Page 38 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)

While there was not time to make an entire new scarf, there was more than enough to embellish a plain grey one.

Providing one stayed up most of the night near the kitchen fire to see her work.

Still, it did not seem adequate. George stared at her creation and sighed.

Well past midnight, there was nothing to do, but to wrap her meager offering.

As she picked up her scissors a daring idea struck.

Would Johnathan appreciate it? She acted before she could talk herself out of the most forward thing she had ever done.

As much as he wished to stay in Yorkshire longer, Johnathan knew he must return in time for the celebrations at Kellmore. Fortunately, the quiet night broke into a cloudless morning with not a touch of red in the sky boding well for his travels.

As the sun crested the horizon, Johnathan bid farewell to his host with vague promises to meet again when Parliament resumed.

Frost clung to leafless branches, fence posts, and road as he made his way to Lightwood Manor.

With no way to properly care for his horse, the stop would be necessarily brief.

The front door opened as soon as he arrived. Georgiana, wrapped in a woolen shawl, stepped out carrying a sack.

“Go back, I’ll come in.” Johnathan dismounted and removed the sack with the gifts from her family as well as his own.

Would she like the miniature Lady Philippa insisted he have made?

She assured him that the small portrait was an appropriate gift for a courting couple.

He wished he could stay long enough to watch Georgiana’s reaction to opening the gift.

“No. It is much too cold. I do not wish your horse to suffer so that we may have a few precious seconds together.”

Johnathan took her offered bag, exchanging it for his. “At least we are alone.”

“But not unwatched.” Georgiana inclined her head toward an upstairs window.

Timothy stood with arms crossed, glaring down at them.

“Your champion is guarding you well, I see.” The dream of a chaste kiss turned to mist just as his words did in the frigid morning air.

“He considers it his duty. Only my aunt’s interference kept him inside.”

“I see.” He reached for her empty hand. “We have only a few weeks until you come to Town. We shall have time to speak then.”

“Where shall I write you, in the meantime?”

“Your grandfather intends for us to return to London no later than the first week of the new year. There is still much to do with the petition.

“That sounds rather dull.”

“My expectations for excitement are rather low.” He tugged her hand bringing her a little closer and quickly brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “I shall miss you.”

A shout echoed from the upper window.

They turned to find the window empty.

“Hurry before you face a fireplace poker.”

Johnathan mounted his horse. “One day Miss Georgiana, I will kiss you properly and it will be worth every threat of being run through.”

Georgiana’s mouth popped open to a perfect “O”. It took all his will power to stay astride his horse and not fling himself off and gather her in his arms. Instead, he nodded and urged his horse into a walk. At the gate, he turned to find her still watching and waved.

As the day grew colder, he wished he took the opportunity to kiss her, then he would at least have a warm memory.

When he and his horse could go no further, Johnathan stopped at an inn.

After a meal of edible nondescript food, he retired to a room not much larger than the sagging bed.

As much out of boredom as curiosity, he opened the sack Georgiana entrusted him with.

A letter lay at the top. His name written across it.

Johnathan - open when you are alone .

His smile grew as he broke the seal. A lock of hair tied with a blue ribbon fell out as he unfolded the letter. He scooped it up and cradled it in his hand. A gift shared only by lovers. He regretted the missed kiss even more.

Johnathan,

How inadequate this gift must appear when measured against the regard I would wish to express for you. Is it the fashion in America for a lady to part with a curl of her hair as an emblem of sincere affection? I sincerely hope that such is the case as I lack the words to express its meaning.

The other night when we were separated, my aunt inquired whether we were upon the point of.

.. The intimate expression of feeling that my nephew was preparing to duel you over.

I confessed that I could not say with certainty what might have transpired.

Had such been the case, this token would carry a meaning that I trust your understanding heart would comprehend without my need to speak more plainly.

I pray that Providence will watch over your journey homeward and that you may find every happiness this Christmas season. I count the days until we may meet again.

Most faithfully yours,

Georgiana

She loved him. Though she had not uttered the words, the lock of hair and the letters told him more deeply than her eyes did that evening in Lord Banbridge’s parlor.

The miniature seemed inadequate now. The only proper gift to give Georgiana would be her father’s blessing.

Unfortunately that was likely to prove more difficult as the earl’s quest to name him heir. Yet obtain permission he would.