Chapter Eighteen

The Wrong Path

Jaclyn’s uneasiness compared to ants creeping up her dress. She needed to get away. Halifax's accusations against her guardian were a source of anguish. How could they be true? She didn’t want to believe Wolferton, the man she’d come to care for, in the role of a viper. She rang for Sedona.

“We go for a ride. Please ask Halbert to summon the carriage.”

The maid looked at her with a frown. “Where to, mistress?”

“I’m not sure. I need to get a breath of fresh air. Shall you and I take a ride to the Serpentine? I’d like to see the swans.” This sounded a good reason as any.

Sedona shook her head and left. She returned fifteen minutes later. “I couldn’t find Halbert, but the coachman awaits us.” She hesitated a moment, ”Shall I tell milady Camille?”

“No, she’s busy with my societal preparations. Let’s go. I need to think of some suitable presents for her, my guardian, and a few friends. His Grace and Camille have done so much on my behalf. I should thank them with a special gift.” She only had one real friend, Josette Dupree. Halifax was more of a wily foe.

She donned her pelisse and bonnet. “Pack a light lunch should we get hungry. If anything, we can feed the fowl.”

They departed the room, descended the steps, and thankfully did not run into Camille or Wolferton.

After a leisurely pace, they arrived at the Serpentine. There were many carriages on the road since it was such a peaceful day. She had left a note on Camille’s pillow to let her know she needed fresh air. Hopefully she wouldn’t worry too much. Never had her intent been to inflict concern to the woman she’d come to love like a mother.

As for Wolferton, that was a different story!

Jaclyn coaxed Sedona to sit on a bench and soak in the sunshine. The serenity brought her a modicum of peace. Sweet heaven, Wolferton didn’t know she existed except for plans to marry her off to some suitable man. Or could this impression be her own making? He certainly raised the temperature around the both of them in the conservatory. Jaclyn also caught him staring at her when he thought she wasn’t looking. She had an effect on him. Of this fact, she’d bet on a race horse if she knew how. When he touched her, her treacherous body melted like chocolate in a hot pot. She didn’t have to look up the word passion in a dictionary because she felt it ooze out of her every pore—his too. If the impediment could be discovered, a campaign to woo him could develop. Sweet heaven, she found her breath racing. What to do?

Her schoolgirl mind wandered. Wolferton, used to a solitary life, likely worried her presence complicated things. That had to be good because at least she might have haunted his thoughts the way he haunted hers. Halifax did say there were many women in Wolferton’s life, and he’d resumed his relationship with his former mistress. Yet, he spent a good deal of his nights at home. Did he secret himself away during the late night hours? Horrors. She knew nothing about seduction, but maybe she had to seek counsel somewhere. This subject couldn’t be discussed with Camille, but maybe someone else could give her advice.

As the swans floated on the placid water, she thought about the women she knew. Unfortunately, she could count them on her fingers, but maybe there was some female she could consult. There was no one who came to mind. She only knew Camille, Lady Priscilla, and Wolferton’s mistress, Marguerite. No, that wouldn’t work, would it? She arose from the bench, straightened her skirt, and paced at the thought of such a conversation. She could picture the dialogue, “Excuse me, madame, but could you advise me what I have to do to lure your former lover, and possibly your again lover, to my bed? By the bye, since I do not have bed-sport expertise, can you teach me all I need to know in a few minutes’ time? After all, how long can it take to get the seduction over with since it only covers two pages in a romance novel?”

The word insanity came to mind.

Jaclyn advised Sedona they were about to leave for a short ride. The evening hour approached, and the late afternoon sun paled. The time came to return home because he was there. She recognized now how much he meant to her dreams. This coach ride helped clear her mind. The woolgathering encouraged her to fight for what she wanted. No, not literally, but to wage a campaign and use whatever resources she could gather. Spend more time alone with Wolferton on any pretense. Seek him out more. Have him miss her presence. Courage. She needed not only bravery but womanly wiles.

She asked the coachman to drive farther down the road.

“Where to?” he asked, a worried look apparent.

“An hour or so toward the outskirts of the city. I want to see the sunset from higher ground.”

He did as directed but shook his head.