Caleb scowled at his friend. “There is not enough booze in all of England to fix my mood.”
“I imagine not. All the same, have a drink.”
Caleb downed the contents of his glass, wishing the liquor’s burn could scrub away the last eight hours. Alas, nothing could undo the mess he’d made. He sat the glass down a bit too forcefully and resumed dressing. “I must secure a special license at once. Shillington wants us wed before the entire party learns of his sister’s disgrace.”
“I will go with you.”
“And what of your own wife?” Caleb slanted his glance at his friend. Surely, Lady Luvington would not wish to be left alone at the party.”
“Do not concern yourself with my wife. Soon enough, you will have your own to tend to.” Luvington chuckled. “I would not miss a moment of this. Regardless, Lady Luvington has her own plans for the day.”
Caleb pulled the bell to call his manservant, then went to his washbasin. “Very well, meet me in the stable in twenty minutes.”
With a nod of assent, Luvington quit the room, leaving Caleb to stew in the juices of anger and regret.Bloody fool!He peered at his reflection in the looking glass, knowing despite his accusations to the contrary, he bore the sole blame for what had happened. Regardless of his feelings and desires, he would have to do his best to be a good husband. What a shame he had not the vaguest idea how to go about it.
“Please leave me to myself for a little while.” Jane stared at Henry, her gaze imploring. She could not discuss what happened anymore, or the results of the situation. When Henry made no move to honor her wish, she added, “I have agreed to