Page 31 of A Sham Engagement

“Good heavens. A veritable bluestocking.” Lady Amberley was probably wondering how her son had managed to attach himself to such a person. Mama had told her enough times that bluestockings were not desirable as wives. Undercover of one hand, Elenora crossed the fingers of the other.

A silence ensued. Perhaps Lady Amberley couldn’t think of anything else to interrogate her about. That, or she’d been shocked into silence. Elenora risked a peek at Jack, who was still standing by the window, a twinkle of definite amusement in his eyes. Was he laughing at her discomfort? Or at his mother’s reaction?

Aunt Penelope reached out a hand to her old friend. “Perhaps the young people would like a few moments together, Lavinia? And you and I might speak. I’m sure you’re wondering how it is that I’m chaperoning dear Elenora and not her mother. It’s a long story, I’m afraid.”

Thank goodness for Aunt Penelope.

Lady Amberley seemed almost as pleased as Elenora was for this intervention. “What a good idea. Come, Penelope, and exchange places with your niece. We have a lot to talk about.”

The two ladies took their places on the chaise longue side by side. For a moment, Elenora stood nonplused, unsure of what she was supposed to do. A gentle tap on her arm drew her attention.

“Come and sit by the window with me,” Jack said. “Let my mother and your aunt renew their acquaintance undisturbed. And you can tell me why you have come with her and not with your mother.”

Two seats stood in a window alcove. Elenora took one, and Jack took the other, their knees only inches apart. With an effort, Elenora looked him in the eyes. “I am to convey Mama’s sincerest apologies to you. But we had word this morning that my two youngest sisters have been struck down with the measles, and my parents, and my two other sisters, have returned to Hampshire to tend to them.” She paused. “You must understand that a mother’s thoughts must be with her sick children.” A direct quote from Mama.

“And you did not want to return to help?”

Was he a mind reader? “I did, of course, for I’m very fond of my sisters.” Sort of true. “But Mama insisted that I stay. Had I not been engaged, I think she might have let me accompany her.” She gave a little smile. “So, in a way, your idea for us to undertake this charade has caused me to remain in London. If we had not met as we did, I might even now be in the bosom of my family at home.”

“Do you resent this?”

She shook her head slowly. “I would be lying if I were to say I didn’t, but in truth, I fear that after my sisters recovered Mama would have had me back in Town at every ball again until I achieved the required success.”

“You are the most honest girl I’ve ever met, I think.”

She frowned. “That’s not always a good thing. My family frequently have cause to chastise me for my honesty. I don’t quite understand why it’s seen as a bad thing by so many.”

“You think it’s not a good thing?”

“Not entirely. I have great trouble with the fact that I always say what is true, as Mama says not everyone wants to hear the truth. I cannot dissemble, which is another way of saying I find lying terribly hard to do. It can be most frustrating.”

“For you or for your mama?”

She chuckled. “For both of us, but for her more than me. I cannot help it, but when something comes into my head, I fear I have to just say it. Whatever the consequences.”

“Your honesty is refreshing.”

She chuckled again. “I will tell you something, then. I had made a vow to say nothing, this afternoon, save yes or no. For fear of saying something your mother might disapprove of. Especially after what I said earlier.”

His smile lit up his face, taking away the harsh lines that made him appear so devilish and making him suddenly appear much younger. “But you were speaking the truth, and you do indeed look quite beautiful.”

“It is my lovely new dress that’s done it.”

He shook his head. “It’s not just your dress, Elenora. You are a very beautiful girl.”

She frowned. “My sisters are quite envious, although I don’t know why. Being beautiful is another thing that’s not so good.”

“Why not?”

“Because it makes people look at you.”

“And you don’t like that?”

She nodded. “I can’t bear it. Which is why a ball, or anywhere with a crowd, is such an ordeal for me. Not just because I’m a country nobody in Town for the first time, but because of the way I look and the fact that even when they’re not, I’m convinced everyone is looking at me and seeing how odd I am.”

“I don’t think you’re odd.”

She shook her head. “Yes, you do. You called me an original. That means odd. I know I’m odd. I’m not like my sisters. I don’t look like them, and I don’t behave like them. We don’t want the same things, they lack my… obsessions.”