged those around her, having them seek to do their best, and he had no doubt Samuel would do as she asked.
And that he did.
“In the morning, when the sky is not yet light, I take upon my shoulders, the burden of flight. Though I am but a small creature compared to the beast of the land…”
The poem he recited was beautiful, and pride for his son built in Michael to levels he had never known. The boy was articulate and missed not a single beat or word, and Michael’s thoughts swung back to the night of the fire and the screaming youngster in his arms as he fought his way through the flames that threatened to take his heir. Now, years later, just the presence of Samuel speaking showed that the fire had lost its battle, at least when it came to his son. Granted, it had taken Elizabeth, and he knew a part of his heart would regret he could not save her, but now a new love had filled that once dark void.
The sound of polite applause filled the roo
m, and Samuel bowed, his grin so grand that it brought about a pleasant laughter. For a brief moment, his eyes caught Jane’s, and the pride he saw in them matched his own. One day she would become his wife and thus a mother to Samuel, and he would be the happiest man in the world.
As the applause died off and words of approval came to his ears, he let his eyes linger on Jane for a few moments longer. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson, and he knew her reaction was not a cause of the applause. Since the day she arrived, he wondered how she could tell things about him that he would never have uttered aloud, but now he knew the mystery was now revealed. For when one was in love, no words were needed to express what was on one’s heart.
Then he realized that the room had gone to an expectant quiet. “Thank you, Samuel, for your wonderful rendition. And to Miss Harcourt, your wonderful instructor.”
Robert snorted beside him as the two turned and headed back from where they had come. They had already dined, and Samuel would be off to bed for the night. Jane had told him that she would retire early, as well, and he wished she had accepted his personal invitation to have her join him. However, just as before, she had declined, outlining once again her reasons a governess should not attend her master’s parties.
Jenkins came up to Michael expectantly. It was time for him to announce each couple one by one by title so they could take their place at the dining table accordingly.
A smile came to Michael’s face, for in a year’s time, he believed Jane would be the first to be seated.
***
Jane sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the thin blanket up to Samuel’s chin. Though he had feigned not being tired, the large yawn he let out quickly disproved his claims.
“You see? You are sleepy,” she said, and he frowned. “That is fine, though. We all need to rest. You most certainly do, for your recital was so splendid, I believe every person shall be speaking of it for years to come.”
The boy smiled. “Do you believe so, Miss Harcourt?” he asked, his eyes so innocent that they warmed her heart. “I think Father was pleased.”
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