Despair clutched at his heart.There was no hope.He shook his head, not trusting himself to speak without revealing his emotions.Instead he turned and strode down the hall.
In his own chamber, Jonathan ripped the cravat from around his neck and tossed it to the floor.Damn you, Jane, you care nothing for me, only about my influence for your cause.
His valet entered from the dressing room to assist him, only to be swiftly sent away.Jonathan sat on the four-poster bed to remove his shoes and stockings.
When you knew that I was the anonymous pamphleteer, did you thank me?He threw his shoes to the floor.
No, instead you said, “I’m shocked.”His stockings joined the shoes.
And coolly asked, “What has caused this turn around?”He stood and struggled out of his black evening jacket.
Did you show one flicker of emotion in response to me?He tossed the coat onto a chair.
No!He jerked the buttons of his waistcoat undone.
You asked, “When did you become a supporter of bluestockings and women’s rights?”He wrenched his shirt from his trousers.
As if it wasn’t obviously because I love you.He jerked the shirt over his head before sending it after his other clothes.
Did you say, “I love you?”He undid his trouser buttons and peeled the garment from his long legs before throwing it aside.
No!What did you say instead?He dragged his drawers off and kicked them aside.
You asked me to do more for the cause!Naked, his anger spent, he slumped onto the bed.
What more can I do to prove that I love you?
There was only one other thing.
Chapter Twenty-seven
JANE ARRIVED HOME ATnoon from the Welfare League to be greeted by Mrs.Creevy, who announced that William had called soon after her departure and had left a note that heinsistedbe handed to her as soon as she stepped in the door.Jane took her brother’s note, mystified as to what could have made him write with such urgency.It did no more than urge her to call on him at Dalton House forthwith.Still perplexed, Jane exited the house without having taken off her cloak, bonnet, or gloves, and caught the first hackney she could find.
Jane paid off the carriage outside the imposing Dalton House, then rapped on the front door.She was soon shown into Dalton’s study, where she found her brother frowning over correspondence and ledgers.
Jane was curious.“William, I’ve come to you as soon as I read your letter.Whatever has caused you to write such a note?”
