The man looked so shocked that Jude instantly regretted saying anything about it. Lenny’s bushy red eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline. He leaned closer to Jude so that they were only inches apart, and Jude could clearly see how wiry his thick red beard was.
“Did you just say what I thought you said?” he whispered dramatically.
Jude’s colour deepened. “Aye,” he muttered, feeling mortified and ashamed. “I said it.”
The man shook his head incredulously. “How?”
“In the usual manner,” whispered Jude, feeling sheepish. “We were alone in the garden together. It just… happened.” Hastily, he stared into the fire, unable to look the man in the face any longer.
“Oh, Lordy,” said Lenny, shaking his head again. “That is not good, Jude. Not good at all.”
“I know,” said Jude, through gritted teeth. “I never intended it.” He shook his head. “There has been something between us from the start. And we keep bumping into one another, or are thrown together, in some odd way that has only deepened the feeling.”
Lenny stared at him in amazement. “How have you even exchanged over two words with her? How have you had so many opportunities to be alone with her?”
Jude shrugged helplessly. “I encountered her on a walk in the woods,” he whispered, scratching his chin. “I talked to her in the village church. The vicar made me fill in for a man that fell ill during pantomime rehearsal the other day. And just now we were both out stargazing.” He shrugged again. “It’s just happened, like I said, almost as if it’s fated.”
Lenny swore underneath his breath. “Fate has nothing to do with it. Or if it has, you fight that fate.” He leaned closer. “You know that the old Duke would have your guts for garters if he found out you laid even a small finger on his daughter, don’t you?”
Jude felt his blood run cold. “Aye. I know.”
“You would be dismissed instantly,” said Lenny, with a pained look on his face. “With no reference. But that would probably not be the worst of it.” He paused. “I have heard stories of such things happening, and the nobility and gentry close ranks quickly so that there isn’t a scandal. You would probably be run of the county, if not the country. And that’s after taking a beating, at the very least.”
Jude stared into the fire, his heart thudding hard.
“You could lose everything,” continued Lenny. “Your chance at future work, your home, your country.” He smiled sardonically. “And your pretty face. This is not something to take lightly, Jude. The consequences would be dire. A stolen kiss is simply not worth it, even if the lady is beautiful and sets your flesh afire.”
“I know,” said Jude, taking a deep breath. “But it’s already happened now. How can I stop any of that from happening?”
“You make sure that itneverhappens again,” said Lenny in a grim voice. “You stay away from her. She won’t talk because she has her reputation to consider. You can both just say it was a mistake and be done with it.” He paused. “Blame the moonlight.”
Jude nodded, not knowing what to say.
“It was only one kiss,” continued Lenny, frowning. “One kiss can easily be forgotten, and I daresay the lady wants to forget it as much as you do.” He hesitated. “But the point is, do you want more than a kiss? How difficult is this going to be for you to control? Best be honest, lad.”
Jude was silent for a moment, gazing into the flames. Then he turned back to Lenny.
“I want more than a kiss,” he said slowly. “I am very attracted to her. More attracted than I have ever been towards a woman.” He paused. “It is going to be difficult to control it, especially if I find myself alone with her again.”
“Then make sure you never are,” advised Lenny. “Do not give yourself the opportunity to act on what you feel. Itcanbe controlled.” He shook his head. “And you think she feels the same way as you do?”
Jude nodded. “I can’t quite explain it, but it is as if we are drawn to each other,” he said. “I know she feels it as strongly as I do.”
“I suppose it’s not surprising,” said Lenny, grinning. “You are a handsome lad. I’m sure you have all the young lasses after you. Our Sally Potter certainly likes the look of you as well.” He exhaled. “And our lady is very lonely. She doesn’t socialise much, just doing her duty here and in the village. I suppose she was ripe for the plucking if she fancies you as much as you fancy her.”
Jude was silent again. He knew that the Lady Evelina was lonely and burdened by duty. But he didn’t think that was the only reason she had enjoyed that kiss as much as he had.
“It isn’t just the challenge?” asked Lenny suddenly. “Some fellows get excited by the thought of a lady who is far above them.”
“Not at all,” said Jude sharply. “It isher. I would fancy her like crazy if she was the milkmaid.” He shook his head ruefully. “In fact, I wish shewasthe milkmaid. Then I might have a chance with her. It is agony wanting someone who you know you can never have.”
Lenny put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it. “Aye, it would be. But sheisfar above you, lad. Too far above you. She is the daughter of a duke. She may as well be a princess in a castle.” He sighed heavily. “The best you can do is try to forget all about her and try to never be alone with her again. I like you, Jude, and I don’t want you to lose everything. That is how serious it is.”
Jude nodded. “I know. I will do it, for her sake and mine.” He hesitated. “I would hate for her to get into trouble over me.”
Lenny gazed at him curiously. “You truly care for her? It’s not just about your blood being on fire for her?”
Jude nodded reluctantly. “It’s not just that. I do care for her, which is strange, considering I barely know her.” He struggled for a moment. “I feel protective towards her. And like I just want to be with her always. Like I never want to be with anyone else.”