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She took a deep, calming breath. No one ever came here. It was only one time.
He started walking up the staircase. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before following him.
She had never been upstairs in this house before. There was a long hallway with four large bedrooms leading off it. The rooms were furnished just like in the main living rooms downstairs. After they walked silently through the rooms, they reached the end of the hallway, where there was a large window looking out to the sea.
“What a beautiful view,” said Jane, her breath catching in her throat.
He nodded. “It is. I must confess I am liking this house more and more. I am seriously considering buying it.”
She turned to him. “The house is isolated. Why do you want to live so far out of town?”
He smiled. “I fear I am becoming the same as you, Lady Jane. The company of people tires me. And there is the added allure of that view.” He paused. “I have always loved the sea. I feel as if I am at home when I am near it.”
She stared at him. “I see. Just you and the wife you are determined to acquire, then?”
He flushed again. “This is awkward. I am mortified by what I did yesterday. You must think me boorish and arrogant. I apologise again if I offended you.” He hesitated. “I really am not like that. I cannot think what came over me.”
“So my sister assures me,” said Jane in a dry voice. “She gave you a character reference. But I like to judge people for myself.” She gazed at him curiously. “Why are you so determined to acquire a wife without even the pretence of a courtship?”
He looked uncomfortable. “I suppose I was hoping to dispense with all of that,” he said in a hesitant voice, shifting on his feet. “Just cut to the chase. Many ladies do not mind such haste if it is a marriage of convenience without the pretence of romance.”
Jane’s heart flipped in her chest. Her suspicions had been confirmed. This gentleman didn’t view her in a romantic way at all. He had just thought that they might be well matched because she hadn’t swooned over him like Lucy and wasn’t what he had termed ‘hard work’. He thought her quiet and biddable and suited to his purpose. Most likely, if she had accepted, they would have led separate lives entirely.
It bothered her. It bothered her that he only admired her for her supposed virtues as a potential wife and not for herself. It bothered her that he had no romantic feelings towards her at all.
She knew how ridiculous it was. She didn’t evenwantthis gentleman, or any other, to have romantic feelings towards her. She wanted to be left alone. Romantic love was a farce, an illusion, something that was destined to end in pain.
So why was she suddenly wanting him to think of her in that light? Why did it hurt her feelings that he didn’t? It was inexplicable. And it was mostdefinitelytime to leave this house.
Chapter 9
Jane took a step back from Lord Carlisle, suddenly supremely conscious of the position she had put herself in. The gentleman gazed at her quizzically, seeming to sense her shift in mood. He probably thought she was still offended by his foolish proposal, but it was more than that. Her feelings were confusing and strange. She didn’t like it at all.
“I should go,” said Jane abruptly, turning her face away from him, her heart thumping hard. “I should not have done this. Entering this house without permission and being alone with you. I do not know what I was thinking.”
She glanced back at him. He didn’t reply. He just kept staring at her, as if she was a puzzle he was trying to work out. She was extremely conscious of his presence, his tall, solid figure. He was a large man, with broad shoulders, but it wasn’t as if he was overweight. His was a very masculine, strong frame. She was a tall woman, and she was not used to looking up at many men, but he towered above her. And his eyes were as brown as warm treacle.
She felt a shiver of awareness pass through her body. It was so unexpected and odd that she took another hasty step back, hoping that distance might dispel it.
“I can see you are still determined to dislike me,” he said in a quiet voice. “Please. I apologise again for my foolish actions. Lady Jane....”
She shook her head. “I do not know what to make of you. But I promise to forget it if you can do the same.” She gave a harsh laugh. “If we run into each other again, it shall be as if it never happened.”
He looked uneasy. “I see.”
“And now I really must go,” she said, walking away. “I wish you luck with the house. Do not bother to see me out.”
She clattered down the staircase, her footsteps echoing through the house. To her intense relief, he didn’t follow her. It took longer to climb through the opened window without his assistance, but she managed it, smoothing out the creases in her gown before she picked up her sketchbook and charcoal. She almost ran down the path, her heart still thudding painfully.
She cursed herself. What had she been thinking putting herself in such a position? Entering a house without permission, unchaperoned with a gentleman, was the height of stupidity. If anyone had seen them, her reputation would have been compromised. And then she may have been forced to marry him.
Jane was disgusted with herself. Sheneverbehaved like this. But at least she was certain he would not approach her again. She had promised to forget about the proposal, so he had no need to seek her out and beg for her forgiveness now. It was settled between them.
Now he could start the search anew for the wife he wanted. The wife of convenience, whom she suspected he could never love. She wished him luck with that, as well. It was really none of her business at all.
***
Later that day, Percy left Mr Rankin, feeling euphoric. The old man had agreed to sell him Cliff Lodge. The contract of sale was being drawn up at the local solicitor’s office this afternoon.
