Jenna climbed into the carriage and placed the box on her lap. She fidgeted with the clasp, tempted to open it. But Miss Somerset’s words came floating back to her. Maybe she would better served to wait until she got home and could open it behind the locked door of her bedroom.
But a quick peek couldn’t hurt, could it? She held her breath and slipped a fingernail under the small latch. The carriage ground to a halt, and she looked out to see they had arrived at the orphanage.
What rotten timing. The box would have to wait for later. Thinking quickly, she fumbled under the seat for the latch to the secret compartment her father often used to hide valuables when they traveled.
She shoved the box in and slammed the small door shut just as the footman opened the carriage door and let down the step. She descended the carriage and directed the driver to carry in a bundle of packages. Gathering the remaining parcels, she followed him up the walk to the front door. Mrs. Drennan opened the door for them and ushered them inside.
“The children are in the sun room,” she told Jenna. “They’ll be happy to see you.”
“How is Meg faring?”
“She’s a dear little thing.” Mrs. Drennan clucked. “So happy to be here. The other children love her already, and she loves them.”
Jenna smiled. She couldn’t wait to present the children with the gifts she’d brought for them. And she’d made a special point of picking out a doll for Meg.
“Lady Jenna!” the children chorused, as she entered the room. They ran to her, swarming over her.
She laughed as they pulled at her skirts, their faces shining up at her. “I’ve brought you presents. What do you think of that?”
Squeals of delight resonated throughout the room. She began passing out the brightly wrapped packages, and they wasted no time tearing into them. She paid special attention as Meg began delicately unfolding her present.
The child’s face lit up when she uncovered the doll, and she reverently lifted it up and hugged it against her. She turned tear-filled eyes in Jenna’s direction, and Jenna’s heart constricted with emotion.
“It’s just what oi wanted.” She threw herself into Jenna’s arms.
Hugging her close, Jenna smiled and stroked her hair. “I’m glad you like it, dearling.”
“What’s going on in here?” a voice boomed out from the door.
“Mr. Douglas!” they shrieked and ran over to him.
He hugged them to his legs and greeted each child by name. Jenna watched the delight in their faces as he spoke to each one. She couldn’t help the wide smile that spread her lips.
“Lady Jenna,” he said nodding his head. “I hear you’re spoiling the children. I must put a stop to this dastardly behavior at once.”
“No!” the children erupted.
He chuckled and moved forward. He sobered as he drew nearer, and his eyes raked over her leaving a heated trail down her body. “How are you today?”
“Fine,” she murmured.
“You are suffering no ill affects?
“Truly, I am all right.” She smiled to reassure him.
The children all clamored out when Mrs. Drennan called them to luncheon, leaving Gray and Jenna alone. He cupped her chin and turned her face up, looking assessingly over her. “You look tired,” he said softly.
“I didn’t sleep well,” she admitted, though she didn’t tell him the attack had little to do with her sleeplessness.
He brushed his lips over hers, achingly gentle in his advances. “I missed you last night.”
“I missed you as well.” And she had. She had grown used to his company each night, his comforting presence. She missed their talks and his caresses.
“I’ve something special planned for tonight,” he whispered against her ear.
She cocked an inquisitive brow. “Going to tell me what it is?”
“No. Only that it will get your mind off more unpleasant matters.”
