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Six
Jonah tapped his fingers on the railing of Hampstead’s theater box. He didn’t know why he’d agreed to attend the latest play with Lord and Lady Hampstead—and Lady Calliope. He should have said no. Why couldn’t he utter that little word when it concerned the earl’s sister?
There was something about her that drew Jonah to her. He shouldn’t encourage her or make her believe he was a man she could rely on. Hell, he’d already proved that fact during her debut ball. He had failed to present himself for the dance he’d promised her. She should give him the cut direct and yet, she hadn’t, and probably wouldn’t.
He was not a good man and nothing would change that. Jonah was fundamentally broken, and as much as he would like to have a chance with Lady Calliope that was an impossibility. Perhaps he would be able to walk away from her and not look back. Jonah hoped he could. She deserved far better than him and his dark past.
“My lord,” Lady Calliope said from behind him. “I didn’t think you would attend.”
Neither had he… Jonah hadn’t actually promised he would join them for the play. His answer had been noncommittal, but after deliberating about joining them all day he’d decided he couldn’t let her down again. She had appeared so hopeful earlier that day. Disappointing her…made something ache inside of him. The realization that he would rather slice out his own heart rather than hurt her…it hadn’t been pretty. “If you wish I can depart and leave you without the injury my company may bring.”
She lifted a brow. “Are you in a foul mood?”
Jonah tilted his head and opted for honesty. Most days his façade helped him manage polite society. Lady Calliope deserved to see a little of who he actually was, and not the false charm he displayed for everyone. “Always,” he admitted. He didn’t want to frighten her though. “But I promise to keep it to myself if I should remain in the box for tonight’s entertainment.” He lifted a brow. “So tell me, Lady Calliope, what should I do?”
Her lips twitched as if she were fighting a smile. She lifted her chin and met his gaze…almost defiantly. Was she challenging him? He couldn’t discern her motives or what she might want. Jonah wasn’t sure if he wanted to. He might not like the truth.
“You’re here,” she said simply. “Why leave now. Please sit.” She gestured toward one of the chairs. “I’ll join you and we can discuss the play during intermission.”
“How generous of you.” He bowed. “Ladies first.” Jonah set his hands on the back of her chair until she was seated, then sat next to her. “Where is Lord and Lady Hampstead?”
He hadn’t realized until that moment that the earl and countess hadn’t walked into the box with Lady Calliope. That fact made the two of them horrible chaperones. If they didn’t join them soon the ton would be all aflutter with gossip about Jonah and Lady Calliope.
“My brother escorted his wife to the ladies’ retiring room. She was feeling a bit unwell.” Lady Calliope smiled. “Hopefully she feels better soon and is able to attend the play. I would hate to leave before it has begun.”
That was interesting… “If she’s feeling poorly Hampstead should take her home. A play isn’t as important as her health.” It surprised Jonah that the earl hadn’t already taken her away from the playhouse.
“Iris insisted that she wants to be here and will be fine after a few moments in the ladies’ retiring room.” Lady Calliope shrugged. “Personally I believe it was an excuse.”
“Pray tell what for?” he asked in a startled tone. What reason would Lady Hampstead have for the false sickness?”
“Either she believes the two of us…” Lady Calliope gestured between herself and Jonah. “…should have a few moments alone or she hoped to steal some time with my brother without the prying eyes of the ton.”
“I’d go with the latter,” Jonah supplied. “They are apparently madly in love with each other.” And he sure as hell hoped that Lady Hampstead wasn’t playing at matchmaker with Jonah and Lady Calliope. He might have some unwanted feelings where she was concerned, but that didn’t mean he would ever make her an offer or a good husband.
“Perhaps,” Lady Calliope said. “I don’t presume to know with any certainty.”
“There is one way to determine the truth,” Jonah said in a wicked tone.
“How is that?” Lady Calliope asked.
Jonah wiggled his eyebrows and leaned toward her. He said in a hushed tone, “I can escort you to the ladies’ retiring room. Surely Lady Hampstead would appreciate your concern for her welfare.”
Her lips tilted upward. “And if she’s not there?”
He shrugged. “Then we have an answer of sorts.”
Lady Calliope shook her head. “I don’t wish to know. It’s their secret and I don’t need to be privy to them. Let them have their time together—whatever it might entail.”
Jonah nodded in agreement. “Understood and a wise decision.” He might not think love had a place in his life but he respected that his friends had it in theirs. If he allowed himself to have what they’d all found—he certainly wouldn’t want to share it with anyone other than the woman he would have given his heart to.
“I do pride myself on rational decisions,” she said in a calm tone. “It doesn’t benefit anyone for me to spy on my brother and his wife.” She met his gaze. “Besides my brother trusts you. Otherwise he would never have left me alone with you as an impromptu chaperone.”
Hampstead was a fool… If he knew how Jonah felt about his sister he’d never leave him alone with her. There was one truth he couldn’t deny though. “I would never harm you in any way.”
“I know,” she said in a quiet tone. “It’s why I like you.”
Pain shot in his heart at those words. He should ensure she didn’t have any congenial feelings toward him. She should stay far away from him; however, nothing could or would make him do what was necessary to push her away. He needed these small moments with her. It helped ease the darkness in his soul.
