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“He knows better than that.”
“I’ll get the brandy.”
Before he could reply, she walked to her mother and explained what she was doing.
Her mother’s brows furrowed with concern. “Be careful, Jennette. I know I have nothing to fear with Nicholas but not everyone would understand your friendship.”
“I understand.”
“Go along, then.”
Jennette strolled down the hallway until she found the earl’s study. She peeked inside the room. Seeing no one, she pilfered the brandy and the snifters before continuing on to the terrace.
The cool day had turned into a cold night. She wrapped her shawl around her knowing it wouldn’t keep the blustery wind from her.
“Would you like my coat?”
Jennette nodded. “Do you mind?”
Nicholas shook his head. “Not at all. Banning would have my head if I let you freeze out here.”
“Please sit with me.” Jennette patted the seat on the bench next to her.
“It’s one thing if someone catches us out here and I’m over here. It’s another if we’re caught sitting together.”
“Hang them all. I want to sit next to my friend and if people cannot understand that they can go to the devil,” she replied.
He laughed softly. “I’ve always admired your spirit, Jennette.”
If only she felt as if she had some spirit left in her. “Nick, I’m so glad you’re here.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, taking the seat to her right.
“I’m so confused.”
“And you haven’t spoken to your friends about the matter?” he asked with a frown. “That’s not like you.”
Jennette shook her head. “I couldn’t.”
“Does this concern a man?”
“Yes.”
“Who?” he asked softly as if to encourage her.
She leaned her head back and sighed. “Blackburn.”
“I had a feeling.”
She whippe
d her head toward him. “Why in the world would you assume him?”
His smile deepened before he took a long drink of brandy. After putting his glass down, he answered her. “I couldn’t help but notice where your gaze was focused tonight.”
“I—I—”
“Stop sputtering, Jennette. Banning came to me and asked me about Blackburn. Your brother told me what you were up to.”
