Quills--A Most Unconventional Lady by Julia Justiss

Author:Julia Justiss
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mills & Boon Historical
Published: 2006-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

SIX MONTHS LATER, Belle sat beside Jack as his carriage conveyed them to her house in Mount Street. So much had transpired, she mused as she studied the dear, familiar profile of the man beside her. She’d been introduced at a ball given by Lady Cowper herself, attended by all the Patronesses and every notable in the ton, including Wellington and the Prince Regent. Thereafter, no one with aspirations to society had dared slight her.

In fact, to Belle’s great satisfaction, with the influence of the important connections Lady Anne had amassed added to her own charms and handsome dowry, Kitty had drawn the attention of several highly eligible suitors and ended her Season engaged to a fine young nobleman possessed of large fortune and an old, respected name.

The highlight of the succeeding summer had been attending the bride as Dorrie and Lord Winston pledged their vows, followed by a long visit to Carrington Grove. Jack had delighted in showing her around his estate. Though she’d feared the intimacy of living in the same house, he’d treated her throughout with meticulous respect.

In fact, did she not know for certain he was a man of deep passion—and occasionally glimpsed the banked heat in his eyes—she might believe he no longer desired her.

For he had been true to his word, an ever-present friend who never demanded more. With the acceptance of society and his steadfast affection, she’d slowly begun to regain her confidence and self-respect. And as her recovery accelerated this past month, she’d begun to chafe at the limited nature of their relationship.

“Did you dance the leather off your slippers tonight?” Jack asked, breaking into her thoughts.

“Nearly,” she replied with a chuckle. “Sometimes I wonder whether ’twas wise to have wanted to join the ton. We’re scarcely home one night in ten, I’ve danced until my feet blister, and ’tis only the Little Season.”

“I’m thankful to have claimed a fair number of those dances—no mean feat, given your crowd of admirers.”

It was a perfect opening, if she now had the courage to take it. “Jack,” she said, her heart beginning to thump against her ribs, “speaking of admirers, is…is your obliging offer still open?”

For a few, very long moments he said nothing.

“Of course, if you’ve changed your mind,” she added, glad the dimness of the carriage lamps masked the heat rising in her cheeks, “you’ve every reason—”

“Of course I’ve not changed my mind,” he interrupted. “Belle, do you mean to say you’re finally ready?”

“To marry you? To be your wife in every way? Yes.”

Jack seized her hands and kissed them, then gave a shout of delight, dissipating her concern that he now had reservations about wedding her. “We shall have the banns read this very Sunday.”

“Well…we’ve waited so long, I don’t think I wish to wait for the reading of the banns.” She knew the instant her meaning penetrated his consciousness, for his whole body alerted and a dazzling smile lit his face.

“Sweeting, though I don’t wish to deprive you of the

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