Lost in La La Land(39)

Witches.

It was 2027 and witches were still a thing in Rhode Island.

I had to laugh at that.

Ten hours later when Lana woke, I had a plan. It was a smart one.

Lana sighed. “What a great day. We took a picnic and ate by the river. When Celeste fell asleep we made love by the water.”

“Sounds divine.” I lay in my bed, hooking myself up as she unhooked.

“Good luck with Anne,” she muttered as she sent me off into oblivion.

I dropped into the world at the manor. I was on the stairs, going up to ready for dinner.

Louisa and Henrietta were giggling in their room down the hall from mine. I paused before walking past, hoping they wouldn't see me. I had little tolerance for their silliness.

“Did you see Charles fall asleep in his soup last night?” Henrietta asked, laughing.

“I did.” Louisa giggled. I slipped past the parted doorway, hoping they wouldn't see me.

“Jane!” The door opened with both girls beaming out at me.

“Ladies.” I curtseyed as they did.

“Will you go on the hunt with us tomorrow? Mary refuses and Charles says we can’t go unless you or Mary accompany us.” They blinked their eyes at me sweetly.

“Of course. If you want me to go, I am at your service.”

“Thank you!” They leapt at me, hugging tightly. “You’re so much like Anne,” Henrietta whispered.

“And so not like Mary.” Louisa rolled her eyes.

“Wherever would we be if I were?” I winked and hurried to my room.

As I changed clothes and had a sponge bath, I contemplated the idea of Lana here. She would be stunning in the gowns and jewels of the time. The baby would be adorable in the little dresses and boots and bonnets. And Danny would be a gentleman. He would be Daniel of course and she would be Lady Lana.

Then I glanced about the house and considered my renovation. Would I want our house to be like this one, or would I prefer a modern home?

I wasn't sure.

I supposed for resale’s sake, something I would eventually have to consider, modern would make back the money I was going to spend.

The entirety of the renovation was just as Stanley believed it to be, worth millions of dollars. Millions I had stashed away, money I had never touched. I never needed. My life cost almost nothing, for I lived in here.

When I finished dressing again, I dusted some powder on my nose and hurried downstairs.

I walked through the dimly lit halls, listening for everyone else. A crack of a ball led me to the billiards room doorway. I paused when I heard the men speaking.

“Why I never fall in love with a simple girl, one who would be honored to be a navy man’s wife, is beyond me.” It was Wentworth speaking. He sounded upset. “The daughter of a viscount will never be permitted to marry a sailor.”

“You’re hardly a simple sailor now, Frederick. This place isn’t exactly the inn in Lyme. It’s an extensive property, a park even. And your parents bought your commission in the navy. Even removing the Spanish gold prize money, your family isn’t exactly destitute.” It was Benwick speaking.

“I don't understand why you have invited Miss Elliot back here, no offense meant, Charles,” Harville spoke softly.

“None taken,” Charles added.

“I invited her because her family is here and she’s lost a friend. As much as I had a broken heart from her once, I am not so cold as to deny her comfort during this hard time. I wouldn't be cruel to her. I don't think I could be,” Wentworth defended himself.

“It might be awkward, what with you pursuing the cousin,” Harville pointed out. I agreed with him.

“Anne and I had feelings for each other a long time ago. I was a different man then. I was a boy, not even a man. Nothing will be uncomfortable. She is a respectable lady. Charles was nearly engaged to her once and there’s not a moment of discomfort between them.”

“Absolutely not,” Charles agreed again. “And I will never admit to the fact I find her ten times more tolerable than my own wife.”

They all laughed and played on.

I cringed, turning around and heading to the library to peruse the books.

I sat in the corner, pretending to read but really I was drawing the office I would need in the upstairs for us to do our work comfortably, when Wentworth entered the library. He cleared his throat to make himself known. “I believe dinner will be ready shortly.” He spoke with the slightest of grins.

I glanced up from my book, narrowing my gaze but saying nothing.

“You don't appear to be anywhere near as excited to see me as I imagined you might be.”

“Possibly it’s because I too have come to the realization that my parents are important people, so I will likely abandon my feelings sometime soon and break your heart.” I didn't even try to hold back.

He laughed, entering the library and closing the large door. “Using the secret passageways to spy on me?”

“Of course.” I lowered the book and drawings.

“I do not doubt you or your affections, only your ability to be free with them.” He pleaded with his gaze and words for forgiveness.

“No. That's a lie.” I stood, putting down the book completely. “You doubt me because you had your heart broken. That would be the same as me doubting your safety in a house because mine burned down with my husband in it. You can’t blame every female for the actions of one, just like I can’t abandon living indoors because fires happen.”