Chapter 5
James's gut wasn't churning with nervousness now. In fact, it was roiling with another emotion entirely, one that wanted desperately to rip the widower apart for even approaching what was his…
His? Yes, of course…always his, no one else's.
Gwen started when she realized James had entered the room. Her heart began beating forcefully against her chest.
"Commodore, what a…lovely surprise…" Gwen said breathlessly.
"Indeed. Good day." He nodded his dismissal of Mr. Jones.
Jones picked up the signal admirably. "I must be going, Miss Speares…You will give me your answer, I hope?"
She smiled. "Ye-"
James cleared his throat meaningfully.
After Jones finally left, Gwen spoke to James cooly.
"Why did you interrupt my conversation? The man was proposing…"
"Does it matter? You aren't going to accept…" He was sure of that.
She frowned at him. "I don't know. I'm certainly going to consider it."
He glared at her. "You can't be serious!"
"He's offering me protection through marriage and a family."
"He'll never love you. You deserve someone who loves every part of you…" Every beautiful part of you…
"Those types have never been beating down my door." She smiled wryly, as ignorant as he of the jealousy James was experiencing…"Now, may I inquire as to the reason for your visit?" She was stiff, uncomfortable now. James reasoned it stemmed from what they did last night…if they did anything, which he still had to confirm…
"Gwen, what did you do last night?"
His only indication of the truth was her blush. "I…I…read a book."
"Indeed? I would prefer the truth, if you please…"
"I did read a book, James…" It wasn't a lie. She did try to read a book when she returned home. Not that she was able to concentrate on it…
James couldn't ask any more questions because John entered the room.
"James! Sorry about the whole to do at the fort yesterday. Miss Swann didn't deserve you…"
"Yes, well I'm not sure who deserves me, as you say."
He desperately wanted John to leave. James had to find out from Gwen whether or not what he thought happened really happened. She was being deliberately obtuse, he was sure of it. It seemed he would have to be rather more direct…
Seizing on a different idea, James turned to his friend. "John, may I talk to you in your office?"
"Of course, James, though I don't know what you can't discuss in front of Gwen here…"
"It's a delicate matter…" James said as he followed the man to John's study.
"What is it then?"
"I wish to ask permission to court your sister."
John's face broke into a large grin. "Congratulations, old chap! I never thought you'd realize what you already had…Of course. Court her, marry her. She's always held a flame for you…"
James was shocked…He'd never realized… "She cares for me?"
"She loves you. Always had. Never thought you'd realize that she returned your feelings…"
It appeared John was far more observant than either Gwen or James had realized…
"Returned?"
John's eyebrows rose in astonishment. "Don't tell me you don't even know you love her…"
"I don't. I care for her, certainly…"
John huffed. "I'm afraid I can't give you permission to marry her then. Not until you realize your feelings. I won't have my sister being married to you if you don't think you love her…"
"It's vital that I marry her…" James gritted out.
"That's a bit better, but my answer is still no…I suppose you'll be wanting to court Gwen now though? She's probably still in the drawing room…"
James stood. "Actually, I have to run a few errands first…You will be at the small dinner party that the Governor is throwing, yes?"
John nodded as he walked James to the door. "Both Gwen and I have agreed. As has Mr. Jones…I think he's sweet on her…"
James was grim as he stood in the doorway. "Indeed. He'd just proposed…"
"I know. Didn't think he would today, but apparently he's eager. Might steal her away from you…"
"No he won't. I'll see you later tonight then."
James left, his mood not improved from the visit. He didn't even notice Gwen staring at him from a window…
When James arrived at the Governor's Mansion, he saw that Gwen was already surrounded by several people. It would be impossible to talk to her immediately. He was no coward though. James was already formulating a plan of action to get her alone.
Mr. Jones beat him to it. Jones took Gwen away from the crowd and took her outside. James quietly followed them and hid, not having a qualm about listening in…
"Have you thought about my proposal then?" Jones asked.
Gwen turned to him, her face filled with trepidation. "I have."
"And your answer?" The widower was quite eager to hear it. Too eager, in James's opinion.
"First, I have to be honest with you…" Gwen bit her lip nervously.
"What is it? That you care for the Commodore?"
Gwen gasped. "You know?"
"Most everyone knows. I don't hold it against you."
Gwen's face had turned red from embarassment.
"That wasn't quite what I was going to tell you…"
"Then what secret do you have then?"
"I'm…not pure. I couldn't marry you without telling you the truth." She hung her head, not in shame but in the embarrassment of having to admit it to someone else…
Mr. Jones was silent for a moment. "When…is it possible that you carry the man's child?"
Gwen looked away, unable to look at the man. "Last Night…and yes, it is possible…I understand if you don't wish to marry me…"
"Nonsense, dear. I cannot fault you for making a mistake…and if you do carry a child, I will claim it as mine."
James couldn't take it anymore. A mistake, indeed. His theories had been confirmed and every bit of him screamed to stake his claim on Gwen before he lost her.
"No you won't." James bit out decisively.