Page 66 of A Stormy Season

“Luke? Are you all right?” Henry’s eyes showed concern rather than judgment.

“I am well. I think I’ll go home and start searching again, if you have nothing further to discuss.”

“Yes, go and search. Make sure the guards I sent are doing what they need to do to keep your household safe. How is your butler, by the way? Has he awakened?”

“He has been in and out of consciousness for the past two days, but even when he is awake, we can get no information from him that makes any sense. Either he doesn’t remember what happened that day or his brain was so addled by the fall that he cannot talk about it.”

“I will come by and see him when I have a chance, but keep me informed in the meantime. Also, Penelope wished me to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. Can you come?”

“Yes, please tell her I would be delighted to come for dinner tomorrow.”

“And, Luke?”

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you are looking well lately, in spite of all that is happening. Something seems to be agreeing with you.”

Luke suspected he was referring to how hollow-eyed and depressed he’d been after Anne’s death. Luke certainly felt better now than he had in those first few months. And despite his misgivings about pretending to be engaged to Jane, he actually wondered if that—and Jane herself—had something to do with his improved mood.

Even though he wasn’t sure what to do about her. One minute he was sure he’d never marry her if she were the last woman in London, and the next he was kissing her.

“Thank you. You have been a very good friend to me.”

“You are a good man, Luke.”

Why did his compliment touch something deep inside Luke’s heart? Perhaps it was from growing up without a father, with very little family. But Henry’s approval felt like the approval of a family member.

Luke nodded and hurried away before he embarrassed himself.

~ ~ ~

Jane felt a bit more like adding and subtracting numbers the next day as she made her way to the shop, this time taking the carriage since the rain was still coming down in sheets.

She’d been at her little desk barely an hour when Catherine poked her head in and whispered excitedly, “Luke Watley is here.”

Jane’s heart skipped a beat. He had already settled his late wife’s accounts so he must be there to see her.

She stood, then sat down again. Should she go out to meet him? Or wait for him to come to her? She was still deciding what to do when he appeared in the doorway Catherine had just vacated.

Jane sprang to her feet.

“Forgive me for disturbing you at your work,” Luke said, his hat in his hand, “but I wanted to ask how your throat is feeling and to make sure you were well after getting drenched yesterday.”

“My throat is already much better, and I am quite well. Thank you for asking.” Jane could feel herself smiling at the thought of his concern for her.

She might also be blushing, thinking of their kiss.

“I am glad to hear it. I was worried, since it was quite cold yesterday.”

“I seem to be unscathed. I am blessed with a strong constitution, thankfully.”

“Very good.” He fidgeted with his hat, running his hands along the brim as he gradually turned it around. Then, as if he suddenly realized what he was doing, he stopped and let his hand drop to his side. “That is good to know.”

“And are you well? Henry told me you were searching for a list.” She said the latter words in a discreet whisper. “Is that going well?”

“All is well, though I have not found the item in question. I still hope to find it.”

“That is good. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”