“Tabitha,” he said softly. “Why don’t you use the back door? That way nobody will see you. The thicket of trees out back should block you from being seen leaving the church altogether.”
“That is very wise. Thank you, Nic.” She moved passed him, then slowed down her steps as she peeked at him over her shoulder. “I shall see you tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to be on your best behavior.”
“I shall do my best.” He winked.
He watched her leave with a grin. He would do his best, but he feared the evidence of his feelings would be seen through his eyes when he gazed upon her, and in his voice whenever he spoke to her. Truly, Aunt Clara and Mrs. Stiles would have to be blind not to notice.
*
Tabitha didn’t believehim one bit. He’d do hisbest? She highly doubted he knew what that meant.
Grumbling, she made her way through the thicket of trees before finding the path leading to the main road. When she reached it, she slowed her steps and smoothed out her cloak. She didn’t want anyone to think she was in a hurry. If they noticed her, she prayed they would think she was doing her daily walking.
But walking made her think, and she couldn’t believe the conversation with Nic, or his actions. Not once did he try to kiss her. Although, when he’d cupped her face, she wondered if he was thinking about it then. Yet, he never did. He never even said anything along those lines, either. He still hinted about his feelings for her, but for some reason, it was different this time.
The Nic she knew always wanted to convince her of his affections by using his mouth in a wild kiss.
Not this time.
Dare she hope he was having second thoughts, just as she knew he would eventually?
As soon as she thought it, her chest grew heavy with sorrow. She didn’t like the fact that she enjoyed his attention, and especially that she enjoyed his kisses. She even hated the fact that he made her feel so special. But what she hated even more was feeling sad with the mere idea of him giving up on her.
She shook the thought from her head. No, he must give up on her. They were not meant to be together. He was a marquess, and she just a lowly woman who’d been a servant for most of her life until recently. Her world was far different from Nic’s, and because of that, they could never be together.
Perhaps in a small way Nic had come to realize this as well. That could have been the reason why he didn’t try harder to steal a kiss or to wrap his arms around her. Dare she hope that he finally realized his mistake in saying those words to her? Had he come to realize their worlds were too different?
Taking a big breath of courage, she held her shoulders straight, continuing toward her aunt’s house. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Mr. Jacobs and his daughter coming from down the street. He still leaned heavily on a cane as his daughter skipped around him, laughing.
When they noticed her, he raised his hand in greeting. Tabitha waved back. Little Joanna squealed and ran toward Tabitha. Her heart grew warm from the girl’s endearing response.
“Miss Paget,” Joanna said out of breath, “it’s so nice to see you again.”
Tabitha smiled as she tapped her finger on the girl’s nose. “And I’m happy to see you, too.”
“Would you like to join my father and me for a walk?”
Tabitha lifted her gaze as Mr. Jacobs neared. He gave her a nod as his eyes gleamed with excitement.
“Good day, Miss Paget.”
“Indeed, it’s a very pleasant day, and now that I have seen the two of you, my day is much brighter.”
Joanna clasped her father’s hand. “Papa? I asked Miss Paget to join us in our walk.”
He bobbed his head. “Yes, that would be very enjoyable.”
Although Tabitha really should accept their offer—mainly to keep her mind off Nic—she really wanted to be alone right now. “As thrilling as that sounds, I’m actually on my way back home. I’ve done my walking this morning and I find myself exhausted.”
Mr. Jacobs’ smile waned. “I understand. Perhaps another time.”
“Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you.”
He nodded again. “Then I wish you a good day.” Taking his daughter’s hand, he turned and limped away.
Guilt gnawed at her gut, and she felt sorry for turning him down. He might not be the man who’d take away the memoriesof Nic, but what if no man could do that? If that’s the case, then maybe she should give Mr. Jacobs a chance. From what she knew about him, he seemed genuinely nice. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, either.
“Mr. Jacobs,” she called out, stopping him. “I was wondering…my aunt is having a luncheon tomorrow and I would like for you and Joanna to join us.”
