He took a step closer. “Please call me Jacob,” he said, leaning his head toward her.
Jacob.The name fit him perfectly.
Her head was spinning. She’d never felt so out of control before. Was this it? Was he waiting to see if she would step back? That was the last thing she wanted to do. She yearned to finally experience her first kiss. It was the perfect opportunity, and she wasn’t the least bit afraid. She tilted her chin up and closed her eyes, waiting. She could feel his warm breath on her face, their lips a hair’s breadth apart.
Just as their lips were about to touch, Mia burst into the room, followed by Grace. “This house is perfect,” Mia said.
Audrey and Lord Fletcher jumped apart, and she quickly walked to the windows, pretending to admire the view while she willed her runaway heart to calm down. She could feel the heat in her cheeks and was very disappointed that Mia had ruined her perfect moment when she chose to enter the room, interrupting Jacob’s kiss. Of course, she couldn’t really blame her sister, but she’d wanted that kiss so badly and had no idea when the next opportunity would present itself.
Lord Fletcher cleared his throat. “I agree. What do you think, Miss Parker? Is this our new home?”
Audrey turned from the window. The house was lovely and would be perfect, but she wondered how she could control her emotions if Lord Fletcher actually lived with them. Seeing the expectant look on all their faces, she felt like she had no choice.
“Yes. I believe it will do very nicely,” she said with a brilliant smile.
Chapter17
Jacob had done it. He’dfinally gotten a smile from Miss Parker, a beautiful, genuine smile that lit up her face. It was a glorious sight to see, although he was bitterly disappointed that Miss Mia had interrupted their kiss. He was so close to tasting Miss Parker’s sweet lips, but at least he felt like she would be open to him trying again. She hadn’t stepped away when he leaned toward her. He’d be patient and wait for another opportunity. “Excellent. I shall contact Mr. Haggerty and arrange to sign the contract. As this house is mostly furnished, I suggest you leave most of the furniture in the Gracechurch residence, especially if you’d like to rent it.”
“We must take the pianoforte,” Grace said. “It’s our most important treasure.”
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving it behind,” he said. “I’ll also ask Mr. Haggerty which agency is best for hiring some additional staff. We need a housekeeper, a couple of maids, and some footmen.”
“You think all that is necessary?” Miss Parker asked. “We’ve gotten along perfectly well with Mrs. Culbert and Beckwith.”
“I understand that. At Gracechurch Street, which is smaller, there were probably enough staff, but this house would be too much for them to handle alone. They’ll need help, and I’ll feel better knowing we’re giving more folks the chance to earn a decent income.”
He wanted to continue the same practice in England as he did in New York, of giving as many people as possible good-paying jobs. It was what he was most passionate about. Without Henry giving him a helping hand all those years ago, he doubted he would be enjoying the success he now had, and he wanted many others to share in that same success.
“I’d like to check the third level to make sure it’s appropriate for the staff you wish to hire,” Miss Parker said. “Ideally, there should be a separation between the rooms for the maids and those for the footmen.”
“Good idea,” he said. “After you.”
Miss Parker and her sisters left the sitting room and walked out through the connecting door.
“This bedchamber is clearly intended for the lady of the house. It’s quite lovely,” Grace said. “Sister, will you be taking this one?”
Jacob waited with bated breath to see what Miss Parker would say. It would be a torturous temptation if she decided to occupy it. Knowing she was so close and yet off limits would certainly test his resolve.
“No, I’ll take one of the other chambers. There are still options once you girls choose yours.”
As much as he wanted to be disappointed in her choice, he knew it was for the best. Perhaps she also thought it would be much too tempting to be that close to each other.
On the third level of the house, there were four more bedchambers—two on each side, separated by a hallway. The rooms weren’t large, but big enough to hold a bed, a chest for their clothing, a chair, and a washstand.
“These accommodations will work well, I think,” Miss Parker said.
“Would you care to see anything else?” he asked.
“May we see the garden now?” Grace asked.
“Of course. Lead the way.”
The way Grace’s face lit up when they viewed the garden sealed the deal. It wasn’t a large space, but it was certainly big enough to satisfy her love of nature.
“This is such a lovely space. All it needs is a few more rose bushes and a couple of chairs to allow one to sit and contemplate life’s little mysteries,” Grace said.
“How poetic,” he said. “Is there anything else you ladies would like to see?”
