Marissa Day Read Online Free

strained against the confines of her narrowly cut ball gown, as if reaching for his touch. How would you give yourself to me, Jane? his heated voice whispered from memory.
    “Your servant, Lady Jane.” Sir Thomas bowed once more. “May I join you?”
    No, no! I won’t be able to bear it if you come closer. Because if he came closer she would feel the warmth of him, and be able to see his eyes even more clearly.
    Collect yourself, Jane! “Certainly, Sir Thomas.” She made herself gesture toward one of the balcony’s marble benches. “Shall we sit?”
    He bowed again. “Thank you, ma’am.”
    Jane’s knees felt weak as water. It took all her concentration to adjust her train so she could settle at the absolute end of the bench. She thought Sir Thomas would come sit down at once, but he stayed where he was, one foot on the balcony, one foot on the stair, watching her carefully. Jane snapped her fan open. She was too warm, despite the chill in the air. The strength of Sir Thomas’s curious regard, combined with her too-vivid memories, brought out the heat of her blood.
    “At the risk of being impertinent, Lady Jane,” he said, tilting his head thoughtfully toward her. “I must ask; why do you look at me as if I frightened you?”
    “I do no such thing.”
    “You do,” Sir Thomas replied, meeting her eyes. “You are doing it now.”
    Jane’s gaze darted to the crowded ballroom. But if she went back inside, she would have to face the flock of gossips. They would all see how flustered she was, and she would be very much remarked on. The only other escape from this balcony was the staircase at Sir Thomas’s back. Jane imagined fleeing into the gardens, out the gates and into the streets, to somehow make her way back to Kensington House before it could be learned she had gone as mad as the king. The whole time, Sir Thomas kept a polite distance with his hands folded behind him, prepared, it seemed, to wait as long as necessary for her answer. Ragged clouds passed across the moon overhead. Candlelight, music and talk drifted out of the ballroom at her back, reminding Jane she was part of an ordinary gathering on an ordinary evening. Suddenly, she felt quite ashamed of her fancies. But what could she say to him? She fluttered her fan, trying to think of the most polite lie. Nothing came to her, however, and she found herself left with only the truth.
    “I . . . I dare not tell you my reasons, sir,” Jane dropped her gaze and folded her fan. “You will think I’ve entirely lost my wits.”
    “I will think nothing of the kind. Please, Lady Jane,” Sir Thomas added softly. Tell me what you would do, Jane . . .
    It was impossible. She could muster no defense against this man who was the very image of her secret desires.
    “I . . . I have been dreaming of you.” Jane trembled as she spoke the words. Now he would go and she would not have to look into those green eyes anymore to remember all the promises of her wicked dreams. Now he would go, and she would never see him again.
    “You dream of me?” His dark and heavy brows arched.
    “Every night these past three weeks.”
    Sir Thomas made no immediate reply. His face remained calm, as if they discussed nothing more important than the weather. “Are you sure these dreams are not just of a man with green eyes?” he asked. “They are unusual, I admit . . .”
    Whatever else he might be, this Sir Thomas was gallant. His words offered her the chance to pass the whole of the conversation with some pleasantry so their talk could turn to less alarming subjects. But then she would forever wonder what would have happened had she found the courage to speak. In her heart, she understood that an eternity of not knowing would be far worse than any fear she might face here and now.
    “No,” she said. “Not just a man with green eyes. You.”
    Sir Thomas nodded. For a long moment he gazed out across the illuminated gardens. Jane sneaked a glance at his profile. His face