Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble Page B

before returning outside.
    Matthew strolled forward, his eyes tipped toward the staircase. “Are you not familiar with the house at all?”
    Jane looked at him. “You are most likely more familiar with it than me. Papa deemed this place as out of bounds as far as Mama, Monica, and I were concerned.”
    â€œI’m surprised. He was always most welcome toward my visits here.”
    â€œMy father had certain views on the roles of men and women. You knew that much about him, surely?”
    He smiled. “The previous generation. What can we do?”
    She met his smile. “We keep making changes until the world suits our generation better.”
    Their gazes locked; their smiles stilled. Jane’s heart beat faster as the atmosphere shifted toward their previously shared intimacy, and her attraction toward him threatened to rear its unwanted head.
    Blinking, she turned to Jeannie. “Why don’t you take one of the lamps through to the drawing room and see if there are means to light a fire? We can stock up on everything else we need tomorrow.”
    â€œOf course.” Jeannie took the lamp Matthew offered and walked slowly along the hallway toward the drawing room.
    Simmons’s returning footsteps saved Jane from having to look at Matthew, and she quickly took a hatbox from the footman’s grasp.
    â€œYou’re very kind to help me, Simmons. It doesn’t seem fair that Squire Cleaves has you fetching and carrying when I’m not certain I have what I need in the kitchen to even offer you a cup of tea.”
    The middle-aged footman smiled. “I’m quite certain the squire won’t leave either of us parched for long, miss.”
    Jane frowned at the twinkle of mischief in Simmons’s eyes, but before she could respond, there was a rush of footsteps at the door. “Jane? Jane, are you in there? You are here! Oh Jane, how wonderful to see you.”
    Jane stiffened, her heart dropping. “Katy? But how did you know—”
    â€œI didn’t. I saw the carriage and came to introduce myself to what I assumed were new tenants.” She placed her hand on Jane’s arm. “I do so like to make any visitors to the house welcome since your poor papa’s passing. Such a kind man.”
    Jane stared. Kind? Her father? She might have loved and respected him, but kindness wasn’t a word even Jane could bring herself to use when describing Noel Danes. She forced a smile. “Well, it’s very fortunate you live next door. How is your mother?”
    Katy gave a dismissive wave. “You know Mother. Anyway . . .” She turned her gaze to Matthew and appraised him from head to toe.
    Jane inwardly groaned to see the bright curiosity in Katy’s wide green eyes as she shamelessly fluttered her lashes in Matthew’s direction. “Won’t you introduce me to your handsome companion?”
    With her cheeks burning, Jane briefly closed her eyes before meeting Matthew’s unwavering gaze. “Matthew, may I introduce Miss Katy Wrexford. Katy, this is Squire Matthew Cleaves of Biddestone.”
    Katy’s smile froze. “Cleaves? The Squire Cleaves?”
    Unease rippled through Jane at the drop in Katy’s voice and the underlying curiosity, laced with alarm. “Yes. Have you met before?” Jane glanced at Matthew.
    His eyes had hardened, and his jaw was tight.
    â€œMatthew was kind enough to escort Jeannie and me—”
    Katy laughed, her clear delight obliterating her initial shock. “Well, I must say it is a pleasure to meet you, sir. How exciting to learn you are a good friend of Jane’s.” She took a step forward and dipped a curtsy, holding out her hand. “How do you do?”
    Matthew took her hand, his mouth a straight line and his cold gaze on Jane. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Wrexford.”
    Jane grimaced her apology. Trouble brewed as the atmosphere plummeted, despite Katy’s