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Chapter 5
Regina massaged hertemples as she waited at Jane’s door for someone to answer. It had taken most of the day, but her morning headache was finally disappearing. If only her memory could vanish along with it. At least the worry about having her parents find out what happened last night was gone. Once her parents were up and moving around the house, they acted as if nothing had happened. If only that were true.
Now, she must concentrate on her best friend. As Regina was dressing for her outing with Jane, she realized there were other ways to get Jane to change her mind. Regina would have to work on those ways instead of making Mr. Nichols look like he was only after Jane’s money. That was Regina’s goal today. That, and not thinking about the man who knew how to kiss to make her breathless, and who could take her on a dreamy cloud, removing all her worries?
Inwardly, she grumbled. Why was she still thinking ofhimthat way? She must stop this insanity.
Finally, the door opened, and the Meyer’s butler stood in front of her. For years, Regina had been a regular guest in their home. The older man with receding white hair gave her a smile.
“Welcome, Miss Regina.”
“I thank you, Gilbert. You are always so sweet to me, even if I may not deserve it.”
“Not deserve it?” His eyes widened in shock. “My dear, Miss Regina, you are almost like a sister to Lady Jane. I assure you, you certainly deserve our kindness.”
She fought the tears stinging her eyes from Gilbert’s comment. What kind ofsisterwas she to go behind Jane’s back and kiss the man she was going to marry?
She stepped into the house and moved toward the parlor. By now, she knew where to go to wait for Jane. Even if the woman had plans with Regina, the earl’s daughter was always late.
“Are you feeling well today, Miss Regina?” Gilbert asked.
Leave it to the Meyer’s butler to notice when she wasn’t herself. Although her body felt fine now, it would take a while before her guilty heart would return to normal. “I shall be fine.” She smiled. “Is Lady Jane ready for our outing?”
“She is running her usual time, Miss Regina.”
Regina nearly snorted a laugh. It was just as she figured. “You mean she is running late.”
He chuckled. “As you say, Miss Regina. I shall let her know you’re here.”
“Thank you again, Gilbert.”
He nodded and proceeded up the grand staircase as she went into the parlor and sat on one of the sofas. Immediately, she rubbed her forehead again. The first thing she needed to do this afternoon was find another man that she and Jane could fawn over. For years, Regina and Jane went out of their way to look for men to dream about. As they grew older, they learned how to flirt. Regina just hoped there would be a handsome man between here and the dress shop who they would giggle over.
“Regina, my dear,” Harold’s voice boomed through the spacious room when he entered, making her jump. “How are you feeling this afternoon?”
Quickly, she jumped to her feet and smiled at the earl. “Much better, I thank you.”
He walked to her and gave her a fatherly hug. “Jane said you had a bit too much to drink last night.”
She laughed, but she knew that wasn’t the truth. If Jane knew Regina at all, she would know that two glasses of spirits were her limit per party and that she could only tolerate one glass of punch. “Well, I’m over that now.” She stepped out of his embrace. “Strangely enough, I was feeling ill even before I had my first glass of wine.”
“Different kinds of drinks can affect one in different ways.”
She nodded. “Very true.”
Harold moved to the black leather chair and sat. “What do you and my daughter have planned for this evening?”
