was inclined to talk, and she felt obligated to listen.
"The truth," he said after some moments, recalling her wandering thoughts, "is that I am a most foolish fellow. I have it in my head to only marry for love. I know—I know—" he went on hurriedly, "that is an impractical notion, given my unfortunate circumstances in life. Nonetheless, it is why I have heretofore evaded the parson’s trap."
Jane raised an eyebrow. "Trap, sir?"
"A poor turn of phrase for such a serious subject. In a sense true, however. Without love, marriage would be a trap."
Jane halted and looked up at Sir Helmsdon. "What are you trying to say, sir?" she asked bluntly, color high on her cheeks in anticipation of his answer.
"Please, Miss Grantley—" he said, indicating with a nod in the direction of the door his desire for private conversation.
She stared at him a moment, then nodded and allowed him to lead her out of the parlor and into the hall. He led her to the same seat Lord Royce had taken the week before. In some portion of her mind, the humor of the seat’s continued use for private discourse percolated, and she smiled.
"I’m gratified to see you smile. It partially soothes my own trepidation," he said wryly.
Jane laughed. "You, sir, afraid?" The man had much to answer for; still, he was being astonishingly disarming.
"A gentleman—nay, any man is afraid to admit to softer emotions—to notions of love and tenderness."
"And are you?"
"You know it, Miss Grantley," he said seriously, his gray eyes searching her face.
Jane’s smile faltered. "In the past you have had an odd way of displaying your feelings," she reminded him.
"Damn it, I know it," he said angrily, turning away from her to stare blindly down the long hall. "Miss Grantley, the day I came upon you in Berkeley Square, I was on my way to your home to bid you good-bye. I thought it fortunate to have met you as you set out on your afternoon visits. Contrary to the words you whipped me soundly with that day, I had not been lying in wait for you. And while it is true that I requested you join me in my carriage, it was to allow us private conversation rather than standing about on some street corner like any common person."
"Oh, come now, Sir Helmsdon. I am not such a gudgeon as that. The carriage you guided me to was a rented traveling coach piled high with baggage. If I had deigned to step up into that carriage I doubt I would have stepped out again until my reputation was in tatters, leaving me no alternative but to marry you. Or you would have avoided that sullied middle part and led me directly to the anvil!"
Sir Helmsdon smiled. "A delightful thought. I would that it had occurred to me, be I later termed a knave or worse. Seriously, Miss Grantley," he drew her small hand into his and covered it with his other. "I do most sincerely love you and wish to make you my wife. There, I have said it without roundaboutation. "
Jane laughed. "Almost, Sir Helmsdon, do I believe you. There still are several plaguing questions. I know I should ask what was your reason for the loaded traveling coach, but we shall leave that aside for the time. Instead let me ask what brings you in my Aunt Serena’s company? And what of your pursuit of Millicent? According to my aunt, you have been a most assiduous suitor."
He shrugged. "She was a means to an ends. When I returned to London you’d already gone and no one could, or would, tell me where. I happened to remember your relationship to Mrs. Hedgeworth and presumed upon our friendship in order to ascertain your location. It was merely fortuitous Mrs. Hedgeworth and Lady Tipton were planning a trip down here. I quite shamelessly invited myself along."
Jane eyed him askance. "Knowing my dear relations, I would say there is a host you are not saying. Well, we shall leave that for now. I must tell you, sir, and quite firmly, that I do not wish to marry. You or anyone."
"But why, Miss Grantley? As modem as our times are, it is still difficult for an unmarried woman to make her way alone in this world. At least with marriage to me your security and safety would be assured."
"In exchange for my bank account," she said dryly. "No, do not protest. Let me say this in my defense.