Page 21 of Miss Davis and the Architect (Dazzling Debutantes #4)

Chapter Eighteen

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Jane Austen

* * *

J ane looked at him in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“I thought I might declare myself,” Barclay answered, fascinated by her irises, which were particularly vivid in the light playing in the cave. “I might be too late, but?—”

“Too late?”

“I know Dunsford intended to propose.”

“Oh… I confess I did not heed your advice to wait when he spoke to me earlier in the library.”

Barclay’s heart fell. He had missed his chance, and Jane had accepted a proposal from another man. Feeling foolish, bent on one knee as he was so he could be at eye level with her. Now he was stuck here with nowhere to hide as she pondered him from inches away. “I… see.”

He made to rise, but Jane shot out a hand to stay him. “I gave Mr. Dunsford my answer because I saw no reason to delay. I informed him that I was honored by his offer, but unfortunately, my affections were otherwise engaged, and I would not be doing him a justice if I were to agree to be his wife.”

Barclay closed his eyes, his fears spent. This day had been exhausting in every way, but when he opened his eyes once more, he was invigorated with renewed energy. Jane gazed at him with curiosity as he attempted to gather his frayed wits and press forward. “I am so relieved to hear that. I would have been sorely disappointed.”

She smiled tentatively. “What of you? Are there nuptials to be announced? Between you and Mrs. Gordon?”

“Lud, no!” He bit his lip. “I apologize. I just learned of the widow’s philosophy on children, and I am not yet recovered.”

Jane’s brow furrowed in question.

“She advised me to send Tatiana away to a ladies’ seminary in Surrey,” he offered in explanation.

She blinked in surprise. “Why would you do that?”

“That was my question. It was in that moment that I confronted what a fool I had been. Tatiana had warned me, but I did not listen.”

Jane’s gaze dropped to her hands in her lap. “What happened, Barclay? One moment, we seemed to be on the road to… something special. The next, you had disappeared.”

Barclay sighed before standing up to take a seat next to her on the bench. “The morning after we spoke, my mother suffered a great disappointment because of me … Because she is …”

“Unwed?”

“Precisely. It was harrowing to see her so upset … The thought of something similar happening to you was too much to bear. Tatiana says I gave in to fear.”

“Ah … That explains her earlier protest about adults being fearful.”

Barclay glanced up at Hades before eventually replying, “She was right. With Natalya, I loved deeply, and when she… left us … it was devastating. I had no expectations of feeling that depth of emotion for another woman, but then I met you, and the possibility of love became a reality. Which forced me to think of all the many ways it would go wrong. The ways I could lose you. Or hurt you.”

He noticed she was blushing, her hands having stilled while she gazed at them without blinking. “Love?”

Barclay swallowed hard before reaching out to clasp one of her hands in his. “Jane, I thought my heart was dead. That I would never feel anything again. And then I met you, and life came rushing back. You have captured Tatiana’s heart and the approval of my mother, but more than that, you have captured … me … my heart.”

She still stared at her hands, but a wide smile spread across her face. “I … am … very pleased to hear that because I must confess you have had my heart since your first night here. I … I …” She hesitated, but when she spoke again, it was in a rush, as if she wanted to get the words out as quickly as possible. “I confess I heard you and Aurora discussing your situation in the library, and I was utterly ensnared. I never considered what—who—my future husband would be until that moment, but when I heard you talk of your love for Natalya, I could not help falling for a man who held his loved ones in such high esteem. It was inexorable. Fated. I could not imagine anyone by my side but you.”

She stopped as abruptly as she had begun, catching her breath in shallow heaves, and Barclay was perfectly captivated. Why had he ever thought she was immature? Jane was loyal, intelligent, and exuberant about life. She cared about other people and did her best to take care of them. What he had seen as immaturity was truly a woman who embraced life with her whole heart, and she could teach him a thing or two about the pursuit of happiness.

Raising her hand to his lips, he pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “That was magnificently said. Much better than my paltry attempt to express myself. But then, you are the poetess, and I am a humble artisan.”

Jane chuckled. “That was reasonably well said.”

Barclay laughed in return, a feeling of lightness stealing over him as he released the past and accepted the future. Turning toward her, he tugged lightly on the hand he clasped to pull her into his arms. Staring down into her eyes, he gently cupped her head and brought his mouth down to hers.

* * *

In that moment, a tender longing awakened, and Jane sighed with elation. Barclay's lips moved gently over hers, soft and sure, his touch both familiar and thrilling. She had only recently experienced such closeness when he had kissed her in the library, and now that sweet memory blossomed anew. Jane had some understanding of the more intimate nature of affection—she had once witnessed Emma and Perry sharing a heartfelt embrace, which she had tactfully interrupted with an exaggerated snore, much to their embarrassment.

