CHAPTER 22 MARY FITZWILLIAM

Frederick continued, a softness in his voice that was almost tender. "I must confess, Jane, I find myself quite taken with you." He reached out a hand, tracing the line of her jaw with the tips of his fingers. "You are like a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine in my life." Mary felt a thrill race through her veins at his touch, the warmth of his hand sending shivers through her body. "Oh, Frederick," she whispered, her eyes meeting his. "You are too kind. I'm sure you are just being polite." Mary found herself captivated by Frederick's presence, every word he spoke drawing her deeper into his orbit. She felt a strange kind of power in her ability to charm him, and she was quickly becoming addicted to it. "You know, I've always found the world of politics rather fascinating," she said, leaning in conspiratorially. "I hear you have some ambitious plans for the future of this estate." Frederick's eyes sparkled with pride. "Why, yes, I do," he said. "I want to modernize our farmi