“I think that’s exactly what she was doing,” Sherbourne replied in a disgruntled tone. “I just didn’t think I’d be so... affected by her. She’s so lovely, so exciting. She terrifies me, if I’m being perfectly honest.”
This time, Julian couldn’t hold back his laughter. He felt for his friend, he truly did. But all he could think about was that this would give him another chance with Jane. He had a lot to make up for, and he knew the odds of her forgiving him were not in his favor. But he was no longer the stupid, selfish boy he’d once been, and he was determined to at least try. If nothing else, he wanted to find a way to help her financially, though he sensed that would be a battle as well, given her prideful independent streak.
* * *
OVER THE NEXT WEEK, Emma ran Viscount Sherbourne a merry chase, but at last, she agreed to his proposal. The morning after, she enlisted Jane’s help in penning a missive to her father. In it, she extolled Michael’s virtues and lineage, then pleaded with Blackjack Marks, the famous American railroad tycoon, to travel to London as quickly as possible.
“Don’t look so worried,” Jane said, once they’d sent a footman to post the letter. “Sherbourne is one of the best catches in England. Your father will be thrilled.”
“It’s not my father I’m worried about.” Emma shrugged. “What if I’m making a terrible mistake? Michael can be such a terrible snob.”
“You didn’t seem to mind when the two of you disappeared from the ball last night. You were practically glowing when you returned.” Jane had struggled mightily with her decision to let Emma sneak away with Sherbourne. She’d sensed that they needed a moment of privacy, but it had been a terrible risk. She shuddered to think what would have happened if anyone had caught them.
“Honestly, Jane. Sometimes you take your role as chaperone just a little too far.” Emma’s words held no real heat. The two women had built a solid friendship despite their differences. Jane liked to think they complemented each other.
“You don’t need a chaperone, Emma,” Jane teased. “You need a keeper.”
Emma laughed and slanted an arch look at Jane. “Lord Basingstoke will be at dinner tonight. Perhaps I’ll be the one who will need to chaperone you.”
Earlier, a beautifully handwritten invitation had arrived, asking Emma and Jane to a celebratory dinner at Michael’s father’s house. When she’d found out Julian was going to be there, she’d wanted mightily to decline, but she couldn’t. Wherever Emma went, she must go also.
Jane felt her face heat with embarrassment. “Lord Basingstoke meant nothing by his little display at the theater. He’s always been a bit of a showoff.”
“Lord Basingstoke?” Emma raised a brow. “Just a few nights ago, he was Julian.”
Jane sighed and met Emma’s knowing gaze. “A mere slip of the tongue. We knew each other as children and his immature antics made me regress.”
“Oh, I see.” Emma fought a smile.
Jane sank into the chair across from her and poured the tea from the breakfast tray, her practiced movements far less graceful than usual. “Are you nervous about dining with Lord Warren?”
“Yes, I am a little nervous,” Emma admitted, allowing Jane to change the subject. “He’s quite intimidating. I’m not sure how he’ll react to the thought of an American daughter-in-law.”
“He’ll hate it,” Jane replied. “But don’t take it personally. He’d manage to find fault with anybody Sherbourne chose.” She’d known the Blakes since she was a child, and the earl had always made her uncomfortable. He’d been cruel and abusive to Michael’s younger brother, Dylan, and he’d pressured Michael to become the perfect heir until he’d nearly snapped.
“Well, I’ll just have to do my best to charm him, won’t I?” Emma gave Jane a brief smile. “Help me find something to wear, Jane. Something very conservative.”
Jane took a quick mental inventory of Emma’s flamboyant wardrobe and then shook her head. “I don’t think you own anything conservative enough for dinner with the Earl of Warren. You’ll have to borrow something of mine.”
