Part 13 (1/2)
”Perhaps you are correct,” she answered. ”I shall think on it. I do thank you for your thoughts. I have never had a friend, much less a brother, before.”
Her sincerity touched him. ”I will always be happy and willing to be of a.s.sistance.” Dr. Ames flicked the
reins, prodded the horse from its slow plod.
A comradely silence engulfed the pair for the remainder of the journey. Soon Kentoncombe was before them-a blaze of light in the darkness. Seeing that men awaited the arrival of the carriage, Joanne laid her hand upon Ames's arm. ”You will not speak of what I have told you?” she asked.
”Not if you do not wish me to.”
”Oh, thank you. I would be quite out of charity with you if you did.”
”And we mustn't have that,” he teased lightly as he drew the horse to a halt before Kentoncombe's door.
”Oh, mustn't we,” returned Joanne archly and both shared the laughter of a common jest not noticing
Lord Jason had emerged and watched.
He took in their happy faces and shared laughter, saw Joanne's hand resting on Ames's arm. A deep sorrow settled upon his heart, blotted out the faint hope it held.
Chapter Fourteen.
The crisp cool air of fall turned into the chillier winds of winter. Joanne chose to follow Dr. Ames's advice, but none could fail to notice the increased effort she put into her lessons. while avoiding any conversation on the subject of Joanne.
Only observation of Kenton at unguarded moments continued to convince Ames that Lord Jason kept his true feelings for Lady Joanne under tight rein.
Mrs. Caern watched the trio with growing unease. Only Lady Joanne remained unaware, not comprehending the undercurrents about her, certain she had found a subst.i.tute father.
Meticulously following the exercise and dietary course set by Kenton Joanne slimmed even more.
Shortly after Christmas the dressmaker was summoned to Kentoncombe once more.
This dear lady was sadly confused when she came from Joanne's bedchamber. Mrs. Caern had directed her to measure and discuss styles for the young lady's day gowns, pelisses, evening gowns, and many smaller items-so many in fact that the seamstress had been somewhat concerned at the size of the task.
Lady Knoll, however, had just told her to make only three day gowns, one warm and durable, and one gown for evening wear.
Imagine a young lady wanting something durable? Worse still, Lady Joanne had selected common materials, not at all the sort the gentry chose for putting on airs. Uncertain of what to do, Mrs. Daniels paused worriedly outside the coat-of-arms chamber door.
Lord Jason, coming from his study, approached her.
The st.u.r.dy little seamstress bobbed a hasty curtsy.
Seeing she was upset, he halted. ”Mrs. Daniels, is it not? Can I be of help?”
”It concerns her ladys.h.i.+p's instructions, milord. Mrs. Caern told me there would be a large number of gowns and other articles to be made and that they were to be of the finer materials. But Lady Knoll ordered only four gowns and these of my least costly cloth.”
Brow furrowed in puzzlement, Kenton pondered the seamstress's news. ”You have all the measurements needed for any gown?” he asked.
”Oh, yes, milord.”
”Then I suggest you begin on one of the gowns Lady Knoll ordered and delay starting on the remainder until a message is sent to you. A minor misunderstanding seems exist.”
”Thank you, milord.” Mrs. Daniels gave him a relieved smile. ”I best be going.” Bobbing another quick curtsy, she went briskly on her way.
Remaining before Joanne's chamber door, Kenton deliberated on the cause behind Joanne's orders to the seamstress. That she has decided to wed Ames came first to mind.
No, he reasoned, that makes no sense, for she believes her father pays for the garments. What can be her reason for so miserly a choice? upon her door.
The rein he had kept upon his heart was sorely tried by the image he met upon the door's opening. A deep lavender morning gown, simply cut and unadorned, was wrapped around Joanne's figure, revealing the natural bodylines. His eyes followed the soft curves with a hunger long suppressed. Her brown hair hung in soft velvet waves upon her shoulders. A maidenly blush heightened her looks as her brown eyes widened in surprise.
”Lord Jason, I had no idea. I thought it must be Mrs. Daniels. We just finished-” she sought to explain why she was not dressed at such a late morning hour.
”I know,” he acknowledged, his thoughts far from his words. ”I just spoke with her. In fact what she told me makes me admit to some puzzlement.”
Words faded from thought as he feasted, his heart raced. All his reasoning and suppressing had done naught. Love pulsed so strongly, he was certain she must see it, feel it. How was it to be denied?