She opened her mouth to say something, but couldn’t find the words.
“I will call for you tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll visit the dressmaker.I need to make sure you are in a pretty package since you’re older now than during your first Season.”
“Go to hell, Jonathan Hird,” Elizabeth snarled.Then she opened the door and stepped inside.With a backward shove, she slammed the door in his face.
Jonathan jerked his head back to save his nose from being mashed.“I have been to hell, Elizabeth Trent.And you’re the one who sent me there,” he murmured to himself as he turned away from the door to head back to his town house.He waited impatiently for several carriages to pass before he could cross the street.On his way, he kicked a rock out of his path before making his way to the apartment.The simple act did make him feel a touch better.
She wasn’t taking the search for a suitable husband well.He smiled, shook his head, and wondered why Elizabeth brought out the worst in him.He didn’t care for her anymore.He no longer loved her.She was completely out of his system.
He was also a liar, he realized with an uncomfortable sinking feeling.
Hadn’t he spent the last several days holed up in his father’s study so he wouldn’t wander into Elizabeth’s room?What was it about the woman that stirred his blood like no other possibly could?Maybe he should ask Dr.Toogood for a magical remedy, or a gun....Either would do at the moment.
The bloody damned woman had been invading his thoughts more than he cared to admit over the last few days.He was going to have to master control of the situation this time.Miss Elizabeth Trent would dance to his tune, whether she liked it or not.
And this time he’d drag her to the altar for another man.He would make sure she didn’t run away from the bloke like she had from him.
Not waiting for Jeffrey, Jonathan opened his front door, turned, and looked back at Trent House.Perhaps when Elizabeth was married, he would have his revenge, and no longer feel the hurt.
But somehow he doubted it.
Elizabeth didn’t knowwhat to do.
Dread gnawed her insides and she felt like running away.Her first thought was to flee back to Briercliff, and Jonathan be damned.But she knew he would come after her, so she didn’t have any choice but to stay in London.She sat down at her dressing table and brushed her hair while she thought.She had to be careful combing out the tangles since her head was still tender.
Now what was she going to do?To be on the safe side, she’d have Mary take Dawson back home to Briercliff so Annie could take care of him.Then she wouldn’t have to worry about Jonathan seeing the boy or asking any questions.
She placed the brush on the dressing table and stared into the mirror.Oh, how she wished the baby had been Jonathan’s!Sometimes she believed that Dawson was like Jonathan in some ways, and she realized that deep down, she often pretended the child was his.She stood and went to her window overlooking the small courtyard behind Trent House.
Perhaps Adam was right, she thought as she leaned her forehead against the cool glass and noticed how green everything was turning.Dawson did deserve a father, but she couldn’t marry just anyone.It had to be someone she loved.And she’d finally admitted to herself who that person was— that is, when he wasn’t making her angry.So just maybe she should keep an open mind and something would work out for them.Miracles did happen every now and then.
Then she had a brilliant idea.She could make Jonathan love her again.It would take a lot of work on her part, but could she do it?She would never be able to undo the hurt she’d caused him, but maybe she could help him forget it.
She’d never been one to pass on a challenge, and Jonathan would be spending a good amount of time with her.
Elizabeth smiled to herself.She loved him.No amount of time or distance could change what her heart had always known.
She pulled away from the window.When Jonathan came tomorrow, he’d find a completely changed woman.One who would cooperate....Well, for the most part she’d cooperate.She smiled again, anticipating the new challenge.
With higher spirits she went to help gather Dawson’s toys and have Mary prepare to take him home to Briercliff.
What a beautiful spring day!Elizabeth thought as she slid from bed.She could smell the flowers from her open window.The back of her head was still tender, and she ached when she first stood, but she knew she would feel better as the day progressed.
She selected an apple green silk dress.The bodice was fitted and the collar was plain.She picked up a bonnet of whitegros de Napleswith snatches of heather and red blossoms around the brim.She tied the bow full under her chin, then picked up her reticule and went downstairs.
Just as he promised, Jonathan was in her hallway at ten o’clock precisely.When she came down the stairs smiling, he took a step backward as if he weren’t sure what she intended.
If he only knew,she thought
“How are you feeling?”Jonathan asked.
“I’m much better, thank you.”She took the arm he offered.
As they strolled to the waiting carriage, Jonathan said, “I thought we’d start at Gafton House.”
“It’s your money,” Elizabeth said flippantly.
“Correction,” Jonathan said as he took the seat opposite her.“It’s your brother’s money.”
