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A jolt shot to her shoulder while her knees, ridiculous, worthless things, decided to turn to mush.

“I shall look forward to it. Now if you’ll excuse me,” he blew out all but one taper, “I promised Sabrina I’d be home to tuck her in tonight. It’s her birthday too. The second since her parents died, but at the first one, we didn’t know if she’d recover from the carriage accident. I don’t want her to fall asleep without bidding her good-night.”

Such a flood of emotion bubbled up in Jemmah’s chest that tears blurred her vision as she pulled her gloves on, trying to ignore the frayed spots on the fingertips.

“She’s lucky to have such a devoted uncle. Would you wish her happy day for me too?

“I would indeed, and if I may be so bold, might I tell her you’ll give her drawing lessons?” He turned her toward the other set of doors. “Naturally, I’ll approach your mother and explain I’d like to retain you.”

Mama would take any earnings, thinking they were her due, and she’d still expect Jemmah to do all of her regular chores.

“Honestly, Dandridge, I think it would be better if I were to give Sabrina lessons when I come to tea. And please allow it to be my gift to her. I have a standing invitation with Aunt Theo on Mondays and Thursdays. I could use one day for lessons so Mama’s suspicions won’t be aroused.”

His head slightly angled, he considered her. “Very well.”

“Aunt Theo usually only sends the carriage ’round for me when the weather is foul, but I’ll explain our plan tonight and ask her to send it every tea day. That way, I’ll have more time to instruct Lady Sabrina.”

“We can discuss those details tomorrow. Until then, my precious Jem.” He cupped her shoulders with both hands, and leaning down, kissed her forehead with such reverence, she almost could believe he cared for her as much as she did for him. “Go along. I’ll wait a respectable amount of time, and then take another route to the manor’s entrance.”

She nodded. “All right.”

“And Jemmah?”

“Yes?”

A strand of hair had fallen across his brow, and with the warmth radiating from his brandy-colored eyes, he very much resembled the young man she’d fallen in love with.

“Your mother can fuss all she wants, but once I set my mind to something, I am seldom dissuaded. I mean to court you.”