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  “I see.” Jane glanced toward Jeannie and sent up a silent apology for the white lie she felt necessary under the circumstances. “Might I introduce Miss Jeannie Ashby, my friend and companion? I have spoken to Squire Cleaves and he is not only willing to sponsor myself, but also Miss Ashby. He believes our working together will be of a great benefit to Mrs. Cage.”

  Howard steepled his fingers, his elbows on the desk, and glared. “He does, does he?”

  “Yes. He will be writing to you shortly confirming as much. I hope by bringing Miss Ashby with me today, you will understand I am not a lone woman in my endeavors, but one of many”—she looked at him steadily—“women looking to make a difference, a change. We wish only for the chance to prove ourselves.”

  Jane’s heart raced. Surely if Matthew was willing to sponsor her, he would Jeannie too? He had known her and Jeannie equally as long. There could be no reason for him to doubt her passion, kindness, or determination.

  Mr. Howard slowly removed his spectacles and laid them on the desk. He narrowed his eyes and leaned back in his high-backed chair, raising his hands to tap his fingertips together in front of him. “Well, you most certainly have the fortitude to carry out the desire to work with Mrs. Cage, but that means little if you decide the work is not for you within a few weeks.”

  “That won’t happen.” Jane held his cynical gaze. “I want to do this more than anything.”

  He looked to Jeannie. “And you, Miss Ashby? You seem to have little to say about the matter.”

  Jane pulled back her shoulders and waited for Jeannie’s reply.

  Her friend inched forward in her seat. “I am only quiet because Miss Danes has articulated my thoughts. I worked for Miss Danes’s family for a long time before I became her companion. Our minds and thoughts are often the same. If we were to work together, under Mrs. Cage’s instruction, I am sure the house would be a happy one.”

  Howard lifted his eyebrow. “Have you met Mrs. Cage, Miss Ashby?”

  Jane stiffened. Mrs. Cage had hardly welcomed Jane into her house with open arms. Two new recruits might well shut Mrs. Cage’s generosity down once and for all.

  Jeannie cleared her throat. “I have not, but Miss Danes has told me how well she likes her.”

  Jane pursed her lips, stopping her smile. How well she liked Mrs. Cage? Jeannie really was the most dearest of friends.

  Mr. Howard blew out a heavy breath. “I have never known Mrs. Cage to be so well-liked on a first meeting.” He looked at Jane and Jeannie in turn. “Your affability is to be commended. Now, I have another question. What if either of you were to marry? What then? I can hardly see a husband being happy with either of you pursuing work of this nature.”

  Irritation formed as heavy and hard as granite in Jane’s stomach. “If a future beau can’t see how important this work is to us, then I can’t imagine Miss Ashby or I marrying the gentlemen concerned. Of that, you can be certain.”

  The wall clock ticked by the seconds. After an insufferably long time, Mr. Howard finally leaned forward to place his forearms on his desk and slid some papers in front of him. “As you know, I have considered your interest, Miss Danes, and will also take Miss Ashby’s into consideration. As much as I doubt your longevity in the role, I can’t turn away what I believe to be competency when I’m presented with it.” He looked at Jane and Jeannie in turn before looking at the paper in front of him. “Having spoken at length with Mrs. Cage, and with Squire Cleaves’s sponsorship, I give my authority for you, Miss Danes, to work at Mrs. Cage’s house.”

  Jane fought to not leap from her chair and press a kiss to the Guardian’s bald pate. Instead, she gripped her reticule tighter and held his gaze. “And Miss Ashby?”

  “Once I have the squire’s authority for you both in my hands, I will speak to Mrs. Cage, and then it will be up to you to impress her enough to allow Miss Ashby’s involvement. Mrs. Cage might not have the most friendliest of attitudes, but she cares for her children with more aplomb than many matrons I have known and continue to know.”

  Jane detected a trace of genuine admiration for Mrs. Cage in Mr. Howard’s tone. His obvious respect and belief in Mrs. Cage didn’t coincide with Jane’s first impressions of her. Maybe that was to Jane’s detriment, rather than Mr. Howard’s inaccuracy.

