The Ice Captain's Daughter (13 page)

“I’d like to believe her, but I’m afraid he is merely being kind.”

“Jillian, I could tell there was some feeling between you and Mr. Logan at Idunn Court. His presence in town confirms it. Give him some encouragement, dear girl. You may have found your match.”

A ray of hope broke through the doubts clouding Jillian’s brow, and she suddenly felt quite buoyant. Mrs. Bleak asked her to play the piano just as the men began to filter into the parlor. Logan came over to listen, a rapt expression on his face.

“That was simply marvelous,” he said after she finished.

“It sounds best with a full orchestra, but ’Morning Mood’ by a Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg is one of my favorite pieces. It depicts a sunrise,” Jillian said.

“Yes, I could hear that as you played. Well done.”

Jillian rose from the piano to allow Mrs. Bleak to be seated next. As the party grew noisier, Logan was obliged to lean in toward Jillian to be heard. His breath as he spoke tickled her cheek and ear. A delicious shiver traveled down her spine.

“Will you walk with me a bit, Miss Roring? My cousin keeps a beautiful courtyard out back. There is a view of it from the balcony.”

Jillian’s stomach gave a little lift. Her assent was on her lips, but her eyes flicked a glance at Aunt Letty. An almost imperceptible nod from her aunt gave her permission to accompany Logan for a stroll.

“Mr. Logan, I believe I would enjoy some fresh air.”

Strains of Mozart accompanied them as Logan escorted Jillian down the hall. Her subtle fragrance filled his senses; was it honeysuckle or perhaps jasmine?

“Your cousin plays well,” Jillian said.

“I believe it’s the only song Caroline knows. At least it’s the only one I’ve ever heard her play since we were children.” He gave Jillian a wink.

Jillian laughed. “You’re teasing.”

“A little.”

As they stepped out onto the balcony, the flickering gaslight from the townhouse illuminated the small topiary and flowerbeds lining the small courtyard below.

“Aunt Letty says gaslight makes ladies more attractive,” Jillian said.

“I don’t know about that, but I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“Thank you. It’s a far cry from my mud-smeared traveling suit, isn’t it?”

“The mud was rather endearing, actually.” A long silence ensued. “Are you…” He paused for a moment before clearing his throat. “Have you definitely made up your mind against me, Miss Roring?”

Her eyes grew wide. “What do you mean?”

Logan took her hand. At the touch of her bare skin, his heart began to pound.

“You rejected my proposal before because you believed me to be indifferent. Will you give me the opportunity to convince you otherwise?”

Her blue eyes seemed to look straight into his soul. “I can think of nothing that would give me more pleasure.”

His fingertips worshipped the contour of her cheek and traced a path to her mouth.

“I could scarcely taste my food tonight, thinking about kissing these lips,” he murmured.

“I could scarcely draw breath, wishing that you would.”

His head bent toward hers, but before their lips met a voice rang out from down the hall.

“Jillian, we need you for cards.”

Disappointment was written on Jillian’s features. “Yes, Aunt Letty. I shall be in directly.”

Logan kissed Jillian with undisguised passion.
I defy her to label me indifferent now!
It took all his strength to step back. “You’d better go in.”

Jillian swayed toward him a moment before following her aunt’s footsteps. Logan breathed in the cool nighttime air as he stared at the moon.

I love her.

Jillian floated down the hallway, fairly bursting with happiness.
Mr. Logan means to court me, without any sense of obligation or pity this time.
Her lips tingled deliciously from her first kiss. Her behavior would not be considered proper, of course, but Jillian could not bring herself to regret letting Logan take the liberty.
In fact,
I hope he does it again as soon as possible!

As she was seated at the card table, she wondered if anyone else could perceive the happiness she felt inside. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Logan enter the parlor. She forced her attention onto her cards, lest anyone notice her blush. Would he pay her a call tomorrow afternoon? Jillian mentally went through her wardrobe, trying to decide which frock he would like best. She hadn’t yet worn the low-cut afternoon dress the same color as her eyes. Its neckline made the most of her long, slender neck and décolleté. She smiled with anticipation.

I can hardly wait.

Aunt Letty and Jillian arose early the next morning to attend a ladies’ breakfast. Alice helped Jillian dress in a modest dove gray and white blouse with a matching gray skirt. As the maid brushed out her hair, Jillian examined her reflection in the mirror. Slight smudges underneath her eyes revealed her lack of sleep, but she didn’t mind in the least. All night long a sense of giddiness had consumed her. It was as if she’d bathed in champagne and her skin was still tingling from the bubbles.

Is this what being in love is like? If so, I want more.

Jillian hurried downstairs, where her aunt waiting in the parlor.

