Julia’s heart soared.

Good heavens.

He’d come for her. And directly from the railway station if the leather Gladstone bag in his hand was any indication. He looked tired and rumpled and so extraordinarily dear.

And she didn’t think. She didn’t hesitate. Hurtling down the stairs, she ran to him and threw herself straight into his arms. “Oh, my darling love. It really is you!”

Thirty-Eight

Jasper’s arms closed around her, dropping his bag as he lifted her straight up off her feet. She clung to his neck, her full skirts frothing against his legs. “This is a far warmer welcome than I’d anticipated,” he murmured gruffly against her ear. “Mind you, I’m not complaining.”

The footman tactfully receded from the hall, leaving the front door standing open to the square.

Julia hardly noticed. Tears of joy blurred her vision. “I was certain I must be dreaming.”

Jasper turned his face into her neck, his breath warm on her bare skin. “Don’t cry, love.”

“I’m not crying. I’m just so glad to see you. I’ve missed you dreadfully.”

“I should have been here with you.” His voice deepened to a husky rasp. “I should never have let you go in the first place.”

“You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” She smoothed her hands over his nape. “When did you arrive in London?”

“An hour ago. I traveled straight from Malton without stopping. Forgive me. I’m a bit worse for wear.”

She drew back to look at his face. He was indeed a little haggard. Lines of weariness etched his features, as if he hadn’t been sleeping well. “How did you find me?”

“I went to Lady Anne’s house. She told me you were calling on your parents today.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I wish I’d got here in time.”

“In time for what?”

“To accompany you into the lion’s den.”

She laughed.

Jasper seemed to find no humor in the situation. “Have you so quickly forgotten? On the last occasion you left this house, I had to carry you out in my arms.”

“Yes.” Her smile softened. “You were very heroic. Everything a young lady could wish for.”

His brows lowered with concern. “Are you all right?”

“I’m in exceedingly good spirits. Put me down and I shall show you.”

He obliged her, setting her feet back on the hall floor. But though he loosened his arms, he didn’t let her go completely. His large hands remained at her corseted waist, stroking over her back and sides, squeezing tightly.

She reached for her reticule, only to stop, belatedly registering the activity in the square. A barouche was passing in the street, its fashionable occupants blatantly staring.

They weren’t the only ones.

There was a nurse lingering by the green with her three young charges, and two well-to-do gentlemen strolling along who had slowed to look.

Flushing with embarrassment, Julia backed out of Jasper’s grasp. “We shouldn’t be embracing in front of an open door.”