Page 58 of A Siren for the Duke

“Well... I’m afraid there is more to it than that.”

And with no preparation whatsoever, he launched into the story of their secret courtship, the scandal that followed when it was discovered, Jemima’s engagement to the Marquess of Kingsbury, her miraculous escape to their ship, and how their relationship progressed aboard ship. He left out the part where they made love in the Sherwood’s guest bedchamber, but to him, that wasn’t even the worst part. When he explained how he’d made an arrangement for her brother to come to collect her for a price, Ellis’s jaw dropped.

“Good God, man! Have you no decency?!” he half shouted.

“Keep your voice down!” Lionel hissed. “And no, at the time, I was simply too angry and thinking about my family’s empty coffers, so I made a decision. Now that things have changed... I regret it,” he said sorrowfully.

“And it’s too late to change it,” Ellis finished for him. “Have you told her?”

Lionel shook his head shamefully. Ellis looked at him, astonished.

“You mean to tell me that she thinks she’s staying in Jamaica, free and clear? She’s completely unaware?”

“Unfortunately, yes. And the worst part is... her brother is supposed to be at this ball. I need to find him before she does so I can explain myself to him.”

Ellis shook his head disapprovingly. “I’ve certainly been involved in romantic scrapes, but this is an absurd situation. I want to help you, but... Lionel, I’m not even sure how.”

Lionel was not able to answer. As if the world had suddenly shifted, time itself seemed to stand still. Jemima made her grand entrance into the ballroom, and Lionel's breath hitched in his throat.

There she was, resplendent in a gown the color of seaweed, a shade of green that perfectly complemented her radiant beauty. The delicate fabric flowed around her like the gentle caress of ocean waves, accentuating her curves with a grace that could only be described as otherworldly. A shawl draped over her shoulders, intricately woven with delicate patterns that resembled a fishing net, adding an ethereal touch to her ensemble. She truly looked like a mermaid risen from the depths of the sea.

The room seemed to fade away, its colors muted compared to the brilliance of Jemima's presence. Lionel's heart pounded in his chest as if it sought to match the rhythm of the waves crashing upon a distant shore. His eyes were drawn to her every movement, captivated by the grace with which she glided across the room.

As if sensing Lionel's stare, Ellis followed his gaze and caught the sight of Jemima's entrance. A sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Ah, my dear Lionel, it seems the enchanting mermaid has captured your attention. You must tell her before she swims away.”

“I know. But I am unsure how.”

“Think quickly. She’s coming this way.”

Lionel's protests faltered as he watched Jemima glide across the room, her eyes scanning the crowd until they finally locked onto his. A smile blossomed on her lips, a tender warmth radiating from her gaze. It was as if she held the power to breathe life into his every hope and dream.

Lost in the depths of her gaze, Lionel realized that there was no denying his feelings any longer. He could not let her go.

She stopped and curtsied in front of them.

“Gentlemen. You’re looking very fine this evening,” she said, her gaze passing over them.

Lionel was still speechless, so Ellis spoke for the both of them.

“Not half as fine as you, Lady Jemima. You have enchanted the entire room. It is rare, indeed, to see a mermaid walk on two legs among humans.”

Jemima laughed, a rich, merry laugh, and Lionel had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Ellis was ever the charmer.

“You need not flatter me, Mr. Robinson. I know I was quite the pain aboard ship.”

Ellis was responding to her self-deprecating remark, but Lionel did not hear it. He was too focused on the look in Jemima’s hazel eyes, which were quickly going from sparkling and happy to full of despair.

“I cannot... I... dear God... is that my brother?” she asked, looking past the two of them. Lionel followed her gaze to see Ferdinand Upton standing at the top of the stairs, fixing her with a fearsome glare.

This was it. The truth would all come crashing down upon them.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Time seemed to slow as panic surged through her veins, paralyzing her in place. She felt the air grow thin, as if a vacuum had formed around her, and the sounds of the ball faded into a distant hum. Jemima felt as though she were encased in a glass bubble, isolated from the world, with only Ferdinand's piercing gaze penetrating the fragile barrier. She tried to move, to escape his relentless scrutiny, but her body refused to respond to the frantic commands of her mind. The room spun around her, and all she could see was Ferdinand's steely determination, like a predator closing in on its prey. Her heart hammered against her chest, threatening to burst free from its confines. She did not even hear Ellis or Lionel clearly. It felt as if she was underwater, listening to them shout at her from the shore.

Jemima's breath came in shallow gasps, her senses overwhelmed by the suffocating weight of Ferdinand's presence. His very existence threatened to unravel the fragile tapestry of her newfound freedom. She had only been gone a few weeks, seeking refuge from the stifling expectations of her family, and now, her sanctuary was crumbling before her eyes.