Pulling his hat lower to avoid the bracing winter breeze, Julian picked up his pace, and Garrett met his stride. Truly, he had enough on his plate with what had befallen Aidan, and now the dramatic discovery of Garrett having a daughter and a former love. Facing Riordan the day after tomorrow and informing him of his brother’s fate would not be easy. “Father will be coming with me to Carrbury to see Riordan.”
“I would have, Julian.”
“You have enough to contend with. I am tempted to head to Hertfordshire, but I will heed the doctor’s suggestion for now.”
“I believe it best.”
Once they arrived, Julian was disappointed to find that Mrs. Claxton answered the door. She stated that Alberta and Jonas were awaiting them in the parlor. He’d hoped to get Alberta alone for a moment. After their coats, hats, and gloves were taken, Julian and Garrett were shown into the parlor. Jonas looked apprehensive.
Alberta stood. “I will leave you alone. Will you stay for a drink after, Julian? Garrett? A brandy perhaps?”
Hell, yes. Julian would need the drink. “Of course.”
“I thank you for the invitation, but I should return to the hall,” Garrett replied.
She smiled and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
“Bert told me why you’re both here,” Jonas mumbled, looking contrite. “I shouldn’t have kissed Meg.”
Julian and Garrett sat across from him. “Did your body react?” Julian asked. Might as well steam ahead directly into the delicate subject at hand. Jonas nodded. “It is nothing to be ashamed of, lad. It is a perfectly natural response when you kiss a young lady.”
Garrett leaned forward. “The key word here is young. Megan is far too young to be involved with a man. And you are a man, Jonas. Fully grown. Ten years older.”
Jonas met Garrett’s gaze. “I liked kissing her, though.”
“Yes, but it cannot happen again. Not until Megan grows up a little more,” Garrett replied.
Jonas’s eyebrows knotted with worry. “But she won’t want me when she grows up.”
Julian’s heart tightened at the dismay in Jonas’s voice. “That’s not necessarily true. You must be patient. I know it will be difficult. But in this situation, you must be the grown-up. Remain firm in the belief that you must wait. In the meantime, you can visit, write, stay in touch. Can I rely on you to be the grown-up here, Jonas, regardless of your feelings?”
“I love her, Tens. I want to marry her.”
“How do you love her?” Garrett asked in a soft voice. “Do you understand what marriage will mean?”
Jonas paused, and Julian could see him working out the proper response. “Bert and Reese were married. It means sharing things: food, thoughts, kisses, laughter, and more. Sleeping in the same bed. Sitting together in the evening, happy to be with each other.” Jonas smiled. “And love? I want Meg with me always. I want to keep her safe. I’m happy when she looks at me. Smiles at me. I feel strange inside when she’s near.”
“What you described about love and marriage is very astute,” Julian said. Jonas arched an eyebrow in question. “Astute means smart.”
Another broad smile spread across his perfect features. “I’m smart? Truly, Tens?”
“More than you may believe. If Megan loves you as much as you love her, she will wait. As I said, you must be the grown-up and remain strong. Will you be able to do that, Jonas? Allow proper time to pass before you take your relationship farther? No kisses, no improper touching. It will be difficult, but Megan must be allowed to grow and mature. And if she loves you, she will want you, do not worry.” Julian gave Jonas an encouraging smile.
“I will be the grown-up, I promise. I want to marry her someday, Tens. But doesn’t the man have to have a job? Make money to live? Reese did; he was a barrister. What can I do?”
Julian sat back in his chair. Well. Didn’t expect that. He glanced at Garrett and they exchanged looks of surprise. As he surmised, Jonas was not simpleminded, but had many limitations. Those precincts would be difficult to handle not only for him, but for any woman who married him. It would take an extraordinary young lady indeed. Was his niece up for the challenge? It remained to be seen.
“Let us ponder on it for a while, Jonas. Do you have any other questions?” Garrett asked.
“Is Meg your daughter? For real?”