  Her pulse beat hard and she held her reticule in a vise-like grip, desperately trying to hold on to the excitement and anticipation flooding through her.

  “And so,” he continued. “Your position will only be temporary until myself and Mrs. Cage are convinced the arrangement is beneficial to all concerned and are duly satisfied with your contribution. There will be no financial payment for your work. The position is entirely voluntary, and you will be under Mrs. Cage’s instruction. Are those terms agreeable?”

  Jane glanced at Jeannie and she nodded. Smiling, Jane faced Mr. Howard. “It is, sir.”

  “Very good.” He splayed his fingers on the desk and pushed to his feet, holding out his hand. “Then once I receive the squire’s support, we will reconvene to arrange an agreeable day on which you will report to Mrs. Cage.”

  Jane took his offered hand and held it firmly. “I thank you, sir. You will not be disappointed by your decision.”

  He nodded before turning to Jeannie and shaking her hand.

  Jane swallowed against the happiness bubbling in her throat as she and Jeannie walked toward the door. Pride that the Board had made the decision for her to work at the house before she’d even arrived with Jeannie, burned inside. Even that one small vote of confidence gave Jane a much-needed boost to forge ahead.

  As for Jeannie, Jane hoped this new work would, once and for all, illustrate Jane’s belief in her former maid’s abilities. Jeannie deserved to work for herself and make her own life. Mr. Howard had said the position wouldn’t pay, but who knew where this work could lead her friend? Working with Mrs. Cage might be just the start of a new life for Jeannie, as much as for Jane.

  Hurrying down the stairs, afraid her elation might burst forth at any moment, Jane grinned as she flung open the front door and she and Jeannie stepped onto the pavement. As if sensing Jane’s internal glee, Jeannie slipped her hand into Jane’s elbow and pulled her close. The two of them strode along the street, and it wasn’t until they’d turned the corner, out of sight and sound of the Board’s office, did they erupt into raptures of laughter and jubilation.

  Chapter 17

  Having eaten a full breakfast, Matthew left the hotel’s dining room and strode into the lobby. His cases were packed for his return to Biddestone. The only task he had left to do was deliver his signed sponsorship to the Board. Mixed feelings of pride and concern for Jane had kept Matthew awake half the night, but there was no chance of him standing in the way of her wishes.

  He was about to approach the elevator when Jane and her maid coming through the hotel’s doors halted him.

  Jane stepped into the lobby ahead of Jeannie, her face alight with happiness. The tinkle of her laughter caused a tug at Matthew’s chest. It had been so very long since he’d heard that sweet, carefree sound.

  She turned from Jeannie, her smile wide. When her gaze met his, Matthew drank in the wholly beautiful sight of her. She was The One. He feared she always had been and the promises he’d made to his father would forever haunt him.

  Clearing his mind of futile regret, he smiled and walked toward the women. “Jane, good morning.” He nodded at Jeannie. “Miss Ashby.”

  Jeannie beamed. “Good morning, sir.”

  He faced Jane. “Is everything all right? I thought I would not see you again before I left for the village.”

  A faint blush colored her cheeks. “I am so relieved to have caught you. I . . .” She glanced at Jeannie. “We went to the Board yesterday after you left the par . . . the Abbey.”

  Matthew bit back his smile as her blush darkened. Memories of the softness of her lips were branded on his senses, and from Jane’s stuttering and need to make out they were somewhere else entirely
, provided proof her recollection was equally as fresh. “I see, and you spoke to Mr. Howard?”

  “We did. I have the most wonderful news.” Jane pushed her arm through Jeannie’s and lifted her chin. “Mr. Howard has agreed, upon receipt of your signed sponsorship, that both Jeannie and I can work with Mrs. Cage.”

  Matthew raised his eyebrows. “Both of you? Surely Mrs. Cage will have something to say about that?”

  Jane’s smile faltered. “I’m sure she will, but with Mr. Howard’s authority for us to work there and Mrs. Cage being under his employment, I cannot see how she can refuse.”

