Page 15 of Sleepless in Saunton
“Oh? Perry just wed my sister a few days ago!”
“I heard he had just wed. Your sister must be a lovely woman if she is related to you.”
Jane warmed at the compliment. The attentions of a charming young man were almost enough to take her attention off the intriguing architect across the field who was currently demonstrating how to bowl to the lovely Mrs. Gordon before she took her turn at the pitch.
Almost.
Jane had the sinking feeling that she had lost an opportunity when she left his side to find her boots. Now he and Mrs. Gordon were making a connection. All the times she had encountered Barclay, he had been so serious. Now he was laughing while Mrs. Gordon attempted to mimic his bowling demonstration, and the widow was laughing with him.
You are too young for him. He could never take you seriously when he has achieved so much and you have done so little.
It was disappointing. It was the first time she felt a genuine attraction for a man, and he would have to be someone unattainable. If only she had anything to offer a man who had been through so much, but she was merely a country lass who was away from her immediate family for the first time in her brief life. What could she possibly offer such a gentleman? She could play the pianoforte. She was excellent with a needle and thread. But, despite her fascination for the handsome widower, she had no experience with the kind of loss the Thompsons were recovering from.
Are you going to embroider his heart back together?
Jane sighed and turned her attentions to Mr. Dunsford, sitting up straight to force some energy into her tired limbs. She wished … she could sleep a full night and consider her future with a fresh mind.
Failing that, the architect was beyond her reach and she needed to set her sights on a gentleman interested in pursuing her. What had she said to Emma last week? A landowner who was young and fun? Mr. Dunsford fit the bill rather well.
Emma’s advice to pursue a gentleman with whom she shared a connection of the minds seemed a poor option in the bright sunlight when a young man was at her side to exhibit his regard, and the object of her desire flirted with an eminently suitable widow who had all the right qualifications to be a wife and mother to his daughter.
Jane was well disposed to be the wife of a young gentleman of the gentry, such as Mr. Dunsford, and she need never feel gauche or awkward with such a safe choice.
Perhaps she should discover how deep the young man’s interest ran?
CHAPTER4
It was late morning when Jane woke up. She had not fallen asleep until dawn yet again. Perhaps she should visit a herbalist in Saunton to discuss the matter as Emma had suggested because she was wearing down from so little sleep.
The evening before had been wonderful. She had been seated with Adam Dunsford for dinner. The gentleman had a quirky sense of humor and had kept her laughing the entire evening. After dinner they had paired up for parlor games, which Jane had enjoyed all the more for his charming company.
Then she had retired to bed, where she had been unable to fall asleep. Eventually, she had found a captivating book from the library and stayed up reading until the first threads of dawn had stolen into her room.
Stretching her limbs out, Jane yawned widely before sitting up. Then she remembered her plans for this morning, and with a burst of vigor, she scampered from her bed to pull on a wrap before loping over to her door. Opening it wide, she found the cart she had requested.
Her breakfast tray was still warm, and a fat, silver pot of tea was speckled with drops of condensation which promised a piping hot drink to pour.
In addition, the extra supplies she had requested were heaped on a tray of their own. Jane clapped her hands in excitement. She had been looking forward to trying this ever since she had read about it in a women’s periodical.
“What are you doing?”
Jane shrieked and jumped in surprise. Clutching a hand to her pounding heart, she found Tatiana staring at her from the door of her and her grandmother’s bedroom.
“My goodness, you startled the wits from me, Tatiana!”
“You are very twitchy. I noticed it the other night.”
“I … have had trouble sleeping. It has me on edge.”
“Why all the strawberries? And what are those nuts for?”
Jane beamed in delight as she recalled this morning’s task. “Do you wish to join me? I can show you what I am about?”
The girl nodded her head enthusiastically, skipping over to follow Jane into her room with a broad smile on her little face. “Shall I close the door?”
“No, leave it ajar in case your family wishes to find you.”
Jane wheeled the cart over to the table and chairs at the end of the room. Sitting down, she poured out a cup of tea. Adding cream and sugar, she sat back and breathed in the floral flavor with a radiant smile. “You may eat one of the strawberries, if you like. Just not too many because we will need them.”