“Yes, for real. It has been a happy surprise for us all. It is a long story, but it shows what happens when young people give in to passion and love and don’t consider the consequences,” Garrett answered. “Society is harsh toward unmarried young women who find themselves carrying a child. It is entirely unfair that young ladies receive the brunt of the censure. Society is unforgiving; they call it a scandal, and it’s another reason that you and Megan must remain strong and wait. You do not want Megan to find herself in such a situation.”
Jonas shook his head vigorously.
In as many brief words as they could muster, Julian and Garrett explained the act of human reproduction. Jonas absorbed the information, his expression contemplative. “I won’t do that with Meg, not until we’re married, I promise.”
“Good lad.” Damn, he could only hope that the young couple curbed their desires. From experience, Julian knew it was difficult. He glanced at his brother. Garrett was the living proof.
Jonas stood. “I’m going to feed Poppy. Do you both want to come with me?”
Julian laughed. “And have your llama spit at me again? I think not. Besides, I am going to share a brandy with Alberta.” He rose to his feet. “Any time you have questions, Jonas, you come to me. Or Garrett. We are all friends.”
Garrett stood as well. “Julian is correct.”
Jonas smiled, his blue eyes sparkling. “Tens. Garrett. We’re very good friends.” He scampered from the room and Julian blew out a cleansing breath. Thank Christ that was over.
Moments later, Alberta entered, smiling warmly. “Forgive me. I listened outside the door. I couldn’t sit still in my room.”
Garrett smiled and gave her a slight bow. “And on that note, I will take my leave. You and Jonas will come for dinner the evening after next? Cook will be pulling out all the stops. I know it is short notice, but we would be delighted if you accepted.”
“We would love to attend.”
Garrett nodded toward Julian and exited the room. Alberta sat next to Julian on the settee. “I thought you would have returned to London by now.”
“Prime Minster Peel ended the autumn session prematurely and is reluctant to call us back. He knows he is in danger of losing the house. The Factory Act does not go far enough, and I and others are pushing for further reforms. Also, many of us are pushing for a repeal of the Corn Laws. It all makes for contentious sessions, to say the least.”
Alberta smiled. “Obviously you are not of a conservative bent.”
“Far from it. Nor am I in the House of Lords. Viscount Tensbridge is a courtesy title. I am a Member of Parliament for this district.”
She nodded. “My uncle often wrote of the earl’s causes. Some he agreed with, others he did not. Neither am I conservative. I take interest in what goes on at Westminster, though I know it is not fashionable or acceptable for a woman to do so.”
“I applaud you.” He returned her smile. “And I look forward to future conversations.”
“Concerning Jonas, from what I heard, you were wonderful. And how very frank you were in your descriptions.” Alberta winked good-naturedly.
She teased him and he loved it. With a crooked grin he stood and gathered her up in his arms. “All the talk about kissing and desire has had its effect on me. I have not kissed you yet. I mean to correct that.” He rested his forehead against hers. “A proper kiss.”
“Kiss me then,” Alberta whispered.
Gently grasping the sides of her head, he stared into her glorious golden-brown eyes. Slowly, he leaned in, making the anticipation flare between them. He nibbled on her lush lips, then took it deeper, taking complete ownership of her mouth. Alberta kissed him in return, tangling her tongue with his.
How gratifying to react this swiftly to a devastating kiss at his age. At forty-five, he had a number of good years left; why not embrace everything life had to offer? Encircling Alberta’s waist, he brought her in tight against him. Against his stiff and aching prick.
She replied with a moan, which heightened his desire to a level of wild fierceness he’d not experienced in years. “Julian,” she whispered against his mouth as he trailed hot, fevered kisses down her neck.
Reluctantly, he ended it by cupping her flushed cheeks and gazing into her eyes. “I’d better have that brandy,” he rasped.
“Brandy?” She smiled. “Of course.” Alberta left his arms and walked toward the sideboard. He felt her absence keenly.
This had moved beyond a flirtation with an attractive neighbor. How far he wished it to advance was another question entirely. Julian understood Garrett’s reluctance. Hell, he’d lived it, and he never wanted to live through burying a woman he loved ever again. At least, not before reaching old age. Logic dictated that he walk away from what was developing between him and Alberta. But when did logic ever enter into emotions?