Page 31 of Sleepless in Saunton
“It is your decision, but know that I am … that is … I would … like to try.”
He lifted one of his large hands, the hands that occupied her thoughts when she lay awake until the twilight of dawn, and ran his blunt, calloused fingertips gently down her cheek as if she were made of the finest china. “I must leave you now, before I do something I regret.”
Barclay left her standing there, and Jane stood still for several moments while she caught her breath, wondering what would happen next.
* * *
Barclay woke up,surprised how well he had slept after the interlude in the library. He examined the ceiling, recalling the taste of Jane on his tongue. She was sweet and soft, with a delightful constellation of freckles where her neck sloped down to meet her shoulder.
A constellation that he had licked with relish to confirm that her skin was infused with a trace of strawberries, as he’d wondered ever since Jane had shared her beauty ritual with Tatiana.
He was still uncertain what was right, but he felt compelled to see Jane again. To experience the invigoration of being interested in life and love once more, a sensation which had been missing since Natalya’s departure. Perhaps his desire to spend time in Jane’s company was overriding his good sense, but he could not think of a single reason why he should not seek her out. What harm could it possibly do?
Inhaling deeply, he assured himself that he was not too old for her by societal norms and they appeared to be well-matched intellectually, with perceptions and pursuits in common. And now that the earl had acknowledged him, surely the Thompsons’ standing would be improved once society learned of it?
Saunton had even suggested he would host a dinner to introduce Aurora and Barclay to well-placed members of society, to assist them in making new connections, and the duke had pledged his support to the endeavor. A rise in status might mean no lowering of Jane’s in the event that their relationship progressed to the desired outcome.
He pondered spending some time with Jane today, so they might get to know each other better. She was open to a courtship, so perhaps it was logical to somehow explore their compatibility?
Barclay stretched and rose, thinking of how he might discreetly arrange to be with her without revealing their attraction so they might explore the possibilities of their relationship without the interference of others’ opinions. Some activity that would not lead to firm expectations but would allow them to learn more about each other and to discover if theirs would be an advisable partnership.
He did not wish to participate in any of the activities arranged for the guests, so he would need to find something that they could do away from the eyes—and inquisitiveness—of others.
Would Tatiana be sufficient to act as a chaperone, considering that he and Jane were vaguely related and these matters were usually a little more relaxed in the country? Whom could he ask without revealing the inducement for his question?
* * *
Jane wokeat her usual time. The kiss she had shared with Barclay had done nothing to restore her former ability to rest peacefully. She had lain restless until dawn, remembering the touch of his lips on hers and the feel of his hard body under that heated layer of linen.
She exhaled deeply and wondered what would happen now that he had revealed his attraction. Would he pretend it had not happened when she saw him next, retreating from their connection, or would he acknowledge their growing affinity?
It was unclear, based on his final words before departing the library.
Groaning, she rolled out of bed. The sooner she dressed, the sooner she could find her tray of coffee waiting for her in the library.
An hour later, she took a seat in the library, pouring her coffee while Ethan and Richard played an early game of chess. The earl’s green eyes glinted in the sunlight from the window, mirroring his son’s own emerald gaze as they both concentrated on the chessboard.
“Checkmate.”
“No, Papa! How did you do it?”
Richard grinned. “I retreated to draw you in, and you followed, thinking I was defending myself.”
Ethan focused on the pieces, clearly playing out the last few moves mentally. He lifted a hand to tug on his collar, a perfect imitation of what Jane had noticed the earl doing on occasions when he was under stress. Richard pointed out what he had done, moving the pieces back, and then demonstrated the final moves.
“Papa, Daisy told me we have agra-tain the woods?”
“You mean the grotto?”
“Yes. She said she heard it was veryboo-tee-fill, but she does not know where it is. Could you take me there?”
The earl’s face fell. “I wish I could, but I have meetings with my steward and tenants today.”
“I could take him.” Barclay’s husky voice caused Jane to thrill in acute response. She had not noticed his entry, but he was at the door, dressed in his customary black and buckskins, and holding Tatiana by the hand.
Richard smiled hopefully. “Do you know where it is?”
“Of course. I have studied the plans for Saunton Park many times over the years. It was the project that made Tsar’s reputation.”