With the wrong man, she supposed such intimacy might seem unthinkable. But with Barclay … with him, it felt perfectly right. Her heart fluttered with each brush of his lips, every gentle caress that spoke of tenderness and promise. She was captivated by everything about him—his scent of tea and leather with just a hint of spice, the strength of his arms around her, and the tickle of his beard against her cheek.

With Barclay, she could imagine staying in his arms forever.

He was everything she had imagined in a partner and so much more. His presence was strong and steady, his manner both protective and kind. Her fingers found their way to his hair, combing through the too-long strands that had captivated her from the moment they met. His skin was warm beneath her touch, and she marveled at the contrast of roughness and softness—the ruggedness of his hands and the fine weave of his waistcoat.

When he pulled back, she could not help the soft sound of protest that escaped her lips. But her disappointment was short-lived as he trailed gentle kisses along her jaw, his breath warm against her skin. When his lips brushed her ear, she shivered, feeling warmth spread from her head to her toes. The sensation was new and wonderful, sending a delightful thrill racing through her entire being. She sighed in contentment, wishing that moment could last forever.

But Barclay pulled away, his breathing uneven, and she saw the flush of color high on his cheeks. He looked almost startled by his own emotions, and Jane’s heart swelled with affection at his vulnerability. She wanted nothing more than to pull him back into her arms, but she saw he was struggling to speak, so she waited patiently, hands clasped before her as she tried to contain her joy.

He took a steadying breath, his expression earnest. “I should be clear about my intentions.”

Jane raised an eyebrow in playful amusement but remained silent.

“Miss Jane Davis,” he began, his voice gentle but sure, “will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Her face lit up with pure joy, her heart soaring. “Yes!” she exclaimed. “As soon as it can be arranged. I cannot wait to be your wife.”

His smile was brilliant, his eyes sparkling with happiness. Barclay was not a nobleman, but he was a man of integrity and strength, a man who worked with his hands and built beautiful things. She admired that about him—his ability to craft and create, his dedication to his family. She looked forward to exploring his world by his side, seeing it through his eyes.

His expression grew serious, though his smile remained. “And just to be clear, you are agreeing to be Tatiana’s mother as well? To love her as your own?”

Tears sprang to Jane’s eyes, and she laughed with joy, nodding fervently. “I would be honored to be her mother. If she wants me, I want nothing more.”

Barclay’s eyes grew misty, and he shook his head in disbelief. “Tatiana wants that very much. She has championed you every moment we are together. It seems she understood the bond between the three of us far better than I did.”

Jane laughed softly. “She is very bright,” she agreed. “Will we be traveling with you?”

“If that is what you want, I would love to have you accompany me. I miss taking Tatiana to see the world, and I cannot imagine a better travel companion than you.”

Jane clasped her hands together, hardly able to contain her happiness. Her heart felt light and buoyant, and the future stretched out before her, filled with promise and love. “And when shall we marry?”

Barclay’s smile grew tender. “As soon as we can gather our families. I want you by my side, as my wife, without delay.” His expression faltered slightly. “Which does mean I must inform the earl that I have fallen hopelessly in love with the young lady in his care who has not yet reached her majority.”

Jane beamed, her heart swelling with affection. “Somehow, I do not think he will mind.”

Barclay reached for her hands, entwining his fingers with hers. “I hope you are right, my love. Because I cannot wait another day to call you mine.”

* * *

Taking some time to enjoy the grotto with Jane while dreading the forthcoming meeting with Richard, it was all he could do to hold on to the magic of the moment as long as he could. While they were here, they were enwrapped in the magic of the caves with their silent witnesses carved from marble and stone. Once they left … the troubles of the world would return.

So they sat together, holding hands and raiding the hamper that Tatiana had arranged. Neither of them had eaten much in their quest to find his daughter, and the cheeses and fruits were welcome refreshments. He dared not wonder how Tatiana had obtained the hamper, hoping she had not pilfered from the kitchen without permission. An irate cook might wait for him, adding to his issues when he returned to the real world outside the woods.

Eventually, they both knew they could not delay any longer, so Jane tucked the handle of the hamper over her arm while he carried the blanket, and they headed back to the manor. Once they reached the edge of the woods, Barclay realized they could not continue together. As relations, they might relax some proprieties, but once a betrothal was announced, their being observed alone together would be cast in a different light.

Taking the hamper from Jane, he bade her return ahead of him so he might dally in the woods for a while to give her an opportunity to make her way inside alone.

When sufficient time had passed, he began his walk across the gardens. As predicted, reality set in as he approached the manor, and many thoughts clamored to be heard.

What if Richard was angry at this turn of events? The earl had no inkling of their relationship.

