Matters of the Heart by Rosemary Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

room, the walls being so thick.
    On opening the library door, I was even more startled. Robert was sitting in an armchair, a book open on his lap. He was just as surprised to see me but quickly gained his composure.
    ‘Are you frightened of the storm, Jane?’
    As he spoke, I was very aware of my attire. I pulled the open robe around me and bunched my loose hair over my shoulders.
    ‘No, sir, I am not afraid but restless and thought to find a book to read.’
    ‘Come and sit by me and let us engage in some conversation while the storm rides itself out. I feel like some companionship and yours would be most welcome.’
    As he spoke, Robert indicated the empty armchair opposite him. As I hesitated in the doorway, unsure as to whether to go backward or forward, Robert got to his feet and walked towards me, his hands outstretched. In that moment my resolve to be aloof to him dissolved and, trembling, placed a hand in his and let him lead me to the armchair. As I sat down, Robert placed a finger very gently on my bottom lip, bending to me, his eyes looking into mine.
    ‘Has anyone ever told you, Janie, that you have the prettiest mouth?’ he whispered.
    I was lost for words and was sure his intention was to kiss me but he moved to the fireplace to replenish the fire.
    After stirring the pine logs he leaned his hands toward the blazing warmth while I watched the flames that leaped in unison towards the chimney, lighting the room with a golden glow. The only other light was from a lamp on a small table.
    ‘There are plenty of books,’ Robert said as he moved away from the fire his arm indicating the book-lined walls, ‘but it would be difficult in this light to choose. Maybe you could peruse the shelves later, in the light of day.’
    ‘Indeed,’ I agreed.
    I made to get up off the chair but Robert stopped me gently with one hand and sat leaning forward in his chair, his hands clasped casually in front of him. The light from the fire outlined his good looks and I could see the fire reflected in his eyes. I suddenly realised I was staring at him and averted my gaze.
    ‘Don’t look away, Janie. I sensed at dinner you were displeased with me.’
    It was a question and brought to mind his association with Aunt Laura and my anger returned for I would not and could not share him with another woman. What had happened to me? Never before had I responded to a man with such feelings.
    ‘I would very much like to know what you said about me to your friend Alan Lester.’
    ‘Only the truth.’
    ‘Which is?’
    ‘That you are a beautiful, young woman and that I hold you in high regard, but there is something else bothering your pretty little head and I can guess what.’
    ‘If you know, why ask? It should be I asking the questions.’
    ‘A woman’s body, a child’s mind,’ he whispered.
    His words cut deeply. I knew it was true. I was behaving like a sixteen-year-old and it wasn’t the impression I meant to convey to this man.
    ‘I apologise for behaving as such,’ I said meekly, ‘but soon after dropping a kiss on my brow, I see you in intimate conversation with Aunt Laura.’
    I could’ve eaten my words for they conveyed the truth, that I was indeed jealous. I saw the startled smile on Robert’s lips and then it vanished.
    ‘Don’t press me on this, Jane. Believe me when I say the meeting with your aunt was purely innocent.’
    He looked more serious than I had seen him before and I half believed him.
    ‘Let us talk no more of it.’
    I knew for the moment at least, the subject of Aunt Laura was closed.
    ‘Tell me, Jane, have you any aspirations?’
    The subject was indeed changed. Should I tell him my one aspiration was for him to fall in love with me? But, no, I thought of my days prior to coming to Pendenna Reach.
    ‘I don’t know that it is an aspiration, more a desire to travel, to see places I have only read about. The Leaning Tower of Pisa at dawn, following the footsteps of the Egyptians, walking through