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“I am quite serious, Somerton.”
“I believe you.” He covered his mouth and coughed. “Do you honestly think Selby will allow it?”
“I’m beyond caring. He won’t want his sister’s reputation ruined.”
Somerton nodded, still looking as if he were trying to contain laughter. “Very well, what will you have me do?”
“Tonight, I will take her to the greenhouse. You bring the dowager Lady Selby or Lady Aston and find us kissing.”
“What time?”
“Eleven. By then dinner will be finished and the gaming in full swing. No one will notice us slip away.”
“All right. I will bring one of the ladies in just after eleven.” Somerton rose and smirked. “Don’t be late.”
“Of course not.”
Somerton departed from the conservatory, leaving behind a silence that overwhelmed the room. Matthew glanced around the room then sat in the chair by the fireplace. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Now that he had Somerton’s assistance, the hardest part of his plan would take the forefront.
Somehow, he had to get Jennette to agree to meet him in the greenhouse tonight. She might be embarrassed by what they had done and thus not comfortable talking to him yet. Perhaps he should write her a note—tell her he wished to apologize for his actions last night.
Although, the only thing he needed to apologize for was taking her so roughly. Had he known of her innocence, it wouldn’t have stopped him, but he could have made the experience so much easier on her.
He opened his eyes and rose from the chintz chair. He had to do this. She was his only hope at saving his life.
Chapter 15
“What are you doing lying about in bed as if you are an invalid?”
Jennette sighed, looking over at Avis, who stood in the doorway with her hands over her chest in a most intimidating manner. “I have a headache.”
“No, you do not,” Avis replied, then shut the door and walked toward the bed. “The only thing wrong with you is embarrassment.”
Jennette covered her face with her hands. Elizabeth must have told Avis about what happened. How was she to face everyone after what she’d done last night?
“Well,” Avis continued. “I will not allow it. That woman was a shrew.”
Woman? What woman?
“Furthermore, she had no right to include you when she was reprimanding Blackburn. I have to admit, I was shocked that you stood there and let her malign your name.”
Jennette felt the bed sink where Avis sat down. Perhaps her friend didn’t know everything that had happened. ?
?I was so stunned by her venom, I didn’t know what to say,” she replied from behind her hands.
Slowly, Jennette let her hands drop from her face. “What am I to do, Avis?”
“To do? You will get out of this bed and dress. Then we shall saunter down the stairs for dinner as if nothing out of the ordinary occurred last night.”
“I can’t face them,” she whispered. Or him, she added to herself.
“Of course you can. Besides, I heard a few moments ago that they were leaving before their precious daughter became infected by the vice of this party.”
Jennette laughed. “Now I know you are jesting with me.”
“Actually, I am not. Mrs. Marston is dreadfully concerned about the influences here.” Avis rolled her eyes.
Jennette shook her head. “The same influences Mary will have to face every time she attends a party of the ton.”
