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“It was quite obvious what they were doing, Huntley. And I believe this conversation is completely inappropriate,” she said, slapping her fan on her palm.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’d be more than a willing teacher.”
Dear Lord, of all the men in the ton to make such a proposal, Huntley was the last man she’d choose. “Huntley, your proposition is most unwelcome.”
“That didn’t stop your sister-in-law,” he said with a leer.
Some people just wouldn’t let Avis’s debacle rest. “Well, I am not Avis.”
“True, but you must be curious about what happens between a man and a woman.”
“Actually, I am not. I am a spinster and prefer to stay that way.” How blunt did she have to be?
Huntley looked away but not before she noticed the frustration lining his face. His sudden, fervent attention seemed odd to her. He’d never appeared interested in her in any manner. She wondered if his newfound interest meant he was having financial difficulties. Her fortune never seemed to bring out the best in men.
“Very well, then, Lady Jennette. But remember, if your curiosity ever gets the better of you, know that I’m here for you.”
“I shall indeed.” She glanced around, thankful that no one save Matthew took any notice of Huntley’s conversation. Luckily, Matthew sat too far away to hear any of their talk.
“Huntley?” Banning took the seat Huntley had just vacated.
She fired him a furious glance. “Never.”
“Good thing. So I heard that Somerton and Blackburn saved you from another escapade today.” Banning leaned back in his chair until it almost tilted.
“It was nothing,” she said, her gaze returning to Matthew’s place across the room.
“I heard that also.” Banning paused for a moment. “And yet, I can’t help thinking there is far more to this adventure than anyone is saying.”
“And as usual, you are attempting to make this little incident into something it’s not.”
Banning clenched his jaw. “When either of those scoundrels is involved, something bad is bound to happen. And when both are involved there is trouble.”
Jennette laughed softly. “I thought you and Somerton had become friends.”
“Trust me, Somerton has no friends. And Blackburn deserves none, especially you.”
“I am not his friend.” Just his lover…and never anything more.
“But it doesn’t explain why you are continually gazing at him,” Banning said.
“I am not,” she complained, and instantly turned her head toward her brother.
“You just were until I brought it to your attention.” He brought his chair upright. “Jen—”
“Please don’t try to tell me what a horrible man he is, Banning.”
“I wasn’t about to. I wanted you to know that the only reason he would want you is for your money.”
“I know,” she muttered softly. Even if he wasn’t a gambler, without her fortune he would never pursue her.
She closed her eyes against the shot of pain that pierced her heart.
Chapter 19
After another excruciating dinner, Jennette walked to the salon for cards with the other women. The men were enjoying their brandies and speaking of politics while the women congregated for gossip.
“Lady Jennette, I have a note for you.”
