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)
* * *
Anne shuffled into them, laying her head on Janice’s shoulder with a sigh. “Sometimes I despair of him never noticing me.”
* * *
Janice petted her hair. “Don’t lose hope. Look at me and the duke. Anyone in their right mind would have given up on him long ago, but I didn’t. And now look at us.”
* * *
Anne sat up and stared at her. “What do you mean by that? Has he asked for your hand?”
* * *
“Well…” Janice shrugged, one-shouldered.
* * *
Anne screamed, covering her mouth with her hands. “Really? When were you going to say?”
* * *
Janice flapped her hands at her sister. “Hush. I’m not announcing it yet. I told him that he wasn’t ready yet so please, you must keep this to yourself.”
* * *
“What do you mean he’s not ready?” Anne whispered.
* * *
“I mean, he has some things he is contending with that he has to get sorted. Once that is done, then he can ask me.”
* * *
“Oohh,” Anne flapped her hands excitedly, “I am so happy for you!”
* * *
Janice smiled. “Thank you. It is appreciated. But hush.”
* * *
Anne nodded frantically. “Of course. Not a word shall I say.”
* * *
“Now, I should like to ask you for a favor.”
* * *
“Of course. Whatever you need.” Anne bounced up and down a little.
* * *
Janice grinned. “I would like you to help me redecorate the dower house at Avebury.”
* * *
Anne smiled. “Of course…but who would use it?”
* * *
Janice hesitated. “Well, I cannot say just yet. Not until I have spoken to Arthur and asked his permission.”
* * *
Anne frowned, staring at Janice with concern. “His permission?”
* * *
“It is his secret to tell, not mine.”
* * *
Her brow cleared but she still looked thoughtful. “A secret you say? But he’s shared it with you?”
* * *
Slowly Janice nodded.
* * *
“Oh, Janice. I’m so glad to hear that you two are getting close. It gives me hope.”
* * *
“You’re still young. Enjoy yourself while you can. Sometimes, what it takes for a man to notice you is for you to ignore him and gaily go about your life. Dance and laugh and enjoy your life and he will want to be part of it.”
* * *
“Hmm, you might have something there.”
* * *
“Yes, I know the Pennyworth boy makes cow eyes at you. Let him have a dance at the ball. It will make him so happy.”
* * *
Anne giggled. “Alright. But I will not walk out with him.”
* * *
“Oh, whatever makes you happy, remember that.”
* * *
She nodded once and then again, getting to her feet. “I think I shall do just that. Thank you for your advice, sister. Now I must go and continue addressing invitations. Would you like to take the duke’s to him yourself?” she smiled impishly at Janice.
* * *
“Yes, why not. Any excuse to see him.” She grinned back at Anne.
* * *
“Oh, you are so in love. I love to see it.” Anne touched a hand to her bosom and sighed.
* * *
Janice frowned. She had not really thought of it that way but perhaps that was the truth. She was in love with the duke.
* * *
I pray he can open his heart enough to love me back.
Arthur supervised the clearing out of the dower house, his mind only half on the job. He wanted to replace everything in there because he wanted the place to hold no memories for his mother – even though he was not sure if she could remember everything. But his mind kept drifting back to his tryst with Janice.
* * *
When he led her to the portrait room, he had intended to kiss her, but nothing more. But she’d egged him on and he could not resist for both of them. He could feel his breeches tighten with just the remembrance of her fingers digging into his back, her soft lips hungry on his.
* * *
How are we to wait?
* * *
His heart tripped with guilt even though he knew she was right. He was not ready and if they married now, they might make a mull of it. He did not want that to happen to them. He wanted to live a full and happy life with her.
* * *
“Careful,” he called as Anson dropped one side of the dark-hued mahogany bed. Janice had suggested that instead of changing it, they could simply paint it. She’d promised to ask her sister, who was an avid follower of the arts, to get in touch with one of her many acquaintances in the field who might be looking for a new canvas for their work.
* * *
She had also suggested reupholstering the chairs and was currently rummaging in her attic through the apparently endless bolts of cloth stored therein, to find something suitable. It was more than he could ask for honestly and he did not possess the words to express his gratitude.