Lindley grinned, glancing over his shoulder, but the earl was gone. “You are either very smart,” he said, low, “or very naive.”
Jane looked at him innocently. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
He laughed. “If this is a game, I’m game. And if not, I’m enjoying myself immensely.” He held out his arm. Jane took it, smiling. They exited the dining room and paused in the doorway of the library. The earl’s gaze widened, then went black.
“I’m taking Jane for a breath of air, old man,” Lindley said. “Have a cigar for me.”
Under a maple tree, they separated. Jane lifted her face to the night, wondering if the earl would come after them. If not, well, all was not lost. She did like Lindley. It was exhilarating to find that she could captivate him so completely. He was handsome. Would he try to kiss her?
Her heart began to race. If he kissed her, what would she do?
She had never really been kissed before. She found she was both curious and afraid.
“You are very beautiful, Jane,” Lindley said quietly, watching her.
“And you are very handsome,” Jane said, meaning it. “And very nice.”
“Thank you.” Lindley raised his head to the moon. “Don’t judge him too harshly.”
“I don’t.”
“He’s had a tough time of it.”
“I know.”
“I think you do,” Lindley said.
“Did he …” Jane paused.
“No.” Lindley’s voice rang out, harsh in the night. “He didn’t kill her, damn it, and very little of the gossip is true. And what is true has been totally distorted.”
Jane whirled. “That wasn’t the question! I wanted to know … did he love her? Patricia?”
Lindley relaxed. “I think you’ll have to ask him that one.”
Jane came closer, to lean against the same tree. She studied Lindley as he gazed back. Then she smiled and sighed. “I never believed it, not once I’d met him.”
Lindley laughed softly. “Most people would believe itaftermeeting him.”
She grinned conspiratorially.
His smile faded. So did Jane’s, and the night became very quiet. Her heart began to pick up its beat under Lindley’s warm regard. Jane knew, suddenly, that he wanted to kiss her, that he liked her. She felt a touch of fear, and a touch of excitement too. Mostly she wished it was the earl standing with her in the moonlight.
“Jane,” Lindley said, his tone taking on a rough edge. He didn’t continue.
“What?” Her voice was high-pitched.
He almost smiled, then grimaced. “I wish you weren’t Shelton’s ward.”
“Why?”
He looked at her, half smiled. “Because you’re very beautiful, and—”
“And?” Her eyes glowed, holding his.
He made a sound, like a laugh. “I’m out of my mind,” he muttered. “Let’s go back.”
“Wait.” Without thinking, Jane touched Lindley, her palm to his flat abdomen. He tensed. Jane froze, then, awkwardly, hopefully, asked, “Do you really think I’m beautiful?”
