Chapter 4:An Unwanted Attention

Sleep did not come easily for Jane that night. She lay on her small cot, staring at the wooden ceiling, replaying every moment of her strange encounter with Jack Lawrence.

"Three years… Yet I never noticed you until today."

His words echoed in her mind, stirring something unfamiliar and unsettling in her chest.

Jane had spent so long blending into the background, doing her best to be invisible, that the idea of being noticed—especially by someone like Jack—filled her with dread. Men of his status lived in a world far removed from hers, a world of wealth and privilege, where maids like her were nothing more than shadows.

She turned onto her side, the dim candlelight casting faint shadows on the stone walls.

It was dangerous to think of him. Dangerous to allow her heart to flutter at the memory of his gaze lingering on her. She was a servant. He was the master's son. Whatever curiosity he felt toward her would fade, and she would be left to endure the whispers and scorn of those who saw her as a threat.

She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to banish the thought.

She had work to do in the morning. And Jack Lawrence—whatever his reasons—was not her concern.

---

The Next Morning

The sun had barely risen when Jane left the servants' quarters and made her way toward the kitchen. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly baked bread and the faint hum of the household stirring to life.

Susan, the head maid, was already at the large wooden table, kneading dough with practiced hands. She barely glanced up as Jane entered.

"You're on laundry duty today," Susan said, motioning toward a basket overflowing with linens.

Jane nodded, grateful for the task. Laundry meant she could work quietly in the back garden, far from the watchful eyes of the Lawrence family. Far from Jack.

She carried the heavy basket outside, where the washing tubs were set up near the old stone well. The morning chill seeped through her thin dress as she began scrubbing the fine linen sheets against the washboard, her hands moving with practiced ease.

The repetitive motion allowed her mind to wander—until a shadow fell over her.

Jane froze.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze.

Jack Lawrence stood before her, dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark riding trousers, his hair slightly tousled as if he had just returned from an early ride. His presence was striking in the golden morning light, the sun catching in his sharp blue eyes.

Her heart hammered in her chest.

Why was he here?

Jack's gaze drifted to the wet linens in her hands before returning to her face.

"You work too hard," he remarked.

Jane's fingers tightened around the fabric. "It is my duty, sir."

There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "Do you always keep your head down when you speak?"

Jane swallowed hard and slowly forced herself to meet his gaze. His expression softened slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"That's better," he murmured.

Jane's heart pounded in her ears. What was he doing? Why was he here, speaking to her as if she were... an equal?

"I should get back to my work," she said quietly, returning her focus to the laundry.

Jack didn't move. He simply stood there, watching her.

"You intrigue me," he said suddenly.

Jane's breath hitched. She looked up at him, startled. "I am only a maid, sir. There is nothing to be curious about."

Jack's lips curved into a faint smile, though there was something darker in his eyes. "You keep saying that. But I don't believe it."

Jane's pulse quickened with fear. This was dangerous. If Lady Margaret or Olivia saw them speaking like this...

"Please, Mr. Lawrence," she said, her voice trembling. "You shouldn't be seen speaking to me."

Jack's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, as if he were memorizing her face. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing around the corner of the stone wall.

Jane released a shaky breath, her hands trembling as she returned to her work.

---

Later That Afternoon

By midday, the whispers had already begun.

As Jane peeled potatoes in the bustling kitchen, she heard the soft murmurs of the other maids.

"Did you see Mr. Jack speaking to her this morning?" Anna whispered.

"I did," another girl replied. "Why would he seek her out? She's just a maid."

Jane's face burned with shame. She kept her head down, her hands moving swiftly over the potatoes, pretending not to hear.

Susan, who stood near the stove, shot the girls a sharp glare. "Enough of that nonsense. Back to work."

The kitchen fell silent, but Jane could still feel the weight of their stares.

She wished, more than anything, that she could disappear.

---

That Evening

As the sun cast its final golden light over the estate, Jane escaped to the quiet garden behind the servants' quarters. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of roses from the nearby hedges.

She needed a moment of peace. A moment to clear her mind of Jack Lawrence and the dangerous attention he seemed to be giving her.

But her solitude was short-lived.

A familiar voice broke the silence. "I thought I might find you here."

Jane turned sharply.

Jack stood a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets, watching her with that same unreadable expression.

Her heart lurched.

"Why do you keep seeking me out, sir?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jack took a slow step forward. "Because I want to."

Jane's breath caught. She took a step back. "You shouldn't."

Jack's gaze darkened slightly. "And yet... I can't seem to stop."

Her pulse quickened as he moved closer, closing the distance between them. The warmth of his presence seemed to wrap around her, making it difficult to breathe.

"This is wrong," she whispered, her voice trembling. "If Lady Margaret or Miss Olivia sees us—"

"I don't care what they think," Jack interrupted. His eyes burned with something fierce, something that sent a shiver down Jane's spine. "I see you, Jane. Not as a maid. Not as someone beneath me. I see you."

Jane's chest tightened.

Before she could respond, a sharp voice echoed from the garden entrance.

"Jack."

Jane's head snapped toward the sound. Olivia stood at the edge of the garden, her expression cold and possessive.

Jack sighed and stepped back.

"I'll see you again, Jane," he murmured before turning and walking toward Olivia.

Jane stood frozen as she watched them disappear into the shadows of the estate.

Her heart pounded wildly, fear and confusion swirling within her.

This was getting out of control.

And deep down, she knew that whatever had begun between her and Jack Lawrence...

It would only lead to heartbreak.