He patted the settee next to him. “Do sit. I have news.”
“Oh.” She arched a brow as she moved to sit beside him. “Are you planning to keep me in suspense?”
“Has no one ever told you that the best news is worth waiting for?” His eyes sparkled in the kaleidoscope of colored sunlight streaming through the window.
“Patience is a virtue I have never possessed. Please, do not make me beg.”
“I rather enjoy when a woman begs.” He chuckled, a rakish grin slanting his full lips.
She scowled in a playful manner. “I shall not give you the satisfaction. Not this day at any rate.”
“Very well.” He feigned disappointment. “I suppose I will end your torment then, but next time you wish to know something I will fully expect a little begging.”
She laughed at the teasing tone of his voice as well as his outrageous words. “You have it backwards. It is you who wishes to tell me something. If not for that, I would have no desire to know.”
“As much as I adore it when you speak in riddles, I would rather not sit here arguing the merits of how mistaken you are.” He stood, reaching out a hand to help her up. “Allow me to show you the answer you so wish to have.”
Jane accepted his assistance, then allowed him to lead her from the room. She held his arm as they ascended the main staircase. Once they reached the landing, he scooped her into his arms.
“Close your eyes now and do not open them until I say you have leave to do so.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “No cheating.”
She obeyed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and squeezing her eyes shut. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Patience, darling.” His reply came low and close to her ear, sending a pleasant shiver through her.
Jane rested her head against his broad chest as she attempted to keep from pressing him with more questions. The steady beat of his heart soothed her, causing her eyes to grow heavy. Still her mind worked at a feverish pace in an attempt to discover what he was up to. “Is it my chambers? Are they completed?”
“Have a modicum of self control,” he replied.
“I fear I may lack the capability.”
“So it seems. All the same, you have no choice in the matter.”
That may be true. However, she was not bird-witted. There could be precisely two reasons he was bringing her here—to the hall that housed their private chambers. One, her rooms were ready. Her stomach began to flutter at the alternative. He could be taking her to his chambers.
“Keep them closed for a moment longer.” He jostled her a bit in his arms before taking a few more long strides. “I am going to set you on your feet, but refrain from peaking.”
“Very well.” She loosened her grip on him.
Once she was free of his hold, he turned her. “Open them.”
She experienced a momentary flood of disappointment before excitement swept in chasing the former emotion away. “Ha!” She said victoriously. “I was correct.”
He grinned. “You are a clever lady, indeed.”
She moved across her newly redecorated sitting room toward her bed chambers. All of the gaudy crimson and gold articles had been replaced. A soft cream colored rug covered most of the floor. Along the far wall a cherry wood writing desk had been placed near a pink and cream wingback chair. A settee upholstered in gray and pink striped material with a carved wood back was positioned on the opposite wall near the hearth. Silver accented throw pillows rested upon its cushion. The color scheme continued throughout the space, making it cheerful and ladylike.
Her cheeks warmed as she neared her bedchamber. She paused outside of the door and glanced back at Caleb. Would he follow her inside?
“Does it please you?” His eyes danced, twinkling like the night stars.
“More than I ever imagined. Everything came together so wonderfully.”
He took a step toward her, causing her pulse to speed. Would he kiss her now? She dearly hoped so. As he drew nearer, she parted her lips in preparation.
Caleb took her chin between his forefinger and thumb, bringing her gaze to his. “Though neither of us wanted this marriage, I want you to know I intend to be a good husband to you.”
At a loss for words, Jane nodded. Could she believe his words? More importantly how did he define a good husband? The sincerity in his eyes made her wish to trust him, but how could she? He was still very much a stranger and they had yet to consummate their union. Furthermore, she would be remiss to forget about his roguish reputation. Despite it all, she yearned for him.
