Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Janice was laying in the grass, looking up at the stars and trying to decide if that one cloud looked more like a barking dog or a fire-breathing dragon, when she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
* * *
She sat up, looking around the meadow, and saw her brother riding up to her on his horse.
* * *
“What are you doing here?” he asked, coming to a stop by her side and looking down at her from the lofty heights of his saddle.
* * *
“I’m just sitting.”
* * *
He cocked an eyebrow, asking for more. She shrugged. “I needed to get away. The house was so loud, what with the plans for the midsummer ball in full swing.”
* * *
Frederick grinned. “Emily not have a list for you to complete?”
* * *
“I’m sure she did. And that is why I escaped before she could give it to me.”
* * *
Frederick threw his head back, laughing. “Well…I was not so lucky. I was tasked with inquiring of the baker if he might supply us with twenty loaves. I do believe I made his year.”
* * *
Janice laughed. “Well, it seems a fairly simple task.”
* * *
“It was. But that is not why I came looking for you.”
* * *
She looked at him in surprise. “You came looking for me? Why?”
* * *
“Well, as I was in the village, I received word that your beau is back. Hampton is back at Avebury Manor.”
CHAPTER 31
Arthur’s hand hovered over the paper – pen tightly clutched within it - as he tried to formulate a message to Janice. He wanted to see her but did not want to ask in a way that might arouse suspicion if anyone else should read it. He was excited to share with her his plans but he wanted to hear what she had to say before he formalized anything with her father.
* * *
A knock on the door had him putting down his pen in temporary defeat. “Yes?” he called.
* * *
The butler – Anson – opened the door. “You have a visitor, Your Grace.”
* * *
His heart leaped, hopeful that it was who he thought. “Who is it, Anson?”
* * *
“Lady Janice Raven.”
* * *
He breathed out and tried to contain his smile. “Show her in then.”
* * *
He straightened his jacket and cravat as Anson disappeared to do his bidding, wishing he had a looking glass in the study so he could see his own appearance and judge whether it was worthy or not.
* * *
Perhaps I should have trimmed my beard this morning, he thought with a sigh.
* * *
The door opened and Janice swept in the room, looking a bit disheveled, with grass stains on her gown and bits of leaf in her hair. She had never looked lovelier to him.
* * *
“Janice. How wonderful to see you.”
* * *
She placed her hands on her hips. “Is it? Then why did I have to learn of your arrival from others?”
* * *
His jaw dropped and he looked down at the paper. “I only just arrived this morning…?”
* * *
Her hand dropped from her hips and she blushed. “Oh. Well then…” she cleared her throat as he watched with amusement. “Welcome home.”
* * *
“Thank you. I trust you have kept well…and your family.”
* * *
“Yes, we are fine.” He went to take her hand, leading her to the Chesterfield by the window. He sat her down and then sat next to her, watching her all the while.
* * *
“How was London?”
* * *
“Oh, well, as I said, I had some things to do.”
* * *
She turned to face him, staring earnestly into his eyes. “And what did you decide?”
* * *
He smiled. “Well, for one thing, I have decided that I must bring my mother home. She is not getting any better and I can look after her here.”
* * *
She beamed. “That is a wonderful decision.” Her smile dropped and she frowned. “But does that mean you are not intent on getting rid of this property?”
* * *
He sighed. “I do not know. I still have my seat at Hampton but this property is more profitable than that. I have some tenants and the wheat that is grown here is all sold to the breweries to make ale. They have been fairly consistent with the harvests even without my attention or that of my steward.”
* * *
“It seems you already know the answer.” She smiled kindly.
* * *
“I may do. But this place holds such awful memories for both myself and my mother. I do not see how she would want to live here again.”
* * *
“Memories can be erased or replaced. But I do not want to influence you. You must do what you think best.”
* * *
He smiled wryly. “It is too late for you not to influence me. For if I am honest, the primary reason I wish to keep this property is to be close to you and yours.”