Noticing this, Blake forced his face into a neutral expression, but the damage was done. Richard was grinning—an altogether too satisfied smile for Blake’s liking.
“Just think about it. A little country air and the chance to get to know one another will mean that we do not have to worry about any fighting or bad feelings on our wedding day.” Cressida reached towards Jane and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“And you will have us there to help broker the peace,” Richard pointed out. “The estate is large enough that you will have plenty of space, and you will have the rest of the wedding party and some of our friends there as well.”
Why must I suffer because this woman has taken a dislike to me?
Blake shook his head, unsure what to say.
“And I suppose our word that we will not behave as cats and dogs will not suffice,” Jane ventured, sounding as put out as Blake.
“No, it wouldn’t,” Cressida replied simply.
Blake ran a hand through his hair, glancing at Miss Pembleton, who seemed just as daunted by the prospect of spending three weeks at the same estate as him.
“Fine, perhaps the country air will soften our Miss Pembleton a little bit and help her see my charms.” Blake smiled at Jane and saw her blush.
“I would not count on it. After all, country air is supposed to clear the mind, not addle it.”
Blake opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say anything, Cressida said, “Jane, really! I thought you said you could keep your temper?”
Jane flushed with embarrassment and turned away. “My apologies, Cressida.”
“I can see you smirking, Rochester. Do not think your jibe went unnoticed,” Richard said flatly. “If you continue like this, it will be a rather trying three weeks.”
“Do not worry on my account, Glassbury. I have been known to be rather good company.” Blake inclined his head towards Jane. “Besides, I am sure the estate is big enough for the both of us.”
Jane met his gaze briefly, before turning to Cressida and saying, “Fine, I will do as you ask. But do not expect us to be more than civil to each other at the end of this.” She refused to look away from Cressida.
“Indeed. In three weeks, I am sure we will have had more than enough of each other and will be very grateful to never see each other again,” Blake agreed.
“Then it is settled. We depart in three days.” Richard clapped Blake on the back and grinned.
Blake gaped at him.
Three days. That was the time that remained for Blake before being stuck in the countryside with a happily-in-love couple, a few other friends, and a woman who loathed the very sight of him.
What have I gotten myself into?
ChapterFive
Preparation Is Everything
“And, of course, you must pick your man well. Remember, be interesting but not too forward. Engaging but not brash,” Lady Cotswalts was saying as Jane packed her bags for her trip to Kenton Estate.
“Mother, for the last time, I do not intend to look for a match. Father is arranging one for me, and I have no desire to add extra tasks to an already full plate.” Jane shook her head in frustration as she threw two more books into her bag.
Normally, she would have allowed a servant to pack for her, but she found that she needed the distraction. Her sister Emily watched as she began to pile clothes on the bed.
“The duties of a maid of honor are not so extensive that you will be unable to do anything else,” Lady Cotswalts chided, removing the yellow dress Jane had left in the wardrobe and adding it to the pile.
Jane frowned at her and put the dress back in the wardrobe. “Being a maid of honor may not require all of my time, but I suspect trying not to murder the Duke of Caden will.”
“The Duke of Caden! Why on earth would he be there?” Lady Cotswalts clasped her hand over her chest. “You have not invited him, have you?”
“Why on earth would I invite him?” Jane looked at her mother in confusion. “Firstly, it is not even my estate. I have no right to invite anyone there?—”
“Yes, but perhaps you might have asked Cressida to extend him an invitation.” Lady Cotswalts’ eyes were wide with fear.
