“What quest, Papa?” Diana asked.
Her father waved a hand. “Flight my dear! I’ve discovered the Ancient Egyptians had some excellent notions about man being able to fly. I have brought copious notes and diagrams home with me.”
“Men will fly one day, Papa? How utterly fascinating,” Helen said. “I would really like to assist you with this new discovery, if I may?”
“I must say that surprises me, Helen.” He smiled. “I never suspected for a moment that my work would interest you.”
“But it does. I should like to accompany you on your next voyage.”
“Mm?” He patted her hand. “Would you indeed? I believe you have regained some of your spirit, my girl.” He turned to Jason. “Now, sir. You have explained your reasons for spending the night in my library more than adequately. I am extremely grateful for the outcome, if not the method employed.” He laughed. “But I imagine you found it difficult to persuade Helen to remain out of it! However, you have yet to explain your overly familiar attitude toward her, which goes well beyond the bounds of propriety.”
“I fully intend to, sir. But first, I would like to speak to Lady Helen alone,” Jason said. “If you’ll permit me.”
Looking troubled, Helen shook her head. “You have no need, Lord Peyton. There is nothing to be said.”
“I have every need.” Jason smiled at her. He wished there had been more time to do the thing properly. The ball would have been the perfect place to declare himself, having first danced her out onto the terrace, but it couldn’t be helped. Kinsey was not going to wait for that, and Jason couldn’t either. He threw caution to the winds, even while sensing it was too soon. But patience wasn’t one of his attributes. He needed to knownowif Helen would become his wife.
Lord Kinsey’s warm smile encompassed them both. “It appears you have spent a great deal of time alone in each other’s company. I don’t see why a half-hour more will hurt. Please repair to the morning room. I require my library.” He stood and rubbed his hands. “Thorburn will be here soon, and there is much to be done.”
As they all trouped out of the breakfast room, Kinsey turned to Diana. “Is everything in readiness for your ball, my dear?”
Diana’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m not sure, Papa. Our housekeeper has gone to prison, and Mama isn’t here.”
“I will take over the housekeeper’s duties,” Helen said. “I have no need to appear at the ball.”
“You will attend it though, daughter,” Lord Kinsey said, brooking no argument.
He put his arm around Diana’s shoulders. “Your mother will return in time, and your ball shall be the most celebrated of the Season. I only hope Alexander recovers well. A broken leg is not something to sneeze at.”
As the morning room door closed behind them, Helen turned to Jason. “I did warn that we might be compromised. But fortunately, my father is a reasonable man. I believe he likes you. So please, do not feel you have anything to reproach yourself for.”
“I’m aware of that.” Stepping close, he raised her chin with a finger when she refused to meet his gaze. “I did not wish it to be under these circumstances. I would have chosen a more romantic course, but I care for you, Helen. Will you marry me?” Her eyes were dark, troubled. He’d hoped to find some sign of acceptance and at least affection, but her anguish turned his blood to ice. This was all too soon.
She attempted to move away. “I cannot marry you, Peyton.”
He caught her, making her stay. “Are you denying there’s more than fondness between us?”
“I consider you to be a friend. I am very grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”
“You’re grateful? This is not merely a friendship. And I won’t accept your gratitude!”
He cradled her face in his hands. Swooping down, he took her mouth. This was not to be a polite kiss. He cupped the back of her head, drawing her closer. Moving his mouth over hers, he learned the shape of her soft lips, delighting in her response. His blood heated and rampaged through his veins as he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she made a small sound and opened to him, he slipped inside, the sweet taste of her mouth sending his blood swirling. Helen sagged against him. When she made a sound close to a sob, her arms crept up around his neck and her fingers twined in his hair.
He murmured encouragement and kissed her throat, beneath her ear, and, with a moan, returned to ravage her mouth. When he finally drew away, he smiled into her wistful eyes. “Can you still say ours is a friendship?”
Her cheeks were rosy, and her breath came fast, but she moved away from him, her fingers working to tidy her disordered locks. “You are a very attractive man, Peyton. I admit to enjoying your kisses. But I shan’t marry you.”
He fought to cool down and released a long sigh. “Is there someone else?”
“No. I shall never marry. I plan to travel with my father. I am confident he will permit me to accompany him now.” She sounded strained.
He watched, frustrated that she held herself aloof from him. “He might. But I gained the impression he’d rather you married.”
“Papa will grow used to the idea in time. And if he doesn’t, I shall remain at Cherrywood. I would rather spend the spring there than anywhere.”
He didn’t understand her. Didn’t believe her. “You are sure this is what you want?”
Turned away from him, her voice was muffled. “Yes, it is.”