  Matthew frowned. “Enforcement is hardly the best condition to begin work alongside someone.”

  Irritation flashed in her eyes and her smile vanished. “Well, as it will be Jeannie and I undertaking the position, Mrs. Cage’s reaction to us is not your concern. You will be in Biddestone after all, will you not?”

  Their gazes locked and Matthew fought the intensely annoying blend of pride and frustration as it rose. He cleared his throat and glanced around the busy lobby. “And so you are here to ensure I have signed the authority before I leave?” He met her eyes and pretended he hadn’t felt a whisper of hope that when she’d walked through the door, she had come for a final good-bye kiss. “Does Howard want my authority for Jeannie also?”

  She nodded and her eyes softened. “Yes. I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but I didn’t come to Bath for myself alone. I brought Jeannie with me, not as my maid, but my companion.” She squeezed Jeannie’s hand. “I want to help her life too. Who is to say working at the house will suit either one of us until we try, but at least it will be a start of something different. Who knows where it might lead?”

  Matthew looked at Jeannie. “Is Miss Danes fooling you any more than she is me when she says working at the house might not suit?”

  Jeannie grinned. “Indeed not, sir. She will excel at the house, I’m certain. As for me, I do not know, but I would love the opportunity to find out.”

  Matthew sighed. “Well, what am I to do, ladies? Your carefully executed ambush has succeeded.” He waved his hand toward a plush seating area in a corner of the lobby. “Why don’t you take a seat and order some tea, and I will rewrite my letter to the Board. Once I am done, maybe we can deliver the letter to Mr. Howard together?”

  “Matthew, thank you.” Jane released Jeannie and stepped forward, pressing her tempting lips to his cheek. She looked deep into his eyes, tears making them shine. “Thank you so much.”

  The urge to pull her to him and ravish her mouth as he had in the park tore through him, but instead, Matthew winked. “You’re welcome.”

  Her answering blush and Jeannie’s giggle were all the thanks he needed. “I will leave you ladies to tea then. I won’t be long.”

  Matthew turned to walk to the elevator when Jeannie’s gasp halted him. He faced her.

  Jeannie pressed her hand to her chest. “But I have just remembered I need to be somewhere quite urgently.”

  Matthew glanced at Jane and her annoyed expression was enough to cause a dangerous laugh to bubble in his throat. He clenched his jaw against its release.

  Jeannie’s green eyes were wide with innocence, her face almost angelic.

  Jane frowned. “You do not have anywhere you need to be.”

  Ignoring Jane, Jeannie stared at Matthew. “I’m so sorry, sir, but would you mind if just you and Jane go to the Board?”

  Matthew dipped his head. “But of course.”

  “That’s wonderful. Thank you. I will bid you farewell then. Have a safe journey home, won’t you?” She turned to Jane and smiled widely. “I will see you back at the house later.”

  Jane’s cheeks turned crimson. “Indeed you will.”

  Jeannie’s smile vanished and she headed for the hotel’s doors as quickly as her clearly cumbersome skirt would allow.

  Matthew glanced at Jane. “Well, then, it’s just the two of us. Alone again.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You can take that self-satisfied look off of your face, sir. Jeannie has no such errand to run. I will be having harsh words with her when I return home.”

  Matthew lifted his eyebrows. “But she’s no longer your maid. She is purely a woman in an exciting city and making the most of it . . . as you wanted.”

  She glared. “Just go and write the approval. I will wait here.”

  Matthew grinned as she whirled away from him, her soft feminine scent wafting under his nostrils. He inhaled deeply, his heart beating with blessed anticipation of the fire and passion their relationship promised to deliver.

  No matter that Jane wanted him to return to Biddestone to finalize things with Elizabeth, no matter that her concern would always remain with the villagers, Jane Charlotte Danes was, and always had been, destined to be his wife.

  And as God was his witness, he would do whatever it took to ensure their lives intertwined forever, that their mutual and individual goals were attained, and that their future happiness would never be less than exciting.

