"Very wise. And I like your new freckles. They're absolutely adorable, just like you." Leaning forward, he took her lips in a sweet kiss that lingered far longer, and became far more intense, than he intended.
With a reluctant sigh, he forced himself away, wishing he could pull her onto his lap instead. If they weren't in his coach on the way to see her father, he would have done exactly that. But now was not the time to start something amorous, since they were due to arrive in the city in a short while.
Leaning back into the corner, he crossed his arms. "I sent a note to my mother and Edward at Braebourne asking if they could travel to Town for a few days," he said. "I didn't mention why, just said I had some happy news I wanted to share in person."
"I did the same last night with Papa. He knows I'm coming home, but not the particulars."
Danvers was smart; Jack was sure the crafty old man knew precisely why. However, if Grace hadn't mentioned him in her letter to her father, perhaps the suspense was killing Danvers even now and he was wondering if Jack had been successful in his courtship. Jack just hoped Danvers didn't turn too conspicuously smug at his victory once he learned for sure that Jack was the reason for her return home.
Grace deserved better. At the very least, she ought to be spared the knowledge that she was being used as her father's unsuspecting pawn. And his own as well. I will do my damnedest to make sure she never learns the truth, he pledged, for both our sakes.
Not long after, the city rose around them, streets teeming with noise and life as people went about their daily business. Before long, they arrived in St. Martin's Lane, Jack jumping down to assist Grace from the coach.
///
"Ready?" he asked, offering his arm.
She glanced first at the town house, then at him, smiling as she met his gaze. "Never more."
The front door was opened by a servant, and in they walked.
The house feels different, Grace mused, as she took off her gloves and hat and exchanged greetings with the butler. Or maybe I'm the one who's different? Not surprising, she supposed, considering how much her life had changed in the few short weeks since she'd been away.
Casting another sideways glance at Jack, she wondered at his unusually solemn mien. But then there was no more time for further speculation, as he took her arm and quietly suggested she lead the way to her father.
At this time of day, she knew she would find Papa in his study, likely bent over his ledgers and reports. She stopped just outside the closed door and turned to Jack. "Perhaps I should go in first."
One mahogany brow arched upward. "You aren't expecting him to object, are you?"
"No," she said, though she honestly didn't know what to expect, given Papa's sometimes irascible humor. He might be delighted. Then again, he might not.
"Good. Then we'll go in together," he stated in a determined, almost protective tone. "You're mine now, with or without your father's blessing."
Her pulse fluttered, a warm glow spreading through her that made her want to bury herself in his arms. Instead, she drew a breath, then rapped her knuckles in a quick one-two on the door.
"Come," called her father in his usual gruff rumble.
"Papa, it's me. I'm home," she announced, as she walked inside.
Ezra Danvers looked up from where he sat at his heavy oak desk, piled high with ledgers and correspondence. His grey brows furrowed over the rims of his wire-framed reading glasses. "Gracie? Is that ye, girl?" Tossing aside his quill pen, he sprang to his feet and hurried around. Catching her close, he gave her an exuberant hug and a kiss on both cheeks. "If you'd told me what time to expect you, I'd have been waiting at the front door."
She laughed and hugged him in return. Stepping back, she found herself next to Jack, who cupped a steadying hand around her elbow. As he did, her father shifted his gaze toward him. "And who might this be, Gracie? I didn't know we had company."
The two men exchanged looks, their expressions curiously enigmatic in a way she couldn't quite define. Perhaps they were taking each other's measure, as men were sometimes wont to do. Likely Jack was considering his first impression of his future father-in-law, while her father was speculating about the identity of this stranger she'd invited into his home. But Jack wouldn't be a stranger for long. Soon he would be family.
"Papa, allow me to introduce Lord John Byron to you. Jack and I met in Bath and have spent the past few weeks becoming acquainted. We are … that is … we are here today with happy news we wish to share."
Her father glowered. "What sort of happy news? Just who are you, sir, to have so obviously ingratiated yourself with my daughter?"
"Papa!"
He ignored her, his gazed fixed on Jack. "Well, what have you to say for yourself, young man?"
Jack's mouth curled with sardonic amusement. "Good day, I suppose, for a start. That and to express my wish that you relieve Grace's mind by granting your consent for our nuptials. You see, your daughter has recently done me the honor of agreeing to be my wife, and I am most determined to have her."
"Are you now?" Her father crossed his arms over his chest. "And what makes you think I would entrust my only child to your care?"
Jack sent him a piercing look. "Because I'm amply equipped to provide for her comfort and safety. But even more, I'll do my utmost to make her happy. What else can you require?"
Her father stared for a long moment before turning again to her. "And what have you to say about this? You've told me plenty of times in the past that you weren't interested in trading your independence for a fancy title. Has the word lord before his name given you a new set of ideals?"
She flushed. "No, not at all. His title matters not-well, not to me-although given your opinions, I should think you'd be pleased to know that a duke's son wishes to take me to wife."
"A duke's son, eh? But not a duke's heir, is he?"
"No, and thank heavens. I have no desire to live such an elevated existence. Being a lord's wife will be difficult enough."
"Nothing could ever be too far above you." Something intense gleamed in his gaze. "Is he truly what you want?"
///
Her chest squeezed, her eyes lifting to meet Jack's vivid azure gaze. "Yes. With all my heart," she declared, reaching out for his hand. "I love him, and nothing would make me happier than to spend my life at his side." She looked again at her father. "And although I would much prefer receiving your blessing, I will have him regardless of your approval. So what say you, Papa? Will you wish us well or not?"
He stared for another long moment before his glower vanished, a hearty smile taking its place. "Of course, I'll wish you well! Come, come, give me a hug, both of you. That's what children and parents are meant to do."
Laughing, Grace hurried into his arms for another long, strong embrace. He and Jack ended up shaking hands, which was a good enough beginning, she supposed.
The three of them talked for several minutes, Grace recounting the highlights of her trip to Bath-or at least the ones that didn't make reference to any of her and Jack's intimate interludes. She also passed along well-wishes and news from Aunt Jane.
After a while, her father stood and gently ushered her to the door. "Now, why don't you go on upstairs to your room? You must be fatigued from your journey."
"Not terribly, though I could do with a repast. Why don't I ring for tea for all of us?"
"Tea would be wonderful. Later. First, however, I should like a private word with Byron here."
She frowned. "A private word about what?"
Her father laughed. "Always the inquiring mouse, aren't you? We're just going to discuss the basics of your settlement, that's all. Not to worry, I'll have him back to you in a trice."
"Yes, but-"
"Surely you don't wish to listen in on such tedious matters?"
Actually, settlement negotiations did sound boring in the extreme. Nevertheless, for reasons she couldn't quite fathom, she didn't feel entirely comfortable leaving the two men alone. Knowing she was being ridiculous, though, she shrugged the sensation away. Considering her and Jack's upcoming marriage, she was sure the two men would have many private discussions, maybe even ones of a father-son nature. She certainly hoped as much.
"Very well, Papa. An hour then? Will that do?"