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his.
    His lips parted as he noted her young breasts dropping and rising with each rasping breath she took. Her sensuality left him so overcome with passion he barely heard the plump woman as she giddily spoke, hardly stopping for air.
    “…and then she managed some bread and milk and felt well enough for me to carry on with this dress of hers.” Tamzin seemed unaware Jack was not hearing a word she said. “Because the wedding is only a few weeks away now and the time will fly what with all the preparations I have to do. Here get your hands out of that pocket James,” she ordered her young son who sneakily retrieved Sir Jack’s tobacco holder from his pocket. “Can I get you a cup of tea, Sir Jack?”
    “Oh, no. No thank you.” He felt flustered and got to his feet. “No, thank you. I just came by to check on Jenna. I am pleased to see she is well and back on her feet. I will let Lady Penrose know.” With that, he left, forgetting once again his jacket and silver flask, but not forgetting the image of Jenna.
    The next morning he awoke with her on his mind. He was damned if he would let these emotions have total control over him. His return to Cornwall was to take care of business. Not to fall in love with a woman, let alone a mere servant girl, already betrothed. He resolved to banish any thoughts of her. He had much to accomplish in the short time left before he returned to America.
    As Jack walked across the long gravel driveway approaching the manor house, he saw his cousin leaving the stables, busy buttoning his jacket and whistling. He was followed shortly by one of the chambermaids, retrieving pieces of straw from her blond hair. He eyed the couple. His blood froze. How foolish of him to not think of it beforehand! He knew well of his cousin’s propensity for the female sex, his wonton and unbridled lust easily aroused by common and grateful girls. Girls he could bully and manipulate. Girls who were unable to refuse him.
    Immediately, his mind fell on Jenna. He felt nauseas at the thought of his cousin taking liberties with the innocent beauty. Perhaps he ought to take up his cousin’s offer of a raucous night in Plymouth. Alcohol would surely loosen Lord Edwin’s tongue. Jack would be sure to hear all the lecherous boastfulness of his cousin’s philandering and could deal with the consequences of which when and if they happened.
    “Cousin!” He strode up to where Lord Edwin stood. “Busy morning?”
    “Busy indeed.” A slow smirk crossed Edwin's face. Perhaps his cousin felt more like himself again, an accomplice in the transgressions of an upper class man. “You were up early this morning?”
    “Yes. I am feeling much better after my voyage. This weekend of rest has done me good and I feel my spirits to be in much better health.”
    Lord Edwin patted him on the back. “Excellent. We have much to discuss about your ventures in America and my role in the company over there.”
    “Indeed we do,” Jack agreed. “I thought such conversation would be much suited to an evening visit in Plymouth perhaps?” He watched as Edwin’s cheeks glowed with excitement.
    Licking his thin lips, he nodded. “That would be a wonderful start to your trip. I am sure Lady Emmeline will be able to spare my presence for one evening.”
    Jack rolled his eyes, certain Lady Emmeline would be willing to spare his cousin’s presence on much more permanent basis as well.
    * * * *
    Lady Emmeline drew back from the window as Edwin approached the house. She saw him leaving the stable, sneaking a look around to make sure his actions went unnoticed. Foolish man! She peered through the lace curtains as he stood below. His chortling laughter filled her with repulsion. He was scheming something, no doubt about that. She could tell by the way his personality took on that of a sly fox, tirelessly bounding from one activity to the next, his mind ticking with some idea or other. Absentmindedly, she reached for the small portrait that