Someone had touched her in violence. A spasm of pain squeezed Jane’s heart and the breath left her on a slow exhale. Of course. It was why for Society’s expectations and her brother’s determination, she disavowed the marital state. The young woman had known pain and by the telling of those handful of words, hers went beyond the emotional hurt Jane herself had known. Instead of replying, she answered Chloe with a question. “When I arrived you’d already formulated an opinion of me. You wanted to turn me out. Did you not?”
“Oh, I—”
Jane waved off the contrite apology in the lady’s eyes. “You looked at my gown,” she looked pointedly down at the skirts unaffectionately termed dragon skirts by the lady. “And you decided I was the same as every other instructor you’d had or known.” The truth was those women were far more honorable. Jane was a mere liar. Guilt knifed through her once more. She gently took Chloe’s hands in hers. “I will not guide you or force you to an opinion on marriage, as your brother and Society wish. I will only gently encourage you to realize that just because one is dressed as a dragon does not make them one.” Jane gave her fingers a slight squeeze.
The muscles of Chloe’s throat worked and she gave a nod.
“Do you know what I believe?”
Chloe gave her an encouraging look. “What is that?”
“You can spend your life avoiding all dogs because you’d been bitten in the past, and yet to do so wouldn’t truly be to live and then, he…,” she amended. “That dog,” whoever the nameless, faceless monster is who so scarred you. “Would win.” Did Gabriel know his sister had experienced this pain? The powerful, unbending man he was would likely have taken apart that fiend if he did. “You mustn’t allow your fears of the past to control your future. After all, the beginning is always today.” Even as the familiar words left her mouth, the absolute hypocrisy of simply uttering them stuck at the corner of her mind.
The young woman widened her eyes. “That is lovely, Jane.”
She managed a sheepish grin. “Alas, the credit belongs to our Mrs. Wollstonecraft.” Who, God help her, if Gabriel learned was being taught of in his household, would unhesitantly turn her out sans reference.
“You mustn’t worry,” Chloe said, giving her a pat on the knee. “I daresay Gabriel will not mind.” The mischievous glint lit her eyes. “As long as he doesn’t know of it.”
“As long as I don’t know of what?” A familiar voice drawled from the doorway.
Jane and Chloe jumped in unison. Jane scrambled to her feet and hurriedly set down the book in her hands. Alas, Chloe had far more years of prevaricating around the astute nobleman. She trilled a laugh. “Do not be a boor, Gabriel.” The slight scowl gave hint of a man who chafed at his sister and Society’s opinion of him. She sailed over to her brother and wrapped him on the knuckles. “Nor should you go sneaking on ladies. It is not at all polite.”
“I’m here at your bequest,” he said, his voice dryer than autumn leaves. He slid his gaze over his sister’s shoulder and settled it on Jane.
She warmed under his intense scrutiny but retained his direct stare. In a handful of meetings, he’d become more than her employer. He’d become a man with similar fears and thoughts on love. And a man whose kiss she craved and…She suppressed a groan. What manner of madness had befallen her? His hot, assessing stare indicated he knew very well the path her thoughts had traversed.
“Regardless,” Chloe said, as though instructing a small child. “You should have, at the very least, announced yourself. Isn’t that right, Jane?” They both jumped guiltily. “I thought a walk was in order. The sun is shining and I have tired of shopping.” At last. Though in the lady’s defense, she’d not purchased an item for herself. “I’ll return in but a moment.” With that she raced over to the door. Gabriel stepped aside to allow Chloe her exit and then strolled deeper into the room. All the while his gaze remained trained on her.