Jane tidied away the Christmas wrappings, forgetting that Jonathan had a house full of servants to do it.Being engaged to Jonathan was proving more enjoyable than she had ever envisaged.She knew now that he was gentle, generous, kind, strong, and brave.
This marriage was going to work, not just for its social and financial benefits but on a more personal level.They were going to be good friends at least.And there was lust—this week had proven it again.
She was beginning to love him.She shook her head in disbelief.
After the presents had been opened, Anna suggested dancing.The drawing room furniture was moved to the walls, and Elizabeth took the first turn at playing dance tunes for her fellows.Dr.Logan and Jonathan were kept busy, with two ladies for each of them to partner.Jane watched her fiancé’s lithe form execute a series of country dances, admiring his muscular body, reliving their heated embrace upon the ice.
When Charlotte changed places with Lady Elizabeth, Dr.Logan took his rightful place as Elizabeth’s partner for the waltz.Jonathan’s arm encircled Jane’s waist from behind and he leaned close to her ear to ask for the dance.His deep voice sent tingles of awareness down her spine.
In his arms, all the unresolved yearnings of the afternoon returned.The fine wool coat stretched tight across his muscled shoulders was smooth beneath her fingers.She smelled the fresh soap he had used when he bathed before dinner.The crisp curls against his forehead were tantalizingly close, tempting her to touch them.His mouth with its quirking, smiling lips enticed her to touch them with her own.He swept them away into the steps of the waltz before she could indulge herself.
His knowing eyes seemed to understand her longing.Surely he must know her thoughts.But when the dance ended, he politely engaged the whole party in his invitation to hot chocolate before bed.As he had done every previous evening, he wished them all good night and waited while they exited for their bedchambers.
Jane didn’t follow the others.
Jonathan turned from Dr.Logan and saw her standing there.He smiled and approached.He took her hands in his and, raising them, kissed them both, looking warmly into her eyes.“Good night, Jane, my dear, sleep well.”
She held his gaze.Her newly realized love and all the longings of the day made her blurt, “Come to me tonight.”
Chapter Seventeen
JONATHAN CLOSED HISeyes, then opened them to look at her again.“I fear you won’t be happy with that decision tomorrow, Jane.”There was regret in his voice.
She wasn’t giving up.She knew now what she wanted.“You’re wrong.”
His answer sounded calm and reassuring.“There will be many chances when we are married for us to share what you feel now, Jane.”He tightened their linked fingers and drew her from the room.“Come, let me escort you to your door.”
Jane’s stomach hollowed, disappointed and embarrassed by Jonathan’s rebuttal.In a haze, she allowed herself to be led up the wide staircase to the upper floor.Her free hand trailed along the sinuous polished timber handrail.She felt like a naughty schoolgirl being sent to bed early for bad behavior.
“No, I won’t be passively led to my door like a child!”She tugged at his hand in an attempt to free it.
He stopped on the staircase but didn’t release her hand.He gazed down at her with a questioning expression.He must have read her truculent mood, because he took two steps toward her and hefted her over his shoulder, stifling her resistance.
“Ooomph!”She pummeled his back.
Jonathan ignored her outrage while he ascended the remaining stairs and strode down the corridor toward her bedchamber.He halted abruptly outside the door and set her on her feet.“Good night, Jane.Sleep well.”He spoke with perfect composure and lifted her hand to kiss it and take the sting out of his actions.