What if they were met with disgust or derision? Their age difference was not too extraordinary, but coupled with his status as a by-blow, there were going to be people with thoughts. Some would express them; others would display it in their attitudes.

What if their match horrified Jane’s family? They had sent their daughter to have a Season in London. Surely they had hoped she would make a match with a member of the gentry, or perhaps a minor peer. Instead, they would have to settle for an architect for a son-in-law. A successful, renowned architect, but a working man all the same. The field had made great strides over the past couple of decades as a bona fide art, but it being accepted as a proper profession was slow going, and not everyone saw it that way yet.

As he strode past the ornamental hedges and the terrace came into view, Barclay firmly put these thoughts from his mind. As Aurora had advised, the best course was to be united as a family and handle adversity as it presented itself. Avoiding adversity could not be the goal of living. Love, family, and work well done were far better goals. Adversity was simply what one dealt with when it could not be avoided, but what truly mattered in life was one’s accomplishments, which included the health and success of the family to whom he owed his loyalty and support.

Passing by the majestic oak tree, Barclay saw several guests playing ninepins, including Mrs. Gordon. He nodded politely but did not break his stride. It seemed a hundred years since he had played the silly game and had attempted to convince himself he could grow to like it over time. It seemed the height of obnoxious stupidity that he had tried to convince himself to make such an unsuitable match. If Natalya had been here, she would have shaken her head at his asinine behavior and accused him of cowardice.

She would have been right. He had been afraid that if he loved Jane as deeply as he had loved his late wife, he would never recover if he lost her, too. Or caused her unhappiness.

But one could not live one’s life in fear. Having the courage to take a risk brought much reward. Loving Natalya had been a privilege he would choose many times over, and he would never regret the life they had shared. Natalya had known her time was more limited than most, but she had had the courage to live her life to the fullest while she had the chance and had appreciated every moment she had walked the earth.

Something he should have paid more mind to since she had slipped into the unknown beyond.

Reaching the terrace, Barclay placed the hamper and blanket by the table of refreshments before heading inside. By now, Aurora would have informed the earl that Tatiana was safe, and he hoped he would find his brother in his study so he could press on and discuss the awkward situation they were in.

All too soon, he approached the door of the earl’s study, which was ajar. Likely to catch a breeze, as the day was warm enough for the manor to be mildly stuffy.

As he reached the doorway, he heard the Duke of Halmesbury speaking. “I am afraid I will not be available to accompany you to Chatternwell in November because of prior engagements.”

“Nor I. I will be too far along for such a journey.” It was the countess, sitting near a window with her hand resting on her rounded belly.

Seizing the moment, Barclay rapped his knuckles on the door to announce his arrival. All three occupants in the study started, appearing distracted by something as they turned their heads to find him standing in the doorway.

Richard was the first to react, jumping to his feet to beckon Barclay to enter. “Barclay, Aurora informed us Tatiana is safe and sound. We are very relieved to hear. The duke and the other men just returned from their search not ten minutes ago.”

Barclay nodded, entering the room. “I thank you for all you did. I apologize for any inconvenience we caused.”

Richard shook his head adamantly. “Not at all. We are here to assist in such matters any time you need us.”

Barclay took up a seat across from the duke, the earl resuming his own seat at an angle from where the duke was sitting. Silent for several moments, Barclay considered scheduling a time to talk to Richard later that day. His brother was occupied with something, based on the uncomfortable silence that had descended upon the room after his arrival.

The countess cleared her throat at the window, sitting up. “Barclay, I was wondering … My husband is to visit Chatternwell in November to … survey his local estate. Chatternwell House. We were considering having the manor renovated in preparation for Ethan.”

Richard straightened in his chair, his interest piqued. “That is correct. The estate is unentailed, and I am planning to give it to Ethan when he reaches his majority. The manor is quite outdated, so it will need work. Could you accompany me in November to provide me with an estimate? I would be very pleased to have you do the design.”

Barclay was mildly suspicious that there was more than had been said, but he pulled a notebook from his coat pocket. “What are the dates, so I may consult my schedule?”

“The seventh?”

He reviewed the pages. “I could manage the first week of November if I move another appointment. A few days should be sufficient to travel from London to see the place and make my next engagement the following week.”

Richard’s face lit up. “That would be wonderful. I am quite excited to learn what we might do with the manor. If it needs significant work, I would like to begin so that it would be ready for Ethan when the time is right.”

Barclay nodded. “If the work is minor, it may only take a year or two, but significant building or renovations may take several years to complete. It is best to assess the situation early on.”

“I would appreciate it. I want my boy to be well taken care of. The estate itself is prosperous, but the manor has not been occupied in many years. Once we assess the main building, I shall be able to meet with my solicitor to make arrangements for Ethan’s future.”

