A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Just a history note: I did accidentally say 17th century when I meant the 18th century. I always had in mind the late 1700's. So all my research has been done in that period of time. Fondling and kissing were more acceptable but intercourse was not (at least for women and during courting in the aristocracy class). Elizabeth is so bold in all the other areas of her life, so once she was exposed to making out, I would expect her to become more and more empowered. She's not typical in any way. And she trusts Jason. But by 1800, almost 25 percent of all first-born children were born outside marriage and 40 percent of women came to the altar pregnant.

Guest – lol re: field comment too funny. It's Liz's hangout; where she goes to getaway. Maybe they should find an empty carriage. If the carriage is rockin…

Chapter 13 – Drawn to You

As soon as they approached the house, her father's carriage appeared. He stepped out and was shocked to see Jason standing there.

"Prince Jason," he said walking toward them. "It's good to see you."

Jason smiled and held out his hand. "Likewise."

"Come inside with me, and we'll have a drink to celebrate your visit."

Jason winked at Liz and then went inside.

When Liz went to follow, Ruby stood there with her arms folded across her chest blocking her way. "You have some explaining to do."

"What?"

"Don't what me. You need to remember that you are a lady, Elizabeth, first and foremost. For the rest of his time here, I will be your chaperone."

Liz groaned. "But Ruby…"

"Don't but Ruby me. Reputation is everything. I was young once too, so I understand how excited you are feeling, but please try to keep a level head and don't do anything untoward before you are betrothed." The last thing they need is for Elizabeth to get pregnant before marriage, a fate she would never live down.

Liz knows that everything Ruby had just said to her was out of love and that her mother would have told her the same thing, so she took it in stride. Jason just makes her lose all self-control and her restraint and moral code go out the window. "Alright Ruby, I will try to do better."

Ruby lightly grasped Elizabeth's face. "You are worth the wait, milady, and I love you like a daughter."

Elizabeth hugged her tightly. "And I am very grateful for that. I love you too."

They broke apart and Elizabeth ran into the house and up to her room.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Georgie hurried into the room. "Where have you been?"

Elizabeth plopped onto the bed. "I was in the meadow with Prince Jason."

Georgie squealed. "He's so handsome. When he came to the house asking for you, I almost fainted on sight."

Liz laughed. "Me as well. He is just so beautiful to behold."

"Did you kiss?"

"Yes, and his mouth is heavenly," Liz said dramatically.

Georgie silently clapped her hands together. "Tell me more."

Liz chuckled. "I can't tell you all of my secrets, but I will say that Prince Jason is very skilled. I can't wait until our wedding night."

Georgie blushed. "I'm so happy for you. Is it selfish that I will be sad to see you go?"

"Don't be sad, my love. Who says you won't be coming with me?"

Georgie almost fainted. "To the castle?"

Liz nodded. "Yes. Would you be willing?"

Georgie started to cry. Liz is like an older sister to her and she has no blood family. Ruby had taken her in with the Duke's permission when she was abandoned, and she had been with them for seventeen years. "It would be an honor, milady."

Liz warmly embraced her. "Now that we have that straightened out, you can help me freshen up my hair so that I look spectacular for dinner."

Georgie wiped her face and grinned. "My pleasure, milady."

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Jason sat across from Jeffrey. He had been telling him all about his last sojourn when Liz suddenly appeared. His breath hitched when she strolled into the room. Her beauty always takes his breath away.

"Elizabeth, you look lovely. Please, come sit with us." Her father patted the cushion next to him."

Liz smiled and dutifully sat.

"I was just telling Jason about Italy."

She nodded, never taking her eyes off her prince.

Alfred cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt but they need you out back."

"Alright," Jeffrey said before rising and following Alfred out of the room.

Jason smirked as his eyes burned a path down to her cleavage before locking their gazes. "Are you trying to tempt me?"

Liz grinned. "Is it working?"

"I don't think that your father would be pleased if I unwrapped them right here." He devoured her cleavage with his eyes.

Liz blushed. "He wouldn't be pleased if he knew what you did with your mouth in the meadow either."

Jason chuckled. "I think I'm a bad influence on you."

"Sometimes being bad is way more fun than being good."

Her father chose that moment to return. "Now, where were we?"

They finished their chat and then ate dinner. Ruby saw to it that Jason and Liz never got another moment alone together that night. She had watched the looks they exchanged and is quite sure that if she leaves them to their own devices for any stretch of time, it could surely spell disaster.

Jason bid Elizabeth goodnight and went to his quarters where he lay there for a while thinking about her and how he wanted to ask her to marry him. There is no doubt in his mind that she will eventually be his queen. She is everything he will ever need, and as far as he is concerned they are destined to be together.

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The next day, Elizabeth ran down the stairs just as Georgie came through the doorway and almost ran right into her.

"Is something the matter?" Elizabeth asked.

"Prince Jason is in the barn tending to his horses. Your father ran to the marketplace and Ruby is washing clothes. Now is your chance."

Liz grinned. "Thanks, I owe you one." She ran past her giggling friend as fast as she could.

Right before she entered the barn, she paused to catch her breath, and then pushed the door open.

Jason looked up and smiled. "Well hello, milady." He wasted no time closing the distance between them.

"Hello, milord." He looks mouthwatering.

This is Jason's last day there since he must return to the castle. He doesn't want to be away from Emily for too long given her current condition.

Jason pushed her onto a pile of hay and fell next to her, and then encircled her in his arms before kissing her madly for what seemed like an eternity.

"I'm so crazy about you." His voice is low and soft. You are always on my mind and I can't stand the thought of leaving you tomorrow."

I know. I wish that you could stay longer, but I completely understand your hesitation."

She would hate herself if something happened to Emily while Jason was away.

Sensing her changing mood, Jason kissed her again.

"Perhaps you could show me more of your preparations."

Jason grinned as she giggled. "I'm glad you amuse yourself so well, but you are not luring me in as you did before. We almost went too far."

Liz suddenly grew serious and reached up and touched his face. "It will kill me to watch you ride away from me."

Jason sighed. "I know. I promise that my absence won't be as lengthy."

She pulled him towards her and kissed him with abandon until Jason couldn't take anymore.

"Your mouth is doing me in. I have never wanted anyone as much as I want you."

She shivered at the tone of his voice.

Georgie burst through the doors. "She's on her way back. Hurry!"

Jason helped Liz stand and then watched them run out the door. How they were going to keep from consummating their relationship until after they are married, he doesn't know. His control grows weaker every time his mouth touches her skin. Shaking off his desire, he got back to work.

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The rest of the afternoon went quickly. They had dinner and then Ruby sat in the living room with them as Jason courted her. She watched them closely and had to admit that their connection seems unbreakable. Thinking about how happy Liz's mother would have been made her smile. And as much as she was happy for them, she couldn't help but feel sad that she would live a day's journey away. Elizabeth had been a part of her life since her birth. It would be hard letting her go.

Jason and Elizabeth finally said goodnight and returned to their quarters.