Free Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed by Jo Beverley Page B

had no idea of how to go on. His last comment also concerned her. Sir Marius frightened her even more than her betrothed did.
    “I think, My Lord, that merely encourages me to stay by your side whenever possible.”
    “Excellent,” he said in a teasing tone as he placed his arm around her waist and drew her close.
    She tensed by reflex but realized, at the same instant, that she liked it. Jane had not been held like this since she was a child, and the comfort she felt was amazing. To be able to go to another person and be held close whenever she felt the need would be a wonder almost beyond imagining. She relaxed tentatively against him, then drew back slightly. This was obviously another of his skillful, rakish tricks, and he was doubtless amused to see her so easily beguiled. Why did she have to be so vulnerable to this man?
    She looked up and found him staring at her with a slight smile. For some reason, she knew he was thinking of kissing her properly and, unconsciously, she licked her lips. His smile broadened, and at the sight of his amusement she pulled away from him farther still. Dropping his heavy lids, he released her. The kiss she had expected was planted gently on her gloved hand.
    Jane suppressed a twinge of disappointment and congratulated herself on once again avoiding too early a commitment.

5
    A HEARTY NUNCHEON was served at The Middlehouse, as dinner would be fashionably late. The whole party was gathered for the meal, and there was a lively discussion of the activities for the afternoon. Lord Harroving sion of the activities for the afternoon. Lord Harroving wanted all the men to go with him in search of pike in the river and was disgruntled at the lack of interest. The other gentlemen seemed much more interested in staying with the ladies, so eventually he took himself off to his favourite pastime alone. His wife and Mrs. Danvers decided to attempt some watercolours. The rest of the party settled on archery and went to find the equipment.
    Amid much laughter, the butts and bows were discovered in a shed near the stables, and a number of servants were sent to set them up. Sophie, Lord Randal, and Sir Marius hurried after, but Jane found herself behind with Lord Wraybourne, who seemed disinclined to hurry.
    For a moment she was panicked at being alone with a man for the first time in her life, if one did not count the brief interlude in which he made his offer, but his easy manner and the beautiful day composed her. Even with her arm in his, feeling the firmness of muscle beneath cloth, she experienced no alarm in his company. In fact, she was very much at ease, as if he were an old friend. The air had a special clarity, and the sweet, earthy smells of spring were like a perfume.
    “I am reminded of when I mounted my first pony,” she said dreamily, half to herself.
    “Was that a special day?”
    “Oh yes,” she replied with a shining smile. “She was just a tubby little thing called Jenny, but she was mine. I was six, I think.”
    “And now you have Serenade,” he said, referring to her current mount.
    “Yes,” she replied, some of the glow leaving her face. “She’s a slug. Mama does not think fast horses suitable for young ladies.”
    She thought he might say something, but he did not so they walked on in silence.
    “Are the archery butts in this direction?” she asked after a moment. “I would think we are going down to the lake.”
    “Excellent geography,” he admitted. “The butts are close to the house near the tennis court. I thought it would be pleasant to walk for a little. Do you realize we have never really been alone?”
    “I do not think it is proper,” she said, wondering if she had been wise to relax with him.
    “But we are betrothed,” he responded, steering her to a convenient bench. “Being alone in such safe circumstances as these is one of the privileges of our situation, Jane. Another is that I am permitted to give you handsome presents. What shall the first