Cece was finally taking leave of her sisters to chase the origin of the bundle of letters she’d received, and Jess would sorely miss her.
Of all her sisters, she and Cece were the most alike in temperament and motivation and she would be bereft without her companionship and counsel. Cece’s departure meant there would be one less pair of hands for pageant rehearsal and costuming as well.
Jess was perched on the edge of the bed while her sister packed a bag they’d pulled from the attic. “You’re sure about this?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I need something, Jess. And you do too. What are you going to do about your microscope?”
Jess flopped backward against the pillow and covered her eyes. “Ugh. I have no idea.”
“You never truly explained what the bargain was.”
“He wants the opportunity to seduce me.”
Cece’s eyes widened. “That’s not what I expected. I thought perhaps it was a kiss he was asking for.”
“I might not balk at that,” Jess mused. “He has the most beguiling bottom lip I’ve ever seen. And his dimple drives me mad. But no. Of course a kiss isn’t enough to satisfy the overinflated ego of Cadoc Morgan.”
“Is there any way you can procure a replacement microscope from the scientific society? Or make do without it?”
“I had to wait months for the society to approve my initial application. Even if I asked for a replacement, I’d not receive it in time for the lessons I have planned in the spring. And I could conduct the lessons without the microscope, but it incites an enthusiasm for natural studies in my students I can’t seem to replicate. And I truly need it for my own ends. My paper on dragonflies is nearly complete.”
“Perhaps if you told him about the paper he’d relent.”
“I can make my case and hope he’s sympathetic.”
Cece bit her lip. “What if you just went to the magistrate and allowed him to handle it? I’m sure Sir Timms would do whatever is within his power to rectify your dilemma.”
“I agree. Things would be far easier if I approached the magistrate. But I can’t. He’s threatened to expose Lavinia if I do.”
“How did he find out she’s dispensing contraceptives?” Cece asked in amazement.
“I don’t know how he found out, but I know he’s not going to forget. He looked pleased as punch when he used it to thwart me.”
“He must know accepting his proposal would place you at risk of losing your position. Surely he’s not such an unforgivable rogue. Perhaps he’s merely testing your fortitude.”
“I don’t think he’s testing me. His stance seemed firm.” Jess flopped backward against the pillows again and put her hand to her forehead. “I don’t know why he’s chosen me as his prey. I’ve done nothing to encourage his interest!”
Cece sat beside her and patted her hand in sympathy. “If he truly is a rogue, perhaps it’s his inability to attract your attention that’s behind all this. Like the way Torvin Black used to steal Vin’s pencils.”
Jess laughed at the memory. “He was absolutely mad for her. But I don’t think he’s like Torvin. I’m just a challenge because I seem impervious to his charms.”
“Have you asked the vicar if you can borrow his microscope?”
“I don’t want anyone to know what’s happening. As you said, it’s a risk. And besides, the vicar’s microscope is unavailable. He cracked one of the lenses and is waiting on a replacement from Brussels.”
“I wish I could give you better counsel. Especially since you’re the reason I finally set aside my widow’s weeds. If you hadn’t persuaded me to embrace life again and encouraged this sojourn to Scotland that’s completely out of character, I’d still be contemplating years of wearing mobcaps in drafty corners.”
“I’ve never been attracted to someone like this. I thought teaching and my studies were enough. But when I’m around him there are all of these things jumbled up inside me, and I don’t know what to do with them.”
Cece sat beside her on the bed and gave her a contemplative look. “Perhaps he’s your catalyst, Jess. Like the letters were mine.”
“Why did it happen likethis?” Jess asked in an anguished tone. “Why does it have to behimthat makes me doubt everything I thought I knew about myself?”
“I used to ask myself the same thing about Henry. What it was about him that compelled me to accept his proposal and his kiss when I barely knew him. I don’t have answers for you, but maybe you should just stop running away from the things he makes you feel.”
Jess grimaced. “Easier said than done.”
“Why do you think you’re so drawn to him?”