Barclay noted the date, putting the notebook away during the ensuing silence. He was aware that the others had been interrupted by his arrival and must have been discussing something sensitive. His own needs would have to wait for a little while. “I had another matter to discuss, but I can see you later this afternoon if you could give me an appropriate time?”

Richard shook his head. “No, no. We can talk now. We have settled our other matter for now.”

Barclay took a deep breath. “I wish to discuss Jane with you.”

“Oh, is this about Dunsford?” Richard’s question caught him by surprise—Barclay blinked.

Across from him, the duke smiled benignly, leaning forward to explain in a low voice. “Ridley informed us of the young prat’s intentions toward Miss Davis … and the implied delights of London. We concluded that he will no longer be included on future guest lists.”

Barclay sat back in his chair to stare at the cornices. He had never realized it was a nervous trait he had until he arrived at Saunton Park and found himself doing it constantly. “That is …. good news. But no, it is not the topic I had in mind.”

He swallowed hard. This was deuced awkward, especially after he had been here while the two men had discussed the inquiry from the older lord in London. Lord Lawson, was it? Barclay felt like a green youth as he tried to find the words to declare himself. Not to mention, he had not expected an audience when he did this.

“I think Barclay wishes to discuss a different aspect.” He looked over at the countess, who was smiling at him across the room. She kept her stormy blue gaze on Barclay as she addressed her husband, her red-blonde hair lit from behind to form a fiery crown. “I believe Barclay would like to announce his intentions regarding our Jane.”

He frowned. How could Sophia know that?

The countess shrugged at the unspoken question. “It did not escape my attention that Jane has seemed quite taken with someone since we reached Saunton Park. I asked my lady’s maid, Miss Toussaint, to find out from the servants who had captured her attentions to ensure I approved of the match.” She tilted her head. “I do.”

Barclay froze. From the corner of his eye, he noted that Richard’s jaw had dropped. Flitting his eyes over to his cousin, he saw the Viking duke was suppressing a smile, pressing his lips together firmly.

“What?”

Sophia rolled her eyes at her husband. “I was just happy she was not besotted with that Adam Dunsford. He is charming, but he struck me as rather shallow from the outset. I needed to be sure she was becoming attached to someone worthwhile.”

Richard turned to Barclay. “You and our Jane?”

Barclay grimaced while the countess turned her gaze back to the window, settling back into her seat. “I … know … you … were hoping she would make a match with a younger man, but … we are quite taken with each other, and I wish to offer for her.”

Richard shook his head, causing Barclay’s stomach to roil in anxiety. His brother was going to refuse his approval? Agitated, he fidgeted with the sleeves of his coat. Then he would visit the Davises to offer for her directly.

“Why do you say I hoped for a younger man? You are hardly ancient.”

Barclay released his breath. He had misread the earl’s reaction.

“I believe Barclay is thinking of the discussion we had about Lord Lawson a few days ago.” The duke spoke in his baritone, adding solemnity to the moment.

“That? How is that relevant?” Richard appeared genuinely perplexed.

“We discussed Lawson’s age and the fact that he had grown daughters.” The duke gestured to Barclay. “I think your brother drew conclusions about their similarities.”

“They are hardly in the same category. Tatiana is only nine years old, and Barclay is … He is Barclay. He is hardly … old. He is the same age as you, Halmesbury.”

Exhaling in relief, Barclay decided he needed to be more his customary assertive self. This had been an unprecedented week at Saunton Park, but now it was time to revert to his usual state of decisiveness, which had made him the success he was. “Then you find it acceptable if I offer for her? We have discussed it, and we wish to wed.”

Richard stood up to extend his hand to Barclay, which he clasped. With that, his brother hauled him to his feet to embrace him hard. “I would be delighted for Jane to make such a magnificent match. Congratulations, brother!”

While the countess rose to her feet to join them, the duke also stood, leaning over to shake him by the hand. “Congratulations, Barclay. We shall help make arrangements right away.”

Sophia came over to clasp him by the upper arms. Reaching up on tiptoe, she pressed a kiss to each of his cheeks. “I am so happy for our Jane. You are a good man, Barclay.”

It was at that moment that Barclay realized what he had not yet accepted. His family had grown these past few weeks. It was not the four Thompsons versus the world any longer. He had gained brothers and cousins and in-laws. Adversity would present itself in the future, but he and Jane would have many warm relations to stand by their side as they began their new life together. If Natalya had lived to this day, she would have been overjoyed on his and Tatiana’s behalf.

Now all that remained was to meet Jane’s parents and ask her father for permission to wed. Barclay swallowed hard, tension forming in his gut at the realization that he still had one more obstacle to overcome.

How were her parents going to feel about Jane marrying a by-blow? Who worked for a living?

Bloody hell, he hoped Mr. Davis was not too close to him in age.