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Marissa glared at the woman's hand wrapped so possessively around Jude's bicep. "What do you know about Mrs. Wellingsly?"
Beth looked surprised. "Her? Not much, I suppose. I know she's been widowed for a few years. And I believe she's very keen for whist." And big men who looked like ruffians, it seemed.
Marissa watched carefully, wondering why the gorgeous widow seemed so interested in Jude. Could they possibly be lovers? They hardly looked compatible. Mrs. Wellingsly, all pale beauty and delicate grace, looked like spun sugar next to him.
But she was obviously flirting, and Jude hadn't looked up once to see if Marissa was nearby.
"Hmph," she muttered, and Belli sent her a puzzled look. "Come, let's find some wine. I'm sure my mother will start the dancing soon."
She managed to get through two glasses of wine and three dances without seeing Jude again, and while she told herself she was purposefully avoiding him, her irritation fell suspiciously like hurt.
Ridiculous. He meant nothing to her.
But when she spotted Mrs. Wellingsly in a half-shouted conversation with Aunt Ophelia, Marissa fell as if a tight hand had just been released from around her chest. Wherever Jude was, he hadn't snuck off with that woman.
She spun around to see if she could find another dance partner, but found herself nearly colliding with Edward instead.
"Might I speak with you in my study?"
Frowning at his dark tone, Marissa followed her brother from the room. "What is wrong?" she whispered. "I haven 't received another letter, if that's what you think."
"No," he muttered, "but I have."
"What letter?" she asked as he closed the door of his study behind her. Jude was there, and Aidan as well.
Not good.
"Cousin May wrote to warn she'd heard a rumor about you and Peter White having a private argument. It's dangerous to let it go on longer."
"But—"
"I will announce the engagement."
"But you promised me time!"
Edward folded his arms. "Engagements can be broken. But if this story spreads, there will be nothing I can do for you, Marissa. A betrothal to Jude
Bertrand will cause a stir and either smother the story or give it a less sinister turn. If you and Mr. White argued, it must only be over your growing affection for Jude."
Her brain tried to muster an objection, but in truth, it made perfect sense. Marissa looked toward Jude and met his serious eyes. He stepped forward, but she shook her head. She did not need his reassurance or influence. She would make this decision as an adult. "When shall we announce it then?"
"As soon as possible," Edward answered. "Tonight. I'll interrupt that harpist mother hired. That should he dramatic."
"Yes. All right."
Jude cleared his throat. "If I might have a moment alone with Marissa?"
Her brothers both left, though Aidan stopped before her to place a hand on her arm. His eyes were dark, but she nodded his worry away. When he left, the door closed with a careful thump.
"This won't change anything for you." Jude said. "I'll still honor your plan."
"Thank you."
"But know that I honor mine as well. Scandal or not, I mean to marry you if you'll have me. And only if you'll have me."
"All this based on admiration for my overwrought nature?"
"Something like that."
