Page 4 of A Lady's Past
“Only if my knowing will ease your immediate fears.”
She shook her head.
“What would?”
Her pale skin pinked, and she stared into the dark corner near the window. “It’s too much to ask. Even if we knew each other it would be too much to ask.”
Standing, he opened his arms wide. “If you do not ask, we shall never know.”
Clutching her blanket, she sat up. “I have been alone and without friends or family for some time. I can’t tell you why I am in this state, but it’s been quite lonely. I wonder… That is to say… Would you be willing to hold me? And only hold me, for a short while?”
Heart tripping like one of his friend Francis’s inventions before the explosions, he cleared his throat. “I… That is not what I expected you to say.” He laughed.
Bright red now, she turned away and lay back down. “I apologize. It was foolish of me.”
Swallowing a wave of desire, Jacques climbed into the bed.
Despite her request, she stiffened like a board.
“It would be my honor to hold you until you fall asleep, Diana. You are safe with me.” He placed his hand on her back and waited.
After a minute, she relaxed.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The most annoying thought, of how perfectly she fit him, rolled through his head. His body reacted, and it required concentration to relax, as much as one could relax when holding a beautiful, mysterious woman in his arms in the middle of the night.
A long sigh escaped her lips and she relaxed against him. “I have made you uncomfortable.”
It was no use denying it, as he was sure she could feel his arousal. “Only in the most delightful way. Go to sleep, Diana. Things will seem better in the morning.”
Her next breath heaved with whatever burden she carried. “Oh, how I wish that were true, Jacques.”
When she said no more, he breathed in the warm scent of her and closed his eyes. It was best to let sleep take him lest he drive himself mad with curiosity.
Soft tendrils of her dark tresses slid across his cheek from where her head lay on his shoulder. Her head grew heavy and her breath even.
By far, the oddest evening to date. He closed his eyes and let the tiring day catch up with him.
* * *
Sun shone bright through the windows, making Jacques squint awake. Warm skin against his chest reminded him that he hadn’t slept alone. Her hair splayed like a halo across his neck and chest, Diana slept. Her blanket had slipped precariously low, though it still covered her. Her arm hugged his waist and his wrapped around her back. Her skin was like velvet, and he longed to touch all of her.
Easing up, he shifted her to the pillow. “Diana, it is daylight. We had better pay Mr. Tinker and get to London. I have a meeting this morning.”
She stretched like a cat after milk and a long nap. The swell of her breast mounded over the top of the quilt, calling to him to return to the bed and take as much delight as she had to give.
That idea of climbing back into the bed and seeing exactly what she looked like beneath that blanket warred with his good nature and gentleman’s status. This was some kind of torture, he was sure. Perhaps it was penance for a misspent youth. The fire was out, but her dress was dry. He gave it to her, tucked his blouse in and finished dressing. He might have time to get home, wash and change before his meeting.
He stuffed his clothes into his bag and went to the door. “I will settle the bill while you dress. Shall I meet you at the carriage?”
Beet red, she forced that look of indifference and said, “I’ll be down in a few minutes, and would appreciate the ride to town.”
With a nod, Jacques left her to dress and went down to pay Mr. Tinker. He found a parcel of warm bread and cheese had been put together for their journey.
Mrs. Tinker handed it to him. “I thought you two would be wanting to continue on your way early since it was the weather that stopped you.”
“You are most kind.”
Jacques paid Mr. Tinker and thanked him as well, before stepping into the cool morning, where he waited for Robbie to deliver Midas and the carriage.
