Free In the Widow’s Bed by Heather Boyd Page A

 
    Heart pounding loud in her ears, Phoebe nodded, giving him permission to expose their affair. But she couldn’t stay to hear how Lizzy reacted. She simply couldn’t. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe I will return to Moreton Hall where I belong.”
    Jonathan turned in his chair and captured her fingers again as she tried to escape the room. “Wait for me in my study. I’ll escort you home myself.”
    Phoebe nodded and hurried for the hall.

CHAPTER EIGHT

    “You gave Phoebe quite a fright today,” Jonathan remarked as he settled beside his sister on the window seat where Phoebe had just been. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do that again.”
    Lizzy scowled as she wiped her damp nose. “I cannot believe you’re defending her. I may not have understood completely this morning but I have realized what that mark on her neck means now.”
    Jonathan leaned against the window frame. “Really. And that is?”
    Lizzy appeared flustered by his question. “Oh, don’t make me say it.”
    Amused, Jonathan leaned forward to rest his forearms on his thighs. “Well, if you’re going to make accusations about a woman I hold in the greatest esteem, you’d better choose your words with care.”
    A shocked gasp left Lizzy’s throat. “Did y ou make the mark on her throat?”
    “I did.” Jonathan shook his head. “A mistake on my part.”
    Beside him, Lizzy’s breath rushed from her lungs loudly. After a long, silent moment, Jonathan turned to see her expression. His sister’s mouth hung open then she snapped it closed, and glanced about her. So far so good . At least she wasn’t shrieking about him seducing her best friend. Jonathan glanced down at the floor while he waited for Lizzy to decide how she’d react to the revelation.
      “A mistake? Did you not mean to make love to her?”
    Jonathan chuckled. “Oh, I intended and accomplished that. My mistake was losing my head and failing to keep my end of the bargain. I appreciate you sharing your special cream. The lady has a reputation to maintain after all.”
    He didn’t mean to sound despondent about that last condition, but he must have conveyed his disappointment too clearly because Lizzy leaned her head against his shoulder. “Those Warminsters are nothing but trouble.”
    Jonathan hugged her close. “I like Phoebe very much.”
    Lizzy squeezed him tighter. “Do you love her?”
    While his head screamed yes , he wouldn’t admit to something that utterly astonished him. He admired Phoebe, desired her so much he longed for her touch this minute. But love? He shook his head. “You mustn’t entertain such fanciful notions.”
    Yet he couldn’t stop himself from entertaining the same. Jonathan glanced about the chamber. “Now what am I to do about Warminster? Shall I beat him to a pulp or slice him to ribbons on the field of honor?”
    He watched Lizzy very carefully, but his bloodthirsty suggestions dragged a shudder from her. So that was a no to any retribution. He wondered what she had in mind.  
    Lizzy shook her head. “Back to you and Lady Warminster. What can I do to help?”
    Jonathan drew in a breath at the change of subject, but for now he’d allow it. “Nothing. Despite our affair, she will always be your friend. But forgive her for this morning, won’t you? She was terrified.”
    When Jonathan stood, Lizzy climbed to her feet too. “Thank you for coming to check on me. You really are a wonderful brother.” She stood up on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
    When she exited the room, Lizzy moved with customary but distracted haste. Jonathan stepped out into the hall, wondering what was going through her mind now, but she disappeared down the servant’s staircase without a backward glance. Really, sometimes he wondered just what went on in her brain. He shrugged off his sisters problems for now and took the stairs down towards his study.
    Phoebe paced the room.  
    Jonathan took a moment to enjoy the view then he