Page 32 of A Wish Upon an Earl
Ash propped his head on his hand as he fiddled with objects on his desk.“I had to give Camila a grand gesture as well.Worked like a charm.”
“What was it?”Jack asked, sitting up straighter in his chair.
Ash frowned.“It wouldn't work for you.More than anything, Camilla wanted a chemistry set.”
Ash was right.That would not work for Sarah at all.
“It was easy for me because she’d wished for that very thing this spring.”
Jack blinked.The wishes.He’d known all along exactly what Sarah wanted.“Around the maypole?”
Ash started in surprise.“How did you know that?”
“Sarah made a wish too.”She’d wished for a knight.And here Jack was with a full suit of armor on the premises.“I think I have an idea, but I’m going to need help, and you might have to be all right with your friend and possible brother-in-law making a complete fool of himself.”
Ash raised his brows.“I do believe my sister would enjoy something theatrical enough to cause a scene.”
Jack smiled, satisfaction rippling through him as he began to sort out the details.His plan was perfect.“I’m going to need a bit of help this evening…”
* * *
Sarah was still watchingthe clock a quarter hour later.Her stomach churned as she shifted her weight.Had he listened to her and decided to no longer be friends?Not that she regretted those words exactly.
She’d been right earlier when she’d said that she couldn’t be his friend.Her feelings were too strong.
But she’d been running scared sincethe incident.She’d hidden behind her duties, but the truth was…she missed parts of who she used to be.This play, for example.This had always been her favorite, but she’d begun hiding herself away, always afraid of what others might think, might say to her.
But she didn’t wish to hide any longer.
Which meant throwing herself into this role.
It also meant telling Jack the real reason she could not be his friend.Even if he didn’t return her feelings and even knowing he’d reject her, she’d be brave.
It was time to stop hiding.
But as the minutes had ticked over an hour, she’d worried that Jack wouldn’t return to rehearsal at all.What if she never got the chance to explain?
More pressingly, Sir Henry had built the tower quite high.She’d much prefer that Jack help her in and out of the makeshift structure.The idea of Sir Henry lifting her…
When Jack finally came through the door, flashing a warm smile, her insides melted with relief and joy.He’d come back, and she’d have her chance.
“You’re here,” she said as he stepped up to her side.“I’m glad.I was worried.”
He cocked his head.“I’m glad to hear that you’re glad.”
She leaned a bit closer, wishing more than ever that they could talk alone.“I should have taken your invitation at lunch.I?—”
“Are we ready?”Sir Henry called.
Sarah huffed with frustration, but Jack chuckled.“I’m ready.I’m sorry I kept everyone waiting.Our host needed a word.”Then he bent his head lower, whispering close to Sarah.“I accept your apology and I believe I have a few to make of my own.But for now, what do you say we get Rapunzel up in her tower?”
She nodded and they stepped behind the structure.The knee wall at the top was in fact only knee height so Sarah, in order to look like she was leaning out a window, would spend most of the play sitting.A fact that worked quite well for her ankle.
But the structure was shoulder height and fashioned from an armoire that had been in the next room, so Sarah had to be lifted in and out.
Jack bent down, wrapping his arms about her knees.“Hold onto my shoulders.”
She did as he commanded without question as he easily lifted her into the air.When her head appeared over the structure, the assembly of guests gave a cheer and she smiled with a wave.
