My walking ceases immediately, and he turns to me with a questioning glance as he smiles confidently at me. I make eye contact with Sebastian who is grinning like a Cheshire cat. Clearly amused by this encounter.

"Is there something wrong?" He asks, tilting his head in my direction.

I shake my head. "No. I thought I had been done with that for the day. I was looking forward to the fresh air and peace."

His smile brightens a bit. "Perhaps we could promenade in the garden. I would rather dislike you suffering from asphyxiation due to my selfishness."

My eyes take in his smile and my lips part into a smile of my own. "I should like a walk about the gardens. It would be an honor to teach you how to be more considerate of others.”

He produces a fragrant laugh that triggers one from my own throat. Sebastian follows us closely as we begin our walk about the gardens making light conversation that vehemently deepens into a delightful discourse that somehow jolts the sealed, steel door for romance located in the cold depths of my limbs slightly ajar. Before we realize it the minutes have turned into hours, and the sky is beginning to darken. I can make out the figures of my brothers standing on each side of the entrance to the gardens. They seem to have grown tired from chaperoning Sir Jacques and I, but we ignore their presence sitting in a comfortable silence as the sun slowly disappears from the horizon forming an array of oranges and blues and purples to coat the sky.

"This has been the most enjoyable conversation I have had the pleasure of having for weeks. Why is it that an agreeable young man of your rank and stature is unencumbered with anything but his duties. Surely you must have family, or friends." I ask with curiosity laced in my tone for he had only told me stories of his travels to America.

"You assume I am unencumbered? I assure you...I have a rather large family, but they are all far too serious for my liking. They follow the rules effortlessly, but I prefer the adventurous lot." He smiles.

"My word! A rule breaker in my presence...I never thought I should see the day that I, the incomparable of the season, should see the likes of such a man." I smile and we share a riotous laugh.

"Trust me Miss Devereaux...I am no rule breaker. I follow the rules exactly, and still seek adventure." My smile shines with admiration.

"Well then Sir Anthony Jacques the adventurer from Pemberton, you must tell me more tales from your travels." His eyes search mine before he turns away.

"I am afraid I have told you of all my adventures thus far. The only place I have traveled besides London and Paris is America. My duties allow me the luxury to seek adventure in places like Greece or Scotland, but I must marry and produce a son to be awarded the full benefit of such luxuries. My father wishes to have more Jacques men in his lineage." His smile turns sad and I understand his sadness. "I should think I will find the right person... eventually." His eyes meet mine and my body tingles with nerves.

"Well then, I hope for a short search Sir. The world is filled with treasures unlike what you have seen in London and Paris." I smile at him nervously.

"I should believe it will be. I hope your dreams are achieved. From what you told me of your travels you would make an excellent writer… from experience alone." He compliments.

I scoff. "And pray tell me Sir Jacques, how will I pursue my dreams? Surely you don't believe a man of this era is progressive enough to let his wife do anything but have a mountain of babies?" 

"We are not all so unwilling to change Miss Devereaux." He glances at me and I feel...something.

I clear my throat and stand as I begin to walk back towards my family's estate. "Well, I believe it is time to return Sir Jacques. The Viscountess will worry that you've run off with me. This encounter is one I will not forget."

"Why Miss Devereaux, are you dismissing my case to court you already?" He laughs and I smile.

"I dare not say that I am or am not. I only mean to say this was an unforgettable moment. I shall cherish the day I made my second new friend after being away from society for six years." He nods slightly.

"This certainly is a night I shall cherish, and I dare say I hope to call on you some other time for another memorable day. As a friend of course." He holds his hand out to me.

I smile, and place my hand in his. "I should think I would like that." 

He smiles brightly. "I shall be away for business starting the day after tomorrow, but I shall return in four days' time. Should you like it, I could call on you when I arrive." 

"Only if you join me here in the garden for tea tomorrow before you depart." I suggest.

"I should like that." He plants a soft, quick kiss on the back of my hand before we both walk into the foyer. He bows before exiting, and as I close the door squeals echo through the foyer.

"Darling, I am so delighted! He is most agreeable. You would make a handsome couple." My mother smiles as she embraces me.

I pull away abruptly. "Mama!" I exclaim.

"I only mean if things progress. When shall you see him again? Did you suggest to see him again?"  She rushed out.

"He shall join us for tea tomorrow." My sisters and mother and sister-in-laws squeal loudly again, and I sigh.

"Tell us everything!" The twins shout in unison.

I shake my head slightly attempting to hide my smile. "Perhaps later after dinner. I'm afraid I missed lunch."

With frowns they both roll their eyes, and gracefully skitter away to the dining hall where everyone is waiting for us to join them. My father, brothers, sister-in-laws, mother, and sisters all glance at me through dinner anxious for me to tell them of the events of my encounter with the gentleman agreeable enough for me to invite to tea. I avoid the topic by eating as fast as my etiquette would allow and hurrying up to my bedchamber with the excuse of a headache before I am forced to speak of the events that occurred this evening. I hadn't had the chance to come to terms with what had happened myself, so I was unsure how I would express how I felt. He was indeed handsome, charming, and agreeable. He could very well be a respectable husband, but my mind couldn't help but wonder about Elijah. I wondered why I hadn’t received a letter this week. He was due to return tomorrow. Something was stirring in me, and I was confused as to what this feeling was. Only time would reveal my feelings, and I only hope I should be prepared to face them when the time presents itself.