Page 18 of A Winter’s Romance

J ane hadn’t slept a wink since the colonel’s visit. Convinced that her honesty left him with only one option, she’d been dreading the next summons to see Miss Pugh.

It came after breakfast.

‘You wished to see me?’ Jane’s heart pounded as she stood before Miss Pugh’s desk.

Miss Pugh waved a paper at her. ‘Colonel Anstruther requests more time to consider whether his ward remains here or not.’ She gave an unladylike snort. ‘What does a man like him know about a school for young ladies? He has no children of his own.’

‘But it shows he is a considerate guardian. He is not rushing to make his mind up,’ Jane ventured.

She could afford to be brave. Thanks to the colonel, her position was safe for a while longer.

‘Bah! He has requested that you and the child join him tomorrow for an excursion into Bath.’

Jane stifled a gasp. He wanted to see her? No, he was merely ensuring that Meg had a suitable companion. Most gentlemen of her limited acquaintance were not entirely comfortable in the company of children.

Miss Pugh turned gimlet eyes on Jane. ‘Make sure that you persuade the colonel of the difficulties for a single man in raising a child and the benefits of leaving her here.’

Jane swallowed. ‘Of course.’

The next day, Jane and Meg set off to meet with Colonel Anstruther at his hotel. He was waiting for them at the entrance, a broad smile on his face. In his caped coat and tall beaver hat pulled low, partly masking his scars and eye patch, he was the epitome of a well-dressed gentleman.

Jane’s pulse began to race. This was silly; he was pleased to see Meg, not her. But how nice it would be to have a gentleman like the colonel to greet her with such a beaming smile.

‘Good day to you, Colonel.’ She bobbed a curtsey. ‘It is very kind of you to invite me to accompany you and Meg.’

He twinkled at her. ‘I thought it would be nice to have a charming lady on each arm for my first proper excursion into Bath.’

Meg giggled. ‘But I am not quite a lady yet. I’m only ten years old.’

He leaned down to her. ‘But you are very charming, and if you follow Miss Mortimer’s example, I’m sure you will grow to be a perfect lady.’ He sent a speaking look to Jane.

She blushed. Did he really think she was perfect? Don’t be silly, Jane. He is just being kind to put Meg at her ease .

He held out an elbow for each of them. ‘Now, I thought we’d start by visiting the Pump Room. I’m told it’s the place to be seen.’

‘I won’t have to drink the water, will I?’ Meg pouted. ‘I’ve been told it has a nasty taste. ’

‘My dear, you don’t have to,’ he answered. ‘But I’ve learned to try things for myself before accepting someone else’s opinion. I will certainly take a glass.’ He winked at the little girl. ‘Though I may not drink it all.’

Meg’s nose wrinkled. ‘In that case, perhaps I’ll have a sip.’

‘Good girl. Best not to dismiss things before you’ve given them a chance.’ His head bent towards Jane. ‘Have you tried the water, Miss Mortimer?’

‘I confess I haven’t. My school duties mean that I do not get to visit Bath’s attractions very often.’ The truth was, she very rarely was free and certainly did not have the funds to enjoy the delights of Bath.

He patted Jane on the arm, sending warm shivers through her. ‘Well, it will be a novel experience for all three of us.’

The Pump Room was not too crowded. Ladies and gentlemen were perambulating round the room, while others stood in groups near the tall windows conversing. Jane sighed inwardly. The ladies were all dressed in their finery, their clothes of the first stare. Her worn blue velvet pelisse and matching hat with its faded ribbons were drab by comparison. Still, the colonel didn’t seem to mind. He’d done nothing but smile at her.

The colonel led Jane and Meg over to some seats near one of the fireplaces.

‘Wait here. I will fetch us some water.’ At the dismayed expression on Meg’s face, he added, ‘Just a sip.’

As he walked away, Meg leaned in to Jane. ‘He’s nice, isn’t he, Miss?’

Jane, gazing at his retreating back, nodded and smiled. Yes, the colonel was very nice .

After nearly an hour in the Pump Room with the colonel telling a bright-eyed Meg about her father’s adventures – where did the time go? – the colonel decided it was time for some sustenance.

‘I thought we might try a pastry shop I discovered the other day.’ He grinned at Meg. ‘I think you’ll enjoy their wares much more than Bath water.’

‘And will you tell me more about Papa? I’d like that very much.’ Meg’s eyes lit up as she spoke of her father.

Jane had enjoyed listening to the colonel too, though she was sure that life on campaign was rather more brutal and bloody than the version he was giving to his ward. But how kind of him to take the time to talk to the girl. Most men, even those who were fathers, did not expend as much effort on their offspring. She had been lucky with her own father; what he’d taught her had enabled her to earn her living.

As they walked through Abbey Square to their destination, Meg skipped ahead to look at the shop windows and their enticing displays.

Jane spoke. ‘You must have been very good friends with Major Wilson. I think it’s very kind of you to spend so much time with Meg. She is enthralled by your stories.’ Yes, Meg was as besotted as she.