“Good morning, Aunt Letty!” Jillian’s smile was broad.

“Good morning, Jillian. The carriage is being brought around just now.” Aunt Letty peered at her. “You certainly are in a good mood today.”

“I had a wonderful time at Mrs. Bleak’s dinner party.”

“I suspect Mr. Logan can take credit for your ebullience.”

“Oh, Aunt, he means to woo me!”

“After that kiss, I should hope so.”

Jillian felt her face burning. “You saw?”

“No, but I suspected as much. Congratulations, my dear. It’s not every girl who gets engaged in her first Season.”

“Let us not get ahead of ourselves, Aunt!”

As Aunt Letty’s carriage set off, Jillian smiled at anyone passing by, including street venders and policemen. Her aunt pretended not to notice. After a short journey, their carriage joined the queue at Lady Wimpel’s home on the outskirts of Mayfair.

“My heavens, I didn’t realize there would be so many guests,” Jillian said.

“Lady Wimpel knows everybody who’s anybody. She rang me up personally to make sure you and I would be attending. It seems she’s eager to meet the young lady who has taken London by storm.”

“I can’t think who she means.”

Aunt Letty chuckled. “Your modesty does you credit.” She paused. “Your mother was considered a great beauty as well. I was proud to be her elder sister, and I’m proud to be your aunt.”

Jillian squeezed her hand. “And I’m lucky to be your niece.”

Although she tried not to gape when she was admitted to Lady Wimpel’s home, Jillian found it difficult. The magnificent home was of classic Grecian design, complete with polished marble and tasteful artwork, and the guests had turned out in their best attire. When she spied a young matron wearing glittering jewels, Jillian suddenly wondered if her own attire wasn’t too plain.

Aunt Letty followed her gaze. “Oh, dear,” she whispered. “It’s too early for diamonds, but Mrs. Stillwood is new money and always tries overly hard.”

Lady Wimpel was at the entrance of the ballroom, greeting her guests as they entered. When Aunt Letty introduced her to Jillian, the woman gave her a warm smile.

“Now I understand what has the gentlemen all in uproar,” she said. “The loveliest hothouse orchid cannot compare to you, Miss Roring.”

At such effusive praise, Jillian felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

“I thank you, Lady Wimpel. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance.”

“Such pretty manners. You and your aunt are seated at my table, my dear.”

A servant escorted Jillian and Aunt Letty to the round table for twelve at one end of the hall. To Jillian’s dismay, Sophia and her mother were already seated there. Was it her imagination, or did Sophia and Mrs. Watkins exchange a sly glance as she approached?

“Good morning,” Sophia sang out. “Come sit next to me, Jillian. I want to hear all your news, and then I shall tell you mine.”

Privately, Jillian had no interest in exchanging confidences with Sophia, but she smiled nevertheless. The breakfast was more like a banquet, with all manner of elaborately prepared dishes. Baskets of breads and muffins had been set out on the table, along with butter and marmalade. Servants appeared at Jillian’s elbow at frequent intervals with delightful offerings such as bacon, pheasant pie, sausage, ham, kippers, haddock in puff pastry, deviled kidneys, and eggs cooked several different ways. Jillian’s delicate china cup was continuously replenished with tea, although Aunt Letty took coffee instead. Sophia drank hot chocolate, and the fragrance kept wafting in Jillian’s direction.

Lady Wimpel entertained the table with stories about her recent sojourn to Paris. Jillian hadn’t exchanged more than a few words with Sophia during the entire meal, and began to think she would be able to forego the pleasure entirely. When she excused herself to go freshen up, unfortunately Sophia decided to accompany her.

“I adore your dress,” Sophia said as they left the ballroom. “Its plainness draws attention to your face.”

Jillian bit her tongue at the back-handed compliment. “Thank you, Sophia. Tell me, have you been riding of late?”

“No, but I went to a ball last night.”

“I’m certain it was great fun.”

“Yes, but I did hear a bit of information I thought you should know.”

Without warning, Sophia grabbed Jillian’s wrist, pulled her into the nearby library, and shut the door. “Has Mr. Logan called on you?”

“Er…why do you ask?”

“At the ball last night, I overheard an interesting conversation. It seems you are the focus of a wager amongst the gentlemen.”

“What?”

“Apparently Mr. Logan is considered the favorite to win your affections. I know from personal experience just how competitive he can be.”

If Sophia had thrown a glass of cold water in Jillian’s face, she couldn’t have been more shocked.

“I-I simply cannot believe it, Sophia. You must have heard it wrong.”

“Sir James and Lord Yardley are part of the wager, too. Have you by chance received a call from them?”