“Really?”
She peeked back up at him and nodded her head. “This is my first extended trip to London. Most of my time has been spent at my family’s home in Westerleigh. I often walked down to the stream that runs through our estate and sat under the big oak tree. I’d spend hours writing and dreaming up things to write.”
“And what did you write?”
“Oh lots of things. Children’s tales, romantic novels, mystery stories, poetry, and I kept a journal.”
“I’d love to read some of them.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, of course. I’d wager you’re quite talented.”
Warmth curled in her stomach and tightened her chest. “You are too kind.”
He gazed intently at her. “You should know I never say anything I don’t mean.”
“Somehow I have no difficulty believing that,” she said breathily.
“Now that we’ve covered what you like to do, let’s go onto what you’d like to do but never have.”
“Oh that’s easy. I’d like to travel to faraway exotic places. Africa...India and the like.”
“An adventurer at heart are you?” he asked with a chuckle.
“It would be terribly exciting, don’t you think? Taking in a sunset over the Taj Mahal...surely there isn’t a more romantic story anywhere.”
“So you are a romantic.”
She lowered her eyes breaking the connection between them. “It’s silly, I know. But still, I can’t seem to stop dreaming of romance and sunsets in exotic locations.”
“And what of the pyramids of Egypt? I can attest to their awe-inspiring power.”
Her jaw dropped and she stared at him in amazement. “You’ve been to Egypt?”
“Indeed. In fact I only returned last autumn.”
“Oh you must tell me everything!” she exclaimed, pouncing on him with her hands.
He gathered her hands and pulled himself up to a sitting position. “Everything?”
“Yes! And don’t leave out a single detail.” She shifted and tucked her legs underneath her and leaned forward, eager to hear every word that fell from his lips.
Jenna listened with rapt attention as he outlined his travels. From Egypt their conversation turned to his trip to the colonies, and she found herself entranced by his accounts of the upstart Americans.
The candles and the fire burned low as they talked of dreams and goals and finally they were interrupted by a knock at the door. “Mr. Douglas, the carriage awaits Lady Jenna,” Masterson called.
Her head came up in surprise. How had the time passed so quickly? And they hadn’t even...her eyes found Gray’s and she scrambled hastily up. He also rose and offered a steadying hand to her. “I cannot recollect ever enjoying an evening as much as I have enjoyed this one,” he murmured.
“I must admit the same,” she replied. “But we didn’t even...” Her voice trailed off, and she ducked her head in embarrassment.
He smiled and pulled her to him, kissing her lips in a brief fashion. “There’s always tomorrow.”
Chapter Eight
Long after Jenna had departed, Gray sat on the silk pillows staring into the fire. Something truly frightening had happened between the time she had first approached him with her scandalous proposition and now. He needed her.
He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger and closed his eyes. Though he had vowed to have complete control over their meetings, he felt it slipping away each time she looked into his eyes.
