Page 37 of A Stormy Season

“I enjoy learning new things as much as anyone, but I want to learn it by doing it, not listening to someone talk about it.”

Jane laughed. “I feel the same about lectures. I once attended a nautical lecture with my father, about how to navigate a ship, and I thought I would run from the room screaming if I had to sit there another minute. I told my father I was ill so he would take me out, but it was not a lie. I did feel ill, but I was instantly better when I could no longer hear the man’s monotone voice droning on and on.”

Luke couldn’t help laughing. “I would have probably done the same, to be honest.”

Her smile seemed to turn more intimate, as if the two of them were alone in the room. In truth, Mrs. Gilchrist was so occupied with her daughter that she didn’t seem to be paying them any attention.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed.

Tea arrived and he and Jane drank two cups before he said, “I should go and acquire those tickets for the play.”

Jane and Mrs. Gilchrist said the usual farewells, but Jane walked him to the door. She must have been wanting to make sure the servants saw that they were behaving as an engaged couple would.

“I shall see you tomorrow, then,” Luke said, his hat in his hand, looking into Jane’s eyes.

“Yes.” Jane smiled.

Strangely, he suddenly felt a bit nervous, reminding him of his younger self, before he met Anne. Though only a few years had passed, he hadn’t thought he would ever feel this way again, the frisson of joyful excitement while gazing into the eyes of a pretty woman.

And not just any pretty woman, but the mysterious and confident Jane Gilchrist.

He bid her a good day, feeling strangely hopeful.

Chapter Twelve

Jane wasn’t sure if Luke would return the next morning during visiting hours, but he did, at the same time as the day before, and he brought flowers with him this time.

She happened to be coming down the stairs in view of the front door and entrance hall when he arrived. He held out the bright flowers to her and she took them from his hand. Her fingers brushed his and she felt her stomach do a strange flip. Was she as silly as all that? Perhaps this pretense to being in love was nearly as potent as the real thing.

“I chose the double hyacinths, as they were so intensely blue, they reminded me of your eyes, and the daffodils because the florist said they won’t last much longer, as they will be out of season.”

“They are very lovely. I thank you. I do enjoy blue and yellow together.” As she turned to lead him into the sitting room, she asked, “Is it cold outside?” His cheeks were rather red, but as soon as she asked the question she realized she’d blundered.

“Not cold, only a bit cool,” he replied, the color in his cheeks deepening.

Why was he blushing? He spoke quickly, as if he was nervous. And why did that make her chest feel all warm and buoyant?

The servant who had answered the door came in with a vase of water and Jane started arranging the flowers. “The flowers brighten the room so well. Thank you for bringing them.”

“Bringing you flowers is my pleasure.”

Mrs. Gilchrist came hurrying into the room, all smiles, and greeted their guest.

“I got your note saying you were able to acquire tickets to the theatrical,” Jane said.

“I hope you and Mr. Gilchrist are able to accompany us,” Luke said to Penelope.

“Yes, of course. We are looking forward to the play and the company.”

They talked of how busy Henry was in trying to coordinate his men in the effort to capture Lenoir and his henchmen. Unfortunately, Lenoir continued to elude them. And then they spoke briefly of their trip to Hertfordshire the next day.

“Henry can only stay one day,” Penelope said, “but I shall be there as long as Jane is staying.”

Luke asked Jane, “Are you going to the shop today?”

“Yes, for a few hours.”

“May I escort you there?”