The colonel turned his head. ‘Yes, we were friends, but, as you know, I lost touch with him. It took some time for news of his death to reach me … and as for making me guardian to his daughter … well, it came as a complete shock.’ He leaned in closer, using his hand to mask his words as he spoke. ‘Miss Pugh has probably already informed you that I am unmarried, and I have no experience with children at all.’’

Jane caught the familiar scent of his cologne. It was intoxicating. If she wasn’t careful she’d be doing something foolish. He mustn’t know how much she was attracted to him.

He paused for a moment. ‘I had almost given up hope of marrying … my face, you see?

Jane’s eyes widened. ‘You think that we females only have regard for gentlemen with perfect features? What shallow creatures you must think us. I’m sure you will find someone who’ll regard your injuries as a badge of honour and who would be proud to call you husband.’

She bit her lip. She’d spoken of her own feelings. Goodness, he surely wouldn’t guess. He was too far above her touch and could never consider a lowly teacher as a marriage prospect.

‘Oh, there is someone,’ he said softly. ‘I just need to ensure that she will marry me for love and not out of pity.’ There was the same enigmatic smile on his face again.

Jane’s insides melted. Did he realise the effect he had on her? No, it wasn’t possible. He was talking about somebody else.

‘I hope you are successful in your courtship, Colonel.’

A block of ice formed in her stomach. This was torture to spend time with a kind and perfect gentleman, when all the time he was thinking about another. Pull yourself together, Jane. No more indulging in impossible fantasies .

‘So do I,’ he answered.

Nicholas regarded his two companions over the rim of his teacup. They were both charming and good company. His ward was a spirited young girl but with good manners, no doubt instilled in her by her teacher, whom she seemed to adore. Yes, Miss Mortimer was adorable, though she didn’t know it. It was far too soon to reveal his feelings for her.

‘Now tell me a little about yourself, Miss Mortimer. I’ve spoken so much about my life in the army and of course about Major Wilson. It’s only fair that we learn something about you. Wouldn’t you agree, Meg?’

‘Yes, please, Miss.’ Meg put down the bun she’d been nibbling. ‘I’d love to know about when you were a girl.’

Nicholas congratulated himself. His tactic of enlisting the little girl’s support was bound to persuade Miss Mortimer to open up about herself. How could she refuse a plea from her pupil? There was so much he wanted to learn about this intriguing woman. Good grief, he didn’t even know her first name!

Jane’s eyelashes fluttered, her cheeks flushing a becoming pink.

‘I’m not interesting at all, I’m afraid. I’ll bore you.’

Nicholas was not giving up. ‘Well, I’ll help by asking some questions.’ He tapped a finger on the table. ‘No excuses.’

Jane smiled at him shyly. ‘I suppose, if you insist.’

Nicholas gazed at her. If she looked at him like that all the time, he’d be in heaven.

‘Where were you born, Miss?’ Meg started.

‘In a small village in Hampshire. I was an only child. We lived very quietly there.’

‘I remember you told me that it was your father who taught you Latin,’ said Nicholas.

Jane nodded. ‘That’s right. He was a very scholarly gentleman. He taught me Latin and French so that I could assist him with his correspondence, for he corresponded with many other academically minded gentlemen. ’

Nicholas watched Jane as she spoke. Her eyes had turned misty when speaking of her father.

‘Was your mother as versed in academic subjects too?’ he asked.

Jane giggled, a girlish sound. ‘Not at all. She was much more practical, taking care of the accounts and running the household.’ She took a sip from her teacup.

Nicholas was sure there was more. ‘How did you come to be a teacher here in Bath?’

Yes, what was she doing employed at that awful place? A young woman as attractive and intelligent as her should have been snapped up into matrimony by any fellow with sense. Lucky for him she hadn’t.

Her eyes avoided his gaze. Instead she glanced at Meg, who had resumed nibbling her bun and was now engrossed in watching the passers-by through the window. ‘That is simple,’ Jane said in an undertone. ‘When Father died nearly three years ago – my mother had died some time previously – I discovered that he had neglected his financial affairs. A loan he had taken out needed repaying, other debts had accrued, and in short, I was forced to sell up.’

Her hand shook as she set her cup back onto the saucer. From the set of her mouth it was clear that she wasn’t going to add any more.

‘So, you are all alone in the world?’

Nicholas restrained himself from taking her hand. If only he could tell her that she needn’t worry.

‘Yes, I’ve no family at all.’

‘That’s very sad, Miss.’ Meg, her bun now consumed, broke the silence left by Jane’s words .

‘No, it isn’t,’ declared Miss Mortimer brightly. ‘For you see, I have the pleasure of teaching you and all the other pupils at Miss Pugh’s Academy.’

Meg leaned into Miss Mortimer’s side and there was a look of admiration in the little girl’s eyes.

‘I’ll miss you when I leave.’

Jane put her arm round the young girl’s shoulder. ‘I’ll miss you too, dear.’