Page 43 of A Stormy Season

Jane took her morning walk with one of the groomsmen. She went early, while everyone else would still be at breakfast. The woods that had seemed so full of wonders and so interesting the day before seemed rather drab and dull today. She thought of Jeffrey’s happy little voice at every turn, as well as of Luke’s kindhearted way of encouraging his son’s curiosity and independence.

Luke’s gentle manner with his son, the way he was so attentive and kind and affectionate, was working on Jane in ways she’d never imagined. What could she possibly want with the average gentleman, who would ignore his son until he was at least twelve years old and could go shooting with him? A man who was quiet and aloof would never interest her again. A man who was arrogant and self-important and couldn’t be bothered with being kind and patient was so completely unattractive to her, especially now, after seeing Luke with his son.

Those other ladies who had fawned all over him had never had the opportunity to see Luke with Jeffrey. They would probably faint with love for him if they did.

But perhaps other women did not realize, as Jane had not fully realized until now, that a man who was patient and kind—while remaining masculine and confident in himself—was infinitely preferable. Many young ladies were silly about such things as fashionable clothing and perfect hair and the way a man sat on his horse. But those things did not matter at all in a husband.

Jane stayed in her room, writing letters she owed to relatives and friends, for the part of the day that she imagined Luke would be playing with Jeffrey. She would not be drawn in by the handsome father and son. She would not be like those ladies who fawned over him at balls.

Thinking of balls, she remembered that Luke’s ball would take place in three days. She’d better prepare herself to pretend to be engaged to him, which meant dancing mostly with him all night.

That evening at dinner, Penelope said, “Jane, I hardly saw you all day. Are you well?”

Luke looked up, obviously listening.

“I am very well,” Jane said. “I had a lot of letters I had been putting off writing. I am caught up now. And I took an early morning walk while the air was still very cool.”

Luke was quiet, staring down at his soup.

“But I would love some company tomorrow. Perhaps we could all go on a walk and have a picnic. Is there a good spot somewhere for such a thing?” Jane directed her question at Luke. At least if they were all together in a large group she would be able to keep a bit more distance between them—both emotional and physical.

After dinner, when they moved into the drawing room, Penelope was persuaded to play and sing. When she was done, they all thanked her for gracing them with her talent.

“Have you thought of a good place for our picnic?” Jane asked their host.

“I believe I do know just the place,” Luke said, becoming a bit more animated. “It’s not far from the house, near enough that the children can join us for a while, and then their nurses can take them back to the house for a nap.”

“That is very thoughtful,” Penelope said.

“There is a stream nearby that is pleasant to listen to, and also shallow enough that the children can play in the water and not get hurt. And there is a nice shady area near the stream so we won’t have to worry about the ladies getting too much sun.”

“You have thought of everything,” Penelope said. Jane was thinking the same thing.

“I spoke to the housekeeper and we can go for our picnic tomorrow at one.”

“Will they be able to get everything ready so soon?” Penelope asked.

“Since there are only a few of us, it will not be a problem. So we are all set, unless the weather turns foul.”

The next morning was bright and clear but rather cold for a spring day.

Jane walked with Penelope and Luke, the two children just ahead of them, being carried by their nurses. The servants had already gone to set up the food and to prepare a place for them to sit.

Jane asked Penelope, “I wonder how Lilith will react to the little stream Mr. Watley spoke of. Will you let her play in the water?”

“Since it is rather cold today, I think it best not to let her get very wet, but we will see if she wants to put her hands in the water.”

“And Jeffrey?” She smiled, turning to Luke. “Will you let him play in the water? I’m eager to see his reaction. Has he played in the stream before?”

Luke’s expression was unusually severe. Could her questions have displeased him?

“We shall see,” he said. “It is rather cold.”

And so was his answer and demeanor.

They weren’t actually engaged, so he didn’t have to be anything more than civil. She couldn’t help wondering, however, if something was bothering him.

The walk to the picnic spot was much shorter than the walk Jane normally took, so she said, “I shall walk a bit further. Does anyone want to join me?”