Page 27 of A Wish Upon an Earl
She halted in the door, a jolt traveling through her as her gaze locked with Jack’s.
She swallowed down a lump.She’d not run away again as she’d done last night.Jack was her brother’s close friend, and she could not avoid him forever, tempting as the idea was.
And so, squaring her shoulders, she entered the room.
He sought her out immediately, her very good friend, as she resisted the urge to about-face and retreat back to her room.
“Good morning,” he said with that soft smile that melted her bones.If only he meant it with the affection that she imagined was behind that smile.
“Good morning,” she replied, her hands clasping.“How did you sleep?”
“All right,” he answered.“And you?”
“Good,” she lied, her gaze sliding to the side.
“You look tired, Sarah.”His voice dropped, worry lacing the edges.“Perhaps another day of rest is in order?”
His concern, which would normally fill her with satisfaction, rankled her this morning.“You needn’t worry yourself over me.I’ll be fine.”She didn’t need his platonic concern creating hope.
His brows drew together.“Sarah,” he started.“About last night.Allow me to explain.”
She waved her hand as though shooing away a fly.“No explanation is required.I believe I understand perfectly.”
“I’m not certain that you do,” he said, frowning.
Another guest, Sir Henry Waffleton, approached them both, much to Sarah’s relief.It would be so much easier to make it through this morning if she and Jack did not talk.
“Sir Henry,” she called with a great deal more zeal than was likely necessary.“How good to see you.”
“And you.”He gave Sarah a warm smile.“I’m glad to see you have recovered from your…illness.”He leaned forward, looking through his monocle meaningfully.
Sarah paused, noting the hesitation in his voice.“Thank you.”
Sir Henry’s smile grew.“Thankyou.This party has been an absolute delight.The best I’ve been to in years.It’s even been replete with a bit of mystery.Do you think we’ll discover who the bumbling knight actually is?”He chuckled as he glanced over at Jack.
Jack said nothing as Sarah pulled her smile back into place.“I don’t know.I’m afraid I’ve missed most of the happenings.”Then she stepped in front of Jack.She could almost curse herself.Even as upset as she was, she felt the need to protect him, as though blocking him from view might halt Sir Henry’s ponderings.“What I’m considering is what we shall do this morning with the party we’ve assembled.”
Sir Henry opened his mouth, to say what she knew not, but he never got the chance to speak.Because Jack, his voice loud enough to be heard by all, called out from behind her.“I’ve got the perfect idea for what we should do today.”
“What’s that, young fellow?”Sir Henry asked, his eyes lighting with interest, and the voices around them quieted.
Jack stepped closer to her, his hand brushing the small of her back.“Let’s put on a play that we can perform for all the assembled guests.”
A cheer rose up from the group, but Sarah took a half-stumbling step back, running into Jack, who promptly steadied her with a hand to her waist.At any other point in her life, she might have loved to put on a play.But here, now, with him, it was the worst idea…and there was no way she could refuse.
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Jack heard her intake of breath.So quiet he might have missed it if he hadn’t been listening carefully.Her body stiffened under his hand.She looked back at him, alarm making her eyes wider and greener.“I’m not sure that’s wise for me.You know I’ve been ill.”
From the first moment their gazes had met, he’d known Sarah was upset.She’d left Ash’s office clearly distraught last night, and whatever ailed her continued to do so this morning.What he didn’t quite understand is what exactly had her so worried.
Did she think Lady Victoria would be victorious?He’d already assured Sarah the other woman would not trap him.He didn’t yet know how he’d escape that plot, but he would.And he’d keep his promise to Sarah to protect her.
Did she need him to repeat that promise?He’d say the words again and again if she needed to hear them.Or perhaps she needed proof that he’d keep his word.
Which was why he’d started with a play.
He knew Sarah.She loved to act, and he’d give her every opportunity to have what she loved, what made her happy.
