Page 34 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

Like most homes in the neighborhood, the courtyard was located behind the house. A tall stone wall, a lasting tribute to the masons who built it centuries earlier, provided privacy from passersby in the service alley.

A balmy gust swept over her as they stepped into the night. The sea breeze kissed her cheeks and stirred the wispy curls at her temples. As torch flames danced in the wind, casting ever-shifting shadows across the wall and flat stone beneath their feet, she inhaled, closing her eyes to savor the salty scent.

“After the sun sets,” she said, “I often think I never wish to leave this place.”

“Then you realize it is a passing fancy, because there are many more cities waiting to be explored. Please, correct me if I’m wrong.”

How observant he was. She struggled to suppress a pleased smile and failed.

Sir Jonathan wasn’t looking at her, though, and he couldn’t know the effect he had on her. He was studying the star-filled sky, so she indulged her whims for a moment.

He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. With his prominent cheekbones and strong chin, he was a sculptor’s dream. His body was lean, yet substantial, his strength visible in the sinewy muscles his trousers couldn’t hide.

“You are not wrong about me,” she said. “I inherited my uncle’s curiosity.”

“I thought as much.” He led her toward a bench located beneath an orange tree.

“Perhaps I should endeavor to be more mysterious.”

“I hope you never change.” His serious gaze settled on her, and she couldn’t catch her breath properly.

“Wh-why…is that?"

They sat side-by-side on the granite seat. It was barely wide enough for both of them. A cozy spot for lovers. She drummed her fingers against the stone and tried to strike the thought from her mind.

“If you want an honest answer,” Sir Jonathan said and handed her a goblet in exchange for the jug of wine, “I find it invigorating to meet a woman who employs no pretense.”

She scrunched her nose. Perhaps he would think differently if he knew what she kept from him. “I sound very boring.”

“Not to me.” He poured wine into her glass before filling his own.

She sipped her wine. “Now you’ve stirred my curiosity, Sir Jonathan. What other observations have you made about me?”

He laughed. “This sounds like a trap. I’ll say something foolish and earn your wrath.”

“I am too logical to be quick tempered. Carry on.”

He placed the jug of wine on the ground and swiveled on the bench, his knee brushing hers. Her pulse quickened. In his presence, the need to be admired for her intellect continually volleyed with her wish to be desired as a woman. Now, she simply wanted him to want her.

“You don’t strike me as a woman who is eager to put down roots.”

She furrowed her brow. “Don’t I seem like the type?”

“You’re different from most women I encounter. I must admit, I find you fascinating.”

“How so?”

He shrugged. “I’ve never met a woman willing to abandon the comforts of home to live in a tent for months on end, aside from my mother.”

“Well, I am different in that sense. I crave learning enough to sleep under the stars. I also believe it is possible to lay down roots wherever you are.”

“Please, enlighten me.”

She glanced toward the sitting room she shared with her family, her stomach fluttering. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t forget what Xavier said earlier. A gentleman wanted to know when his courtship was welcomed. She certainly wouldn’t chase Sir Jonathan away if he set his heart on her, but it was a delicate topic, and no one had ever accused her of being too subtle in her communication. Quite the opposite.

“When you mention roots,” she said, “I imagine you are referring to marriage and children. It’s what most women aspire to at my age. Some might even suggest I’m becoming too long in the tooth to marry.”

“That’s ridiculous. Your teeth are perfect,” he said and winked.