Page 27 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

Julian’s heart tightened at the dismay in Jonas’s voice. “That’s not necessarily true. You must be patient. I know it will be difficult. But in this situation, you must be the grown-up. Remain firm in the belief that you must wait. In the meantime, you can visit, write, stay in touch. Can I rely on you to be the grown-up here, Jonas, regardless of your feelings?”

“I love her, Tens. I want to marry her.”

“How do you love her?” Garrett asked in a soft voice. “Do you understand what marriage will mean?”

Jonas paused, and Julian could see him working out the proper response. “Bert and Reese were married. It means sharing things: food, thoughts, kisses, laughter, and more. Sleeping in the same bed. Sitting together in the evening, happy to be with each other.” Jonas smiled. “And love? I want Meg with me always. I want to keep her safe. I’m happy when she looks at me. Smiles at me. I feel strange inside when she’s near.”

“What you described about love and marriage is very astute,” Julian said. Jonas arched an eyebrow in question. “Astute means smart.”

Another broad smile spread across his perfect features. “I’m smart? Truly, Tens?”

“More than you may believe. If Megan loves you as much as you love her, she will wait. As I said, you must be the grown-up and remain strong. Will you be able to do that, Jonas? Allow proper time to pass before you take your relationship farther? No kisses, no improper touching. It will be difficult, but Megan must be allowed to grow and mature. And if she loves you, she will want you, do not worry.” Julian gave Jonas an encouraging smile.

“I will be the grown-up, I promise. I want to marry her someday, Tens. But doesn’t the man have to have a job? Make money to live? Reese did; he was a barrister. What can I do?”

Julian sat back in his chair. Well. Didn’t expect that. He glanced at Garrett and they exchanged looks of surprise. As he surmised, Jonas was not simpleminded, but had many limitations. Those precincts would be difficult to handle not only for him, but for any woman who married him. It would take an extraordinary young lady indeed. Was his niece up for the challenge? It remained to be seen.

“Let us ponder on it for a while, Jonas. Do you have any other questions?” Garrett asked.

“Is Meg your daughter? For real?”

“Yes, for real. It has been a happy surprise for us all. It is a long story, but it shows what happens when young people give in to passion and love and don’t consider the consequences,” Garrett answered. “Society is harsh toward unmarried young women who find themselves carrying a child. It is entirely unfair that young ladies receive the brunt of the censure. Society is unforgiving; they call it a scandal, and it’s another reason that you and Megan must remain strong and wait. You do not want Megan to find herself in such a situation.”

Jonas shook his head vigorously.

In as many brief words as they could muster, Julian and Garrett explained the act of human reproduction. Jonas absorbed the information, his expression contemplative. “I won’t do that with Meg, not until we’re married, I promise.”

“Good lad.” Damn, he could only hope that the young couple curbed their desires. From experience, Julian knew it was difficult. He glanced at his brother. Garrett was the living proof.

Jonas stood. “I’m going to feed Poppy. Do you both want to come with me?”

Julian laughed. “And have your llama spit at me again? I think not. Besides, I am going to share a brandy with Alberta.” He rose to his feet. “Any time you have questions, Jonas, you come to me. Or Garrett. We are all friends.”

Garrett stood as well. “Julian is correct.”

Jonas smiled, his blue eyes sparkling. “Tens. Garrett. We’re very good friends.” He scampered from the room and Julian blew out a cleansing breath. Thank Christ that was over.

Moments later, Alberta entered, smiling warmly. “Forgive me. I listened outside the door. I couldn’t sit still in my room.”

Garrett smiled and gave her a slight bow. “And on that note, I will take my leave. You and Jonas will come for dinner the evening after next? Cook will be pulling out all the stops. I know it is short notice, but we would be delighted if you accepted.”

“We would love to attend.”

Garrett nodded toward Julian and exited the room. Alberta sat next to Julian on the settee. “I thought you would have returned to London by now.”

“Prime Minster Peel ended the autumn session prematurely and is reluctant to call us back. He knows he is in danger of losing the house. The Factory Act does not go far enough, and I and others are pushing for further reforms. Also, many of us are pushing for a repeal of the Corn Laws. It all makes for contentious sessions, to say the least.”

Alberta smiled. “Obviously you are not of a conservative bent.”

“Far from it. Nor am I in the House of Lords. Viscount Tensbridge is a courtesy title. I am a Member of Parliament for this district.”

She nodded. “My uncle often wrote of the earl’s causes. Some he agreed with, others he did not. Neither am I conservative. I take interest in what goes on at Westminster, though I know it is not fashionable or acceptable for a woman to do so.”

“I applaud you.” He returned her smile. “And I look forward to future conversations.”

“Concerning Jonas, from what I heard, you were wonderful. And how very frank you were in your descriptions.” Alberta winked good-naturedly.

She teased him and he loved it. With a crooked grin he stood and gathered her up in his arms. “All the talk about kissing and desire has had its effect on me. I have not kissed you yet. I mean to correct that.” He rested his forehead against hers. “A proper kiss.”