“Forgive me,” he whispered, kneeling beside her. His face was close to hers. “I’m sorry. Jane? Will you ever forgive me?”
There was no response. Had he expected one?
“I love you,” he heard himself say, and he wasn’t shocked by his admission at all.
“Jane, I love you,” he choked.
And then he got up and left.
40
Jane awoke unhappy.
It was early, not even eight, but she couldn’t stay abed, even though she hadn’t been able to sleep until after three. And he hadn’t been home yet. As she dressed she found herself equally depressed and upset. He had made love to her only yesterday afternoon, yet last night he had been with one or another of his mistresses. The thought of him with Amelia was unbearable.
And then there was still the foul aftertaste of what had happened at the Criterion last night after her performance.
Jane expected to find him in the dining room breakfasting, and she was not disappointed. This morning he looked up, his gaze hooded. Chad, who was about finished, called out an enthusiastic greeting. “Good morning,” she said to the boy, tousling his hair and kissing his cheek as she passed. He beamed.
She found the earl regarding her. Jane was shocked at the circles beneath his eyes. He looked as tired as she was, and she felt herself start to soften. With a distinct effort, she reminded herself that he had not come home last night until very, very late. She hugged her daughter and sat.
“Good morning,” the earl said.
“Good morning.” Jane was just as polite. Their gazes cautiously met, and both flew immediately apart.
Nicole was making a mess of bread and jam, up to her elbows in strawberry preserves, so Jane busied herself with rescuing her daughter from further disaster. She was aware of the earl watching as she scolded the baby gently. Nicole gurgled happily, then began banging the tray table. “Red, red,” she shouted.
“What does she want?” Chad asked, nose wrinkled in disgust.
“You must eat it, not play,” Jane admonished, handing her a new slice of toast and removing the sticky crumbled mess. “More bread.”
“Papa, may I be excused?” Chad was already standing.
The earl’s smile was gentle, and it reached his eyes. “Yes.”
Chad started to run, but the earl called him back. Sheepish, Chad gave his father a hug, then started to dart away again. “Chad! What about Jane?”
Chad grinned, raced to Jane, gave her a kiss and fled at a run.
“Study hard,” Jane called after him.
Nicole was jamming the bread into her mouth with gusto.
“She has a good appetite,” the earl remarked.
Jane’s gaze flew to his, skittered away. “Like her father.” There was silence, and she began blushing , thinking about the eari’s many appetites—his manly ones.
The earl toyed with theTimes, darting more looks at her. Jane studiously began filling her plate with food she did not want. Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed his strong, big hands, and she clearly recalled how they felt on her flesh. She tried to recall his infidelities as well, but was too unnerved to become angry.
“May I?” she asked, pointing at the newspaper.
“Of course,” he said, handing it to her. He busied himself with pouring a fresh cup of coffee, then, on an afterthought, filled her cup for her. “Sorry.” He was blushing faintly, high on his cheekbones.
“It’s all right,” she said shyly, thrilled at the gesture.
Their gazes met, held. The earl was the first to glance away.
Jane nibbled toast and sipped coffee, thumbing through theTimes.She was very aware of her husband and paid scant attention to the news-breaking headlines. Until a bold typeface in the midsection caught her eyes, and then she gasped.
