Mari nodded again. If Aunt Agnes knew how available she’d already made herself to Jamie, she would surely have an apoplexy. Mari felt a tingle of warmth flash through her as she recalled Jamie’s hands roaming over her body, caressing bare flesh meant for husbands. Her nipples puckered and her breasts suddenly felt heavy and achy. Dear Lord. How she wanted to experience that again.
“Very well then.” Her aunt laid down her own needlework and rose. “I shall write a note to the earl, thanking him for seeing you home.”
“Thank you,” Mari said and turned back to the window as her aunt left. Where was Seth? She’d given him a half-crown to deliver the message. Perhaps he had decided to stop at the market. After all, she hadn’t asked him to wait for a reply since he was not to know what was in the sealed envelope.
Mari retrieved her embroidery only to put it down after she pricked her finger once again. Maybe she should read a book to take her mind off Jamie. The first book that came to mind was Malory’sLe Morte d’Arthur. Did she really want to read about Sir Gawain right now?
Givens appeared in the doorway just as she was about to go to the library. “This arrived by special courier,” he said and handed her an envelope.
Mari forced herself not to grab it from the butler and hoped her eagerness did not show on her face. Jamie had responded. Then icy cold sluiced through her veins. What if he had turned her down? “Thank you,” she managed to say, surprised her voice sounded calm. Givens nodded and moved down the hall. Mari sank down on the sofa, her hands trembling. She took a deep breath and broke the seal.
Dearest Mari,
Your letter was a welcome surprise. Please meet me in Hyde Park near Ladies Mile at four o’clock this afternoon. Come alone, if you can, because I have much to say.
Forever yours,
Jamie
Mari clutched the note to her heart, wanting to shout for joy. Jamie wanted her.
She glanced at the words again. She had so much to tell him too. He wanted her to come alone, which probably meant he intended to kiss her in a very improper way. At least, she hoped so. She remembered her conversation with Abigail. Maybe she’d just take the initiative herself.
It would not be hard to get there. She’d have the carriage drop her at Maddie’s, since the baron lived only a few blocks from the park, but instead of going in, Mari would wait for the carriage to drive away and then walk to the park.
She practically danced up the stairs to change into a different dress. Soon. Soon she would be seeing Jamie and everything would be all right.
