Page 21 of An Engagement with the Enemy

“Relationship? Do you mean the nature of your hostilities?” Catherine gave him a significant look. “Nevertheless, a woman’s feelings must always be honored. So perhaps a cease-fire is in order this evening.”

James inclined his head. “As you are my top advisor in matters of war, I shall heed your counsel.”

That elicited a snort from her, which she quickly covered by clearing her throat. “A wise decision indeed.” She snapped her fan open again. “Now, if you will excuse me, I had better make certain our mother and the marchioness are getting along.”

Though spoken in a lighter tone, her words remained with James. He had plans for that evening, and none of them involved battling Jessica. Not tonight. Perhaps not for some time in the future.

One didn’t start skirmishes with potential allies.

He studied their guests again, mentally sorting through what he knew of them.

The Marquess Londonderry was a man of distinguished bearing in his late thirties. His wife, Lady Londonderry, was a woman of elegance, her dark hair adorned with sparkling gems. Her emerald-green jewels worn to match her gown hinted at her wealth and status.

The Declan siblings, Lady Isabelle and Lord Frederick, were not as genial as their elder brother and his wife. Lady Isabelle wore a more modest gown of blue, her curly black hair complimenting her soft features. Her expression was inscrutable. James couldn’t decide if she was bored or annoyed. Lord Frederick, on the other hand, was a robust figure, his hair the same shade as his siblings’s, but his eyes held a glint of amusement to them.

The room buzzed with the hum of polite conversation when the door opened, causing James to glance over. In walked Jessica on the arm of her father, and James immediately glanced to Lord Frederick. The man had caught her entrance, too. And he appeared interested.

Mr. Westcote had already met the noble family. He’d been present for their arrival. But his daughter still needed introductions. And James would be the one to make them.

He left his place along the wall with speed, and as he came to stand before Jessica, he tried to see her as a stranger would. As Lord Frederick would.

The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated her coppery-brown hair, and the soft pink gown she wore accentuated her willowy figure and matched the blush in her cheeks. Her gray eyes were dark in the evening light, like the shade of the sky when it faded from purple twilight to black.

A hint of surprise made him tilt his head to the side; it wasn’t often he saw Jessica so formal, so ladylike. He’d found her pretty enough in the past, when he tried to be objective. Tonight, however, he could easily call her appearance attractive. Charming, even.

Clearing his throat, he bowed to Mr. and Miss Westcote. The room quieted as he extended his hand toward her, a small grin playing on his lips. “Miss Westcote, good evening,” he said with a bow, his voice loud enough for the room to hear. “Mr. Westcote. May I have the honor of introducing your daughter to our esteemed guests?”

Her father stared at James as though he’d never seen the younger man before. “I suppose. If Jessica does not mind?”

Jessica reacted without hesitation, stepping away from her father’s escort as though it was quite normal to do so. “Not at all, Papa. If Mr. Aldwick wishes to take his duties as host seriously, we must allow him that privilege, mustn’t we?”

The moment she was on his arm, James lowered his voice. “You look radiant this evening.”

Jessica raised her eyebrows at him. “Mr. Aldwick, you flatter me. Though I’m sure you pay the compliment with some ulterior motive.”

James feigned offense. “You wound me, Miss Westcote. I speak only the truth. You are quite lovely. One would almost think you wish to attract a certain lordling.”

A smirk played on Jessica’s lips. “I dress for my own enjoyment, Mr. Aldwick. And no one else’s.”

He didn’t doubt it. And he admired her the more for it as he led her to the guests of honor, who rose from their seats at their approach.

“Lord Londonderry, Lady Londonderry,” James said, stepping away enough to allow Jessica room to curtsy. “May I present Miss Jessica Westcote. Lady Isabelle Declan, and Lord Frederick Declan. Miss Westcote.”

Lord Londonderry rose from his seat, bowing slightly toward Jessica. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Westcote,” he said, his voice deep and smooth.

Lady Londonderry, on the other hand, examined Jessica with a curious gaze before offering a small smile. “Delighted to meet you, my dear.”

As Jessica curtsied, James glanced toward his family. He caught them exchanging surprised glances from where they stood near the hearth. No one had the slightest idea what he was up to, he thought, a bit smug.

This was a game his parents and Jessica’s father had started. A game he would win, because for once he and Jessica were on the same side.

* * *

Jessica stepped into the vast dining room on Lord Frederick’s arm, trying to hide her nervousness. The mahogany table stretched the length of the polished marble floors, lights from the chandelier casting glittering reflections. Every place setting was laid with the finest flatware and silverware.

Jessica glanced at James as he settled in the seat across from her, giving him the subtle hint of a smile. Though her stomach flipped at this new game they were playing, she wouldn’t back down now. James gave an imperceptible nod in return, his eyes dark in the candlelight.

Lord Frederick’s expression remained neutral as he settled into the seat to Jessica’s left, politely offering to fill her plate.