  Walking beside Matthew along the street, Jane contemplated his vision that they might one day be free to walk this way as lovers without the fear of public condemnation. She didn’t have the advantage of enjoying this particular moment as one might if the man she loved wasn’t well-known and didn’t hold a position of importance. The furtive or curious looks Matthew drew weren’t just because he was known as Biddestone’s squire, but also because he was nothing short of magnificent to look at.

  There could be no charade—he wasn’t hers—he was Elizabeth’s.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  Matthew’s voice cut through her musings, and Jane tipped her chin to meet his eyes.

  She smiled softly. “I was just considering what an imposing figure you are.”

  He arched his eyebrow. “You think me imposing? Well, I am flattered. Thank you.”

  She tugged on his arm and forced a scowl, but the pleasurable knotting in her stomach most likely showed in her eyes anyway. “Imposing doesn’t necessarily mean attractive. It can be intimidating, threatening . . . even dangerous.”

  The smile she loved so much appeared. “I would love to be dangerous as far as you’re concerned.”

  Heat struck her face and Jane quickly averted her gaze. “Stop it.” Once again, her naïveté, her virginity, prevented her from retorting with any semblance of wit or verve. “Let us focus on this meeting with Mr. Howard.”

  She sensed his gaze on her but did not look at him. Danger was all around him—inside him. From his dark brown, almost black hair, to his bright, intensely blue eyes. To his passion and reverence about the village, its people . . . and her. Matthew Cleaves was a man determined in his choices. And she was his most recent.

  Only the good Lord knew what lay ahead for them. She could no longer pretend that living her life without Matthew would result in her contentment. As much as she would not forgo her mission to work with Mrs. Cage, she hoped, one day, she and Matthew would be together as so much more than the supposed friends they were now.

  Matthew coughed. “Well, we are mere steps away from Howard’s office. Any last-minute plans need to be aired now.”

  “I have no further plans than us walking in there and him accepting your signed sponsorship. He more or less gave me his approval before. I just hope he hasn’t reconsidered.”

  Matthew stopped and gently grasped her elbows. His gaze flitted over her face and lingered a second on her mouth as though he might kiss her. “I promise you, he will not go back on his approval. Whatever it takes, you and Jeannie will work with Mrs. Cage. Do you trust me to ensure it?”

  She nodded. “I trust you. I’ve always trusted you.”

  She had. With all her heart. Suddenly, the independence she harbored so avidly only days before took on new meaning. Although it had taken Matthew’s signature to ensure her steps forward, this sponsorship would take her and Jeannie to their success. Anticipation for what lay ahead swelled inside her.

 
; Matthew’s eyes darkened with unmistakable desire, and he slid his hands from her elbows to take her hands. “Our future, the villagers’ future, will absorb my every moment from this day forward. I will ensure both your and their happiness . . .” His jaw tightened. “And my happiness too. If you say you want me as I want you, I promise we will soon be together and happy.”

  Jane’s body tingled with a strange sensation of fear and hope. She looked into his eyes and the last shred of her stubbornness to do everything alone slipped away. “I do want you, but you need to understand I won’t go home. I won’t go back to Marksville and return to the person I was when I was there. Not ever. When I visit, I want to be a woman in my own right.”

  Comprehension showed in his clear blue eyes. “I understand and want nothing different for you.”

  She clasped his hands tighter. “I want to work hard at my own desires and wishes, not at the needs and requests of the home where I was raised and brought down. Marksville is Monica and Thomas’s now. It is up to them to do as they will with it. I am free of its commitments and want my life to stay that way.”

  “And it will be so.” He lifted his hand to her jaw. “I promise.”

  She gently removed his hand, aware of the people around them and the intimacy of the contact. She looked deep into his eyes, wanting to be certain he fully understood the depth of her determination. “My true life will be in Bath from now on. I want to be with you, but I have no idea how that will be possible while the village remains your responsibility. I am not asking you to leave the place you love, but I am asking you to understand what is in my heart.” She smiled. “Besides you.”

  Hunger filled his gaze. Jane’s heart beat fast as fear he would kiss her right there, on the street, rippled through her. “Matthew—”

  “We will be together.”