So that was how it was to be. The faint lilac scent and the nearness of her were driving him to distraction, but she was made of stone.
He couldn’t stand it. Irrationally, Eli wished nothing more than to provoke some reaction from her. Any reaction.
“You know what’s lovely?” He turned to her uncle abruptly. “Your grandson, Mr. Bishop. I’ve never seen such a remarkable baby.”
Her eyes narrowed a touch. Victory.
“Isn’t he?” Bishop grinned widely. “Cecily tells me he almost said ‘Mama’ the other day. At only three months!”
Jane spoke so softly, the words appeared drawn out against her will. “How does onealmostsay ‘Mama,’ exactly?”
Eli talked over her as if he hadn’t heard. “Is that exceptional? I don’t know when babies are supposed to do things, I’m afraid.”
“Oh,mostexceptional. He’s sure to be quite the little orator.”
“Perhaps he has a future in Parliament.”
Jane drew in a long breath, which made her breasts swell up above the confines of her corset. The gown she wore, a creamy yellow with golden lace at the neckline and sleeves, reminded him of butter toffee. He yearned for a taste.
Don’t look at that. Eyes up.
She tilted her head in a slow, languid movement. “How did you like the letters we wrote for you?”
Point to Jane.
Eli twisted his wince into a smile. “Very well. I’m so grateful you found the time. I hope you didn’t exert yourself overmuch on my account.”
“Not overmuch.”
“No, I thought not.”
Mr. Bishop studied their exchange with a cautious eye.
As Jane continued, she seemed to address her musings to the greenery around them. “I keep thinking we probably aren’t the best people to write about your absence, seeing as we have no firsthand knowledge of it. Do you suppose any of the navy men who were stationed in Greece at the time might be able to illuminate matters?” She fixed her attention back on Eli so suddenly it felt like a fencing thrust. “Strictly for the Registrar, of course. Perhaps we should help you ask around. I have several friends with naval connections.”
Was that a threat? But to what end? They were already trapped together for the duration of the Ascot. Retreat was impossible.
“That won’t be necessary, Miss Bishop,” he said tightly. “You’ve already done more than enough to help. I would hate to see you trouble yourself any further.”
“It would be no trouble at all.” Jane took a long sip of her ginger beer, a trace of triumph in her eyes.
This was all a game to her. She had no idea how easily her inquiries might shatter his reputation and put Geórgios in danger. If his role helping Eli to escape were exposed, he’d be thrust directly into the navy’s sights. But how was Eli to stop her? Controlling Jane was impossible, with her iron will.
She might destroy him, and there wasn’t a thing he could do.
After a tense silence, Mr. Bishop braved the fray. “Tell me, Lieutenant, do you have any favorites for the races?”
“Hmm?” Eli struggled to follow the new thread of conversation, visions of a court-martial still clouding his mind. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’ve fallen out of touch with the racing circuits. All the names I recognized have retired now.”
“Of course. How thoughtless of me!” Bishop was the picture of contrition. If only his niece had half as much concern for Eli’s comfort.
“It’s perfectly fine,” Eli assured him.
“You’re the very opposite of thoughtless, Uncle,” Jane added with a barbed look to Eli. The implication was clear.
God help me. How will I endure four days of this?
By the end of the picnic, Jane was at her wits’ end. Eli was deliberately antagonizing her; she was sure of it. Though she’d finally managed to silence him with her veiled threat to talk to his fellow navy men, his mere presence continued to vex her even after his words had died out.
