Page 55 of Sleepless in Saunton
Barclay fumed in frustration, hoping that Dunsford would not approach Jane without the earl’s prior approval. He could not allow her to be disappointed if the earl had to veto the match after she had already accepted the proposal. Yet the young cad could not be trusted to submit to propriety if he was so shallow about matters of faithfulness. Dunsford might approach her without the earl’s approval.
CHAPTER15
In the morning, Barclay quickly arose to await the earl’s return. From the library windows, he frequently checked the drive for the ducal carriage that had taken his brother and cousin to the town of Chatternwell in Wiltshire.
It was essential that he inform the earl of Dunsford’s intentions. He could not allow Jane to be tricked into the type of marriage the young dandy planned. She was to have a long and happy marriage, and many children to mother. What Dunsford planned was beyond the pale.
Pacing up and down the library, Barclay had to admit he was worried for the lady’s future. Somehow she had come to mean so much to him in a short length of time, and he could not allow her to be manipulated into an unhappy union with the loathsome little cad.
By midmorning, Barclay decided he should go to eat his breakfast. At least it would occupy some of his time while he waited.
Having just taken a seat with a laden plate, Barclay forked baked eggs into his mouth.
“Barclay!” He started in surprise, dropping his fork with a loud clatter as it bounced off his plate, splattering egg across the table. Turning around, he found Aurora, who appeared disheveled and mildly distraught.
“What is it?” Barclay quickly rose to his feet, thoughts of breakfast forgotten.
“Have you seen Tatiana this morning?”
He shook his head. “Why?”
“She was not in her bed when I awoke. I cannot find her anywhere.”
Barclay’s stomach clenched in anxiety. “When did you last see her?”
“I put her to bed after her dinner, and she was sleeping when I returned to the room. At least …” Aurora’s brow furrowed as she attempted to recall the evening before. “Yes. She was there when I came back because I saw her plait on the pillow.” She looked back up. “What do we do?”
“What happened when you woke up?”
“Her bed was empty. We customarily come down to breakfast together at this time, but she must have risen much earlier. I have been searching for her, but this manor is so large, it took the longest time to check the public rooms!”
Barclay ran a hand through his hair. “I will look for her.”
“I already checked the nursery, and the library, and all the rooms on this level. And the terrace.”
He tried to think. With a sinking sensation, he realized there was one place he would have to check. “Did you look in Jane’s room?”
“No … Jane has trouble sleeping, so she has been rising late. I did not want to disturb her too early. Do you think Tatiana could be with Jane?”
Barclay briefly closed his eyes. He could hardly ask his mother to go to Jane’s room. Tatiana was his daughter. His responsibility. He was going to have to march himself down that corridor and force himself to knock on Jane’s door.
He still felt regret over how he had handled the situation with the young woman. Had she waited for him the night he had stayed in his room? She deserved better, but he simply did not trust himself to be alone with her yet.
You do not have a choice.
Barclay grimaced. “I shall learn what I can.”
Aurora frowned. “Barclay, what is happening between you and the young lady? I feel as if there is an undercurrent, and now … you appear quite reluctant to speak to her. Jane is a charming young woman and—”
“There is nothing happening between me and Jane!” He kept a straight face, but he knew his mother would not be fooled. Not after barking as he had just done.
“Barclay—”
He turned and walked to the door. “I must find Tatiana.”And prevent this conversation.Aurora would likely blame herself if she knew his motive for ending his connection with Jane. He rushed off before Aurora could press the issue.
As he hurried through the grand hall, Barclay tried to prepare for his imminent conversation with Jane. Should he apologize? The young woman was clearly aware that he had snubbed her. She probably perceived it as a rejection, while he was merely attempting to navigate this awkward situation and ensure he did not take advantage of her passionate—and youthful—nature.
He exhaled deeply to settle his nerves, but the knot in his gut remained where it was. Blurting out a warning about that worm, Dunsford, was ill-advised, considering the circumstances. She was more likely to reject the caution from him than from his brother, and it was vital that she heed it, so he would not risk telling her himself.
