The Lady’s Torn Heart (Faces of Love Series #2) Read Online Free

that he was blushing too.
    “It’s alright. Thank you,” I murmured.
    “So, no ton for you then?” he said in the hope of bringing back the lighter mood.
    “I am much like you. I can’t bear how everyone speak with their lips, but holds something different in their hearts. I want honesty. I don't understand how you could find love or happiness without it.”
    He smiled at my boldness. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

CHAPTER 6

    THE GAME OF CHESS

“If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy.” - Jane Austen

    * * *
    T he next few weeks passed in a blur. James was always finding some reason or another to call on me. I loved the attention he gave me, the smile that always seemed glued to my face when he was around, and the euphoric feeling he left in my heart.
    Mary had her baby only a few days after James came into our lives. Everything went smoothly, and she was currently recovering from the ordeal. Grafton was disappointed to find that she did, in fact, have a baby girl. The moment he saw that little angel though, he forgot all about his desires for a son. He was wrapped around her finger. Mary insisted on calling her Juliette, and she was christened so not long after her birth.
    I was enjoying life as a new aunt. I got all the hugs and snuggles I wanted, but certainly wasn’t as exhausted as Mary was with all the care and necessities. Each afternoon, Mary would take a short nap while I got to coo and love on little Juliette. I intended to spoil that sweet girl rotten and be her favorite aunt in the whole world.
    It was on one of these occasions that Juliette and I were in the drawing room alone, rocking by the fire, and I was told that James had unexpectedly come to call on me. He had gotten quite used to coming over by now, and after being let in, sat on one of the chairs.
    “Should I call for some tea?” I asked as I rocked Juliette. She was just about to doze off for a nap.
    “No, I’m fine.” He watched me for a few minutes. “You look good like that,” he finally said.
    I raised an eyebrow in question. We had become quite familiar with each other, and I was accustomed to his honest comments.
    “I just mean standing there by a hearth and rocking a baby. It suits you well. You will make a wonderful mother someday. I can’t say I don't envy the man who will get to be your husband.”
    I walked over and put the snoozing Juliette into her small basket. “Well, there aren’t any offers that I know of at this time. It’s a good thing too, for I would hate to make you jealous,” I said in a teasing tone.
    He watched me again for a moment, almost as if to memorize it. I was beginning to feel much more between us than just friendship. I wasn’t sure at first if he felt the same, but when he looked at me as he did now, I was almost confident that I wasn’t alone in my romantic feelings.
    “I have an interesting proposition for you,” he finally said.
    “Yes, and what is that?”
    “Tonight there is going to be a local ball. I was hoping to ask you to attend with me. I had planned it all out so that we could have a proper chaperone. Sadly, she is unwilling to go.”
    “Your aunt, I am assuming.”
    “You assume correctly. Apparently, a local ball is beneath her,” he said with a roll of the eyes.
    “Are you sure it’s the ball and not me that is beneath her?”
    Lady Heather had been distant during our first meeting, but since then she had been outright cold toward me. It was evident that she didn’t approve of James spending so much time with me and only allowed it because she wanted to be in Gaffton’s good graces. She wanted to have a say in every aspect of James’ life, including who he would marry. Apparently, my small dowry didn’t make that list.
    “She is a crabby old woman, and I don’t need her permission for who I spend my time with,” he stated simply, jutting out that square chin.
    “What was your proposition then?” I asked to change the