Chapter Five

Meredith was in a thoughtful mood all the next morning. So much so that everyone seemed to believe that she was feeling under the weather. In truth, she hadn't been able to form a coherent thought since the night before, due to the fact that she could think of little else other than Jack's kiss.

What a devastating, earth shattering kiss it had been.

Every worry, every ounce of guilt she had ever felt about the physical act of lovemaking had drained out of her when Jack held her in his arms. The moment his mouth touched hers, a searing sort of appetite she had never known consumed her and the only thing that would sate it, was more kisses.

Oddly, she had also felt protected while he held her, as if she had always belonged just there, in his arms. Like nothing bad could happen to her when he held her, almost as if his guard had dropped and she had crossed into his sentinel. Her skin had tingled all over for want of being touched by his hands and she had barely registered him pulling back and climbing onto his horse before her senses came back to her.

It had been the single most amorous thing she had ever experienced and it had only been a kiss.

Sarah must have noticed that she was being quieter than usual at breakfast, for Meredith kept ignoring her inquiries about the dinner party.

"Hmm?" Meredith asked after the second attempt at questioning.

"Meredith," Sarah said firmly, causing her to look up. "Are you feeling well?"

"Yes," she said, yet she felt quite the opposite. "I'm fine."

"And yet you keep ignoring my questions about last night," Sarah said. "I thought it was a successful evening."

"I believe it was," Simon agreed. "Lord Bixby heard about our inquiry to find a horse for Daniel. He's trying to talk me out of going with the baroness, but he knows as well as I do that she is the best breeder in the country."

Sarah made a face.

"I was speaking about Meredith."

Simon blinked.

"Oh, yes, of course. Jenik and MacDougall were very complimentary."

Sarah smiled, satisfied, at her husband which made him smirk as well.

"Did they?" she asked. "They were a fine pair of gentlemen. Wouldn't you agree, Meredith?"

"Yes."

The singular answer caused Sarah's smile to faulter. Sighing, she stirred a scoop of sugar into her teacup.

"Well, perhaps you'll be more excited with the crop at Mountebank's home."

Meredith's attention was finally caught as her eyes snapped up to her sister. The Duke of Mountebank was a powerful man indeed and one of the most sought-after members of the peerage to align with on social issues. Since the old duke's death, Mountebank had proved to be a reformer on many issues, including the improvement of work conditions and the expansion of education. He even introduced a bill in Parliament calling to ban children under fourteen from factory work. It had failed, but he hadn't been deterred, introducing several more in its place.

Not only was he one of the most powerful men in England, he was also Simon Archer's half-brother and Jack's stepbrother. Meredith had learned nearly six months earlier that the old duke had relations with the widow maid, Tally, a woman in his employ some thirty years prior and Jack and Simon's mama. The coupling resulted in the birth of Simon.

"Why must we go to Mountebank's?" Meredith asked, unsure. "I thought he and his new wife were honeymooning?"

"They've returned early. He wrote Simon not the day before yesterday requesting our presence at Dragmoor." She paused, before adding, "It seems he and the duchess are eager to have us."

"I've told you, Sarah. I've no wish to meet any more peers than I already know."

"I feel quite the same way," Simon said, picking up the newspaper.

Sarah gave him a pointed glare before turning back to her sister.

"I'm quite aware of your feelings towards peers, my dear, but Mountebank has invited us and we must go. I'm sure the duke simply wishes to spend some quality time with us. Besides, I think it would be very good to spend more time with his new duchess. Mountebank has always longed for a family."

"How do you know that?" Simon asked.

Sarah rolled her eyes.

"Well, it's obvious, isn't it? He grew up a very lonely child. You said yourself, Simon, that he was mostly raised by tutors and the household staff. Then, to discover he has a whole extended family, well, it must fill his heart with good feelings."

"So, we're to spend some quality time with him and his duchess?" Meredith asked skeptically. "And nothing more?"

"Yes," Sarah answered, her tone somewhat high. "And really, who are we to deny a man like Mountebank a chance to experience a family? His mama died young and he only ever had his father who wasn't, well..."

"He was a vile snake," Simon murmured from behind his paper.

"Simon," Sarah said in a hushed tone, glancing at her son, Daniel. "Please."

"Oh, it's all right, Mama. I've heard him say a lot worse," Daniel said, smiling adoringly at his stepfather. "Remember what you said when the horse spooked not a week ago? You

said—"

"Ah, Daniel," Simon said, shaking his head as he ignored the scowl Sarah gave him. "Remember, it isn't gentlemanly to speak like that in front of the women folk."

"But you said—"

"A great many things, it seems," Simon laughed. He folded the corner of his paper down and winked at the boy. "But it upsets your mama."

"Oh, all right."

Meredith tried to hide her smile behind her teacup as she brought it up to her lips. It had been amusing and rather delightful to see the relationship between Daniel and Simon grow over the past few months. Daniel had been so desperate for a confidant and had been worried that without a father, he wouldn't learn things the other boys in school would know. Simon had taken to his role as stepfather with surprising ease, relating to Daniel in many ways that Meredith and Sarah hadn't. Sarah was pleased as well, though she didn't always appreciate the vocabulary her son was learning. Simon was adamant that it would only benefit him to command the entire English language, as opposed to only the polite parts, which had made Meredith laugh.

Even now, Meredith could see the love between Sarah and Simon. Theirs was a love that shouldn't have been, considering both of their backgrounds and upbringings, and they had nearly given it up for appearance's sake. Meredith had been worried that her sister might come to resent her choice in picking Simon over time, but the exact opposite had taken place. Sarah much preferred the company of a few dear friends rather than multiple acquaintances. While Simon would never be the poshest or shining example of first society, he tried his best solely to please Sarah and had become a sought-after guest in the upper circles that still accepted them. Whether it was because they viewed him as an anomaly or not, it didn't seem to matter to the couple. They were together and that was all that mattered.

Meredith knew that an invitation to Mountebank's would benefit the family. It would also be nice to befriend the duke's new wife, especially if they were all family now. Distant of course, but family, nonetheless. She really had no excuse not to attend.

Except that she did not wish for it to be a matchmaking event for herself. If it was truly a family affair, she wondered if Jack was going to attend.

"Pardon?" Sarah asked.

Meredith's head picked up.

"Excuse me?"

"Did you ask if Jack was going?"

Meredith's cheeks warmed under the watchful eye of Sarah and Simon. Had she really just said her last thought out loud? How mortifying!

Swallowing hard, she attempted to smile.

"If it is a family event," she started, her tone unnaturally light. "I would assume that all the family were invited." When Sarah didn't speak, Meredith added quickly. "Is Mama and Beatrice to attend as well?"

Seemingly jolted from her thoughts at the mention of their mama, Sarah shuddered.

"Heavens, no. Mama wouldn't care if we were going to stay at Balmoral Castle with the queen. It was hard enough convincing her to let us sponsor Beatrice. I fear she'll never forgive me for marrying Simon," she said, looking lovingly at her husband.

"Our loss, I'm sure," Simon said unconvincingly. "As for Jack, I doubt he'd much appreciate coming to Mountebank."

"So, it's not a family affair," Meredith said.

Sarah shifted, seemingly uncomfortable, as if being wary of being caught in a lie.

"Of course, Jack will come. It is a family gathering, after all, and he is part of the family."

"I'd love to hear you tell him that," Simon murmured. His attention returning to his paper.

"I will tell him," Meredith said so quickly that everyone shifted their attention to her. "I mean, Daniel and I were going to have our history lesson by the pond today."

"We were?" Daniel asked, excitedly.

"Yes, it's such a lovely day after all and who knows how many more we shall have before autumn comes proper? And since the pond is edged by Mr. Archer's property, we will be in the vicinity. It would be no trouble to deliver the invitation to him. When are we leaving to attend?"

"A week from Thursday," Sarah said. "But dear, let Simon go. I should hate for you to walk all the way there."

"It's quite all right," Meredith said, standing up from the table. "I don't mind. Besides, I've been eager to take a long walk and it's such a fine day for it. Even if it is a bit cold, the sun is shining."

"Please, Mama?" Daniel said. "I'd very much like to go see Uncle Jack. And Dash loves to come for walks with us."

The hunting dog that Meredith had gifted to Daniel nearly a year ago was still very much a hyper pup and needed to run at least twice a day. Her sister appeared worrisome, but she eventually nodded.

"Of course."

Daniel shot up out of his seat.

"Good luck, Meredith," Simon said over the paper.

"I rarely require luck when it comes to Daniel," she said as she left, only vaguely aware of Simon saying something like he wasn't speaking about Daniel.

The sun was shining, yet there was a nip in the air. Happily, there was no wind and by the time they reached the pond that sat between the two properties, Sarah and Daniel were uncomfortably warm, followed by Daniel's dog, Dash. Settling down on a stone bench that sat on the edge of the water, Meredith opened her book and began reading out loud.

For an hour or so Daniel listened, tossing a stick for Dash to chase while answering Meredith's questions. Soon though, the dog's attention began to wander, as did Daniel's. A grasshopper had come into his view, and as he explained to his aunt, it was supposedly making its way towards the pond where a school of small fish had gathered at the edge. Soon Daniel and Dash were leaning over the edge of the pond and while Meredith had every intention to call them back, her own mind began to wander.

For what seemed like the hundredth time that day, her thoughts turned to Jack and the kiss from the night before. He had left nearly two hours earlier than the rest of the guests and while no one seemed aware of his departure, Meredith had felt it. It was as if a warm blanket had been snatched away from her and she had been cold and longing afterwards. But mostly she was surprised. Surprised that she had allowed herself to be kissed by him.

Since her failed marriage with Clyde, Meredith and made it a point to avoid all men, for fear that they would try to take advantage of her. More realistically, she had been worried that her clandestine feelings would be preyed upon and they obviously had. She knew that she was a sexual being, one who obviously could not control herself, and she had hoped to keep herself away from all temptation. It had been rather easy over the years. No one had inspired any romantic feelings, until last night when Jack had kissed her.

She tried to block them out, desperate to ignore the wicked urges that had surfaced within her. Feelings like these had gotten her into trouble before and she refused to relive that pain. She never wanted to experience the abandonment she had suffered with Clyde and she had tried desperately to harden her heart to the entire opposite sex. But now, the protective walls she had built around her heart seemed to be crumbling around her. The love and adoration between Sarah and Simon had almost been too much to witness as her soul began to long for a similar relationship.

But Jack? There was no possible way she could have something like that with him. He was far too brutal, too animalistic in his nature to ever stop himself from taking something that he wanted wholly and completely. Jack had grown up without anything and being fully aware of it, he indulged in life to the fullest. He lived life at such a pace that it frightened Meredith and yet, she couldn't help but imagine how it might feel to be loved by someone like him.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Meredith was surprised when Daniel had to correct her about the date of the battle of Hastings. While her younger sister, Beatrice, had always been better with historical dates, Meredith certainly wasn't as bad as Sarah was with history and when Daniel corrected her a second time, she closed the book and suggested a stretch of their legs to clear their minds.

They began to walk to the top of the pond, where a stony creek fed into the water that led into the forest beyond. It was dense with large oak trees and while it was a perfect spot to walk in the high heat of the summer, the shadows cast across the grass on such a cool day made Meredith shiver.

Just then, a galloping sound echoed in the distance. The sound grew and the vibrations of horse hooves could be felt beneath their feet. Gazing out to her left, Meredith saw the great black steed, Drachma galloping towards her.

She wouldn't have to travel all the way to Jack's house after all as she lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the sun as he came before her.

"Good morning, Mr. Archer," she said politely as he swung off his horse. "I daresay you remember Daniel?"

Jack nodded at the boy. Meredith absorbed the image before her, Jack in his buckskin riding pants, tall black boots, and a white cravat beneath his black riding coat. He wore a top hat that he removed on his dismount and the mass of tawny curls shined like brownish, golden silk in the sunlight.

Meredith found herself bemused at her wish to touch it.

"Daniel," Jack said, nodding at him. "Taking your lessons outside?"

"Yes, sir," Daniel answered, as he was staring at the horse.

Jack gave Meredith a quick glance, before handing the reins to the boy.

"Would you mind terribly walking Drachma down to the edge of the pond? I've been riding him all morning. I think he's due a drink."

"Yes, sir!" he said, quickly taking the reins from Jack's hand. Once alone, Meredith felt the same weighted, welcoming tension that had surrounded her the night before.

"How is your morning, Miss Taylor?"

"Very well, thank you," she said, ignoring the warmth she felt roll within her at hearing his voice. "And you?"

"Very well, indeed. I am surprised to see you so soon. And on my land."

"Your property begins over there." She pointed to a large tree at the northern most part of the pond. "And I've actually a purpose for coming."

"Oh?" A flash of white teeth dazzled her. "Have you come to reprimand me?"

"No," she said with a slight shake of her head. "I've come to extend an invitation."

One of Jack's brows arched as he tilted his head. Taking a step towards her, Meredith was suddenly very aware of how close he was standing and if she had any sense about her, she'd move away. Instead, she remained perfectly still.

"What sort of invitation?" he asked, his tone low and suggestive.

Meredith swallowed. Good heavens.

"An invitation to the Duke of Mountebank's home, a week from Thursday," she said, noting the pause in his advancement. "We're to go for a family event."

He blinked.

"Oh. I see." A faint, reddish color appeared in the bridge of his nose and Meredith wondered if he felt all right. "And why would I wish to go?"

"You're family."

Jack let out a humorless laugh and faced the pond. Daniel was petting Drachma's neck as the horse drank the cool water, while Dash sat behind his master, peering around Daniel's legs as he watched the horse with suspicion. Meredith found that she could stare at his profile without him knowing and did so with pleasure.

She was acutely aware of his size and was surprised that he was really quite large. Meredith had always heard that boxers were supposed to be of a smaller stature, so that they could move quickly, but Jack wasn't short at all. He had the well-defined body of a fighter and was finely fitted in his riding outfit. Her eyes drifted down to his powerful thighs and when he crooked back at that very moment, she became flustered, darting her eyes away for fear of being caught.

"Tell Simon no," he said before frowning. "Are you all right?"

"Quite," she said, coughing into her fist to clear her throat. "And it wasn't Simon's request. It was Sarah's."

"Very well, you may tell her no instead." He went to make his way towards the horse, when outside her better judgment, Meredith's hand stopped him. She hadn't meant to touch him, only that her body seemed to move on its own. Her fingers barely touched the bicep of his left arm, but he seemed acutely aware of her even as she snatched her hand back, holding it to her chest.

The intensity of his eyes as they snapped to hers made her feel both giddy and worrisome.

"Please," she said quietly, rubbing her hands together. "It would be nice if you came."

Jack seemed momentarily distracted as he glanced down at the spot on his arm where her hand had been. After a moment, he looked up at her.

"To do what?" he asked, his tone soft. "Talk endlessly about weather?"

She was sure he meant to sneer, or be condescending, but he only sounded curious.

"You may dance," she said. "I believe Mountebank is going to have small sort of soirée one evening."

"I don't dance."

"Because you can't or because you won't?"

"Because I don't," he said firmly.

"Still. Your company would be appreciated."

She had said the plainest, least heated thing in the world, yet Jack's face changed. He seemed almost annoyed. Had she offended him? She didn't see how she could have possibly done so.

"What are you about, Miss Taylor?" he asked suddenly, his voice irritated. "Searching for some company at Mountebank's? Hoping for a dalliance or something?"

A pail of frozen pond water couldn't have been more bracing to her humiliation at his words. For a moment she was paralyzed with embarrassment, stunned that he would ask her such a thing. What a fool she was for trying to befriend him. Of course, it would seem like she was searching for some sort of liaison, especially after their kiss. Perhaps her mama had been correct in her statements about her being too ‘romantically spirited.' Maybe she was too forward.

She should say something, something biting, to put him in his place, but for all her worth, her words escaped her. She had been tempted to trust him, or perhaps she had only been following her instincts, which should have been a warning. Her instincts had led her to Clyde and that had turned out horribly. Mortified, she glanced away and began to walk towards the pond.

"Daniel!" she called, avoiding Jack. "Let's return home."

"Must we?" he pleadingly asked.

"Yes."

"All right," the boy answered, leading the horse back.

She had reached the edge when she heard a groan come from behind her. She needed to leave immediately. She put her arm around Daniel's shoulders as he reached her and directed him towards home.

"Wait," Jack's voice sounded from behind them. She heard his footfall come up swiftly and when he spoke again, he was right behind her. "I didn't mean to say that, Meredith—"

"Miss Taylor," she hissed over her shoulder. Daniel's brows rose, confused by the exchange. "Daniel, will you, um…"

"Can I walk Drachma?" he asked hopefully, apparently seizing the opportunity to be near the horse. "If you don't mind seeing us home?"

"Yes." Jack agreed quickly. "Yes, be a good lad and make sure he doesn't wander off."

"Yes, sir!"

Once Daniel was a good distance behind them, Jack focused on Meredith.

"I didn't mean what I said."

"Of course, you did." She raised her chin. "You think I'm some sort of … some sort of streetwalker. Well, I'm not, and I refuse to be treated like one."

"Firstly, I treat every prostitute I meet with the utmost respect."

She gaped at him, her mind reeling. How many prostitutes did he know? And could he be anymore insulting?

"So, by your own admission, I'm less than a prostitute? Because you've been nothing but rude to me since our first meeting. Demanding kisses for favors, taking them without asking. Insulting me—"

"Now hold on," he said, his voice dipping slightly to avoid being overheard by their young companion. "You didn't exactly pull away last night."

Her cheeks warmed, knowing it to be true. She had felt so different last night than in this moment. He had held her with such a tender, yet possessive touch. She should have known better. It seemed she was doomed to repeat herself.

"I should have. For it only ever leads to men treating me poorly."

The words dropped from her mouth so quickly that she could hardly believe she had admitted to such a thing. Suddenly, she felt Jack's warm, wide hand on her elbow as he turned her to face him. Stumbling slightly, Meredith held her hands up and pressed them against his chest to steady herself, the solidness of him so different from herself.

She leaned around him, searching for Daniel, who had led Drachma and Dash several yards away. His back was towards them. She peered back up at Jack, his scarred face watching her, his brow knotted together.

"Who?" he asked gravely. "Who wronged you?"

Oh, dear. She shook her head.

"No one," she said. "It was a figure of speech."

"You're lying."

"I'm…" she paused and took a deep breath. "He is no one of importance. Besides, it's hardly your concern and if you're following me to add insults to my injured pride, you needn't. I am already vastly ashamed."

"Ashamed of kissing me?" His tone low as he leaned closer.

Good lord, he was much too close. She needed to focus on her words.

"No, I…" she said, peering back at Daniel who had continued to follow them at a respectable distance. He was staring off to his left, as if he was watching some fascinating natural occurrence. She glanced back at Jack who dropped his hand from her elbow and she fought off a foolish disappointment at being released. "I didn't invite you to Mountebank's to have some sort of relationship with you, Mr. Archer." She paused, breathing shallowly, not at all pleased with her words. "I only wanted to be your friend."

The words she spoke seemed to have a strange effect on him. The usual confident and stern man before her appeared confused and then, uncomfortable. It dawned on her in that moment that Jack was more at ease being biting, or teasing or rude. When he was met with honesty, though, he seemed unsure.

"My friend?" he repeated, his tone suggesting that he didn't believe her.

"Yes. And you insist on making me out to be some sort of harlot," she said, hating the term and knowing full well that she was technically a woman with no virtue. What a hypocrite she was, but she didn't want him to believe that she was such a woman. "Well, Mr. Archer, I don't think I want to be your friend anymore."

He stared at her for a long moment before he spoke.

"I didn't think… That is to say," he said, struggling to find the correct words. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have implied that you wanted anything more than friendship. It was disrespectful."

"Yes, it was."

"I only said that to…" He pursed his lips, evidently uneasy about his confession. "Well, I only said that because I was trying to offend you."

Meredith's brow cinched together as she continued to walk. He fell into step next to her.

"Why would you wish to offend me?"

The corner of his scarred mouth pulled up in a self-deprecating half smirk, as if he were equal parts amused, and ashamed.

"If I told you, it would frighten you and as I've already insulted your person, I think I'll keep my reasons to myself." His tone made her curious. "Will you accept my apology?"

She gave him a peculiar look, unsure what he meant that he would frighten her. But then, she nodded.

"Apology accepted, Mr. Archer."

"Call me Jack."

"I will not."

"You could, though," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "And if we are to be friends, I think I would like to be on a first name basis with you. If you don't mind."

"Very well," she said unconvinced.

They walked the rest of the way home in a comfortable quiet. It seemed they would be friends, though Meredith wasn't sure why she had told him she wanted to do so, only that if she told him how she truly felt, he'd probably insult her again. It didn't matter anyway. She obviously couldn't trust herself around him and the word friend had seemed to have a strange, placating effect on him. Just then, Daniel came bounding around them, riding on the back of Drachma.

"Daniel!" she said, temporarily distracted. "Get down from there! Your mama would faint if she saw you!"

"I'm sorry," the boy said with glee as the horse moved back and forth in a sort of dance. "I couldn't help myself. He's such a good boy."

Dash barked, evidently used to hearing the phrase.

"You may come to ride him anytime you'd like. That is, when I'm not in need of him."

Daniel's smile widened at Jack's words and he swung off the animal in a single motion. He grabbed the reins and walked back to Meredith and Jack. He handed them over.

"Thank you for not being angry, Uncle Jack. I hope you do come to Mountebank's, like Mama said. He has a whole stable full of racing horses, you know. It would be a smashing time if we all went for a ride."

Daniel nodded and ran towards the house. Meredith went to go after him as she so often did whenever he began to run, but she paused for a moment and gazed back at Jack. He nodded at her and she wasn't sure if he was dismissing her or if their conversation was over, but she turned back to the house, unsure about her choice in befriending him.