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his arms and carry her to some private little nook where he could do more than steal just a kiss. 
    Stifling a groan of frustration, he took his cue and sat down opposite her and attempted some light, drawing room conversation.
    “You’ve never been sailing, have you?”
    She laughed, a light, nervous sound. “No. Why do you ask?”
    “Because I’d like to take you out on the water.”
    “Me?”
    “Yes. You would enjoy it.”
    “I’m sure I would… if you would take me.”
    James leaned forward in his chair. He could reach out and clasp Stella’s hands in his, but he guessed their few moments alone were almost ended.
    “I would like nothing more, Stella.” This time, he did take her hand and raise it to his lips. He felt a shudder go through her, and saw an expression of supreme longing cross her features.
    James quickly released her hand when the maid came in with the tea tray, and Robert arrived soon afterwards.
    Stella told her brother of the note she’d received and her need to drive into the village. “Will you take me, Robert?”
    “Sorry, Stell. I’ve got the solicitor coming this afternoon for an important appointment. I cannot cry off at this late date.”
    “I’ll be happy to take you,” James said. And nothing could have been truer.

CHAPTER FIVE

    It was highly irregular for Stella to be escorted away from home by a man who was not her father or brother, but she relished those moments when James lifted her into the gig, even though Robert stood right beside her as he did it.
    “Keep her out of trouble, now, won’t you, James?” Robert said, handing Stella the basket of food she’d instructed the cook to prepare for the misses Jenkins.
    “Of course,” James replied, climbing in beside Stella, and it was slightly disconcerting to know that even her brother believed there was no need of a chaperone, no reason to think James would make any sort of advance toward her.
    James took up the reins and clicked his tongue, setting the horse in motion. Almost immediately, they were blessedly alone.
    Not that Stella knew what she would do with those few minutes of travel between her home and the village. Ladies did not make advances, and Stella was woefully unschooled in the ways a woman could let it be known she would not repulse a man’s advances.
    Besides, what if James was not romantically interested in her? What if—
    No, he’d kissed her hand when there was no good reason to do so. It had been a blatant show of affection. Distinctly romantic.
    “I took a look at your drawings,” he said.
    “Of Mr. Hewlett’s ships?” She’d left the drawing pad in the parlor when she’d gone to change clothes for her visit to the village.
    “Yes. They were quite impressive,” he said. “I can’t remember when I’ve ever seen such attention to detail.”
    “Thank you,” Stella replied, warmed to her toes by his compliment.
    “You have a very good eye, Lady Stella.”
    “I had a very good teacher,” she said. “My parents knew I…”
    “They must have taken note of your talent,” he remarked, sparing her having to explain that they’d encouraged her drawing because of her lameness and ill health. “If I were to describe a ship design to you, would you be able to draw it?”
    She nodded, thrilled to be asked. “I believe I could.”
    “Shall we try it when we return to the manor?”
    “Yes, Lieutenant Norris, I would like that.”
    It did not take long to reach the village, and Stella directed James to the Jenkins house. He pulled up and tied the horse, then came around and helped her down, taking the basket from her hands. “This way,” she said, feeling inordinately happy.
    The Jenkins cottage was small and comfortable, but seemed empty without Captain Jenkins’s solid presence. None of the three siblings had wed, and Stella knew the two ladies relied upon their brother’s pension, as well as his strong arm in matters of housekeeping. His loss was difficult for them in many