He left the room first, and Jane followed ten minutes later. She had to remind herself not to run up the stairs and risk hurting her ankle again. Once she got there, she took a deep breath and entered the room. Garrett was there, just inside the door. He immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She kissed him back with all the pent-up longing and emotion she felt.

“Wait. I should lock the door,” she whispered against his mouth.

“No, Jane. Not tonight. I’ve thought about it. We can’t do this here again. It’s too dangerous. Meet me later? In my bedchamber?”

Jane stood on her tiptoes and kissed him again. Her thoughts were a blur. He wasn’t just asking her for a few kisses. He was asking her to spend the night with him. Nerves had replaced the butterflies in her stomach, but her entire being was screaming yes.

Garrett cleared his throat. “I know we need to have a talk first, a serious one, and I—”

“No.” Jane couldn’t think about that part. It was too much. She only wanted to live in this magical place for one more night. “Not tonight. Let’s not talk tonight.”

“Fine, tomorrow morning then. But you’ll come to my room, tonight?”

Jane took a deep breath. She wanted it. She wanted him. She was a spinster, after all. What did she care about her useless virginity? The only thing that concerned her was the danger of becoming heavy with child.

“Garrett, if we— I don’t want to have a baby.”

“Don’t worry.” He whispered into her mouth. “I have something for that.”

She nodded.

He kissed her again. “Jane, have you ever?”

She shook her head. “No.”

He traced her cheekbones with his fingers. “Of course not.” He seemed tender, so tender. “Don’t worry. It’s going to hurt … a bit, at first, but I can make it good for you. I promise.”

“I know it’s going to hurt, Upton, I’ve read about it.”

He couldn’t help his smile. “It’s just like you to think you know all about something you’ve never done before.”

She laughed. “I’ll have to get away from Mama. Perhaps I’ll tell her I’m going to bed sick.” She smiled. “I must have eaten whatever Mrs. Bunbury ate.”

Garrett pressed his forehead to hers. “Perfect. Come after the ball. Two o’clock?” he whispered, kissing her once more.

Jane rubbed her nose against his. “I want to … I do, but…”

“Think about it. If you’re not there, I’ll know you changed your mind.”

Chapter 33

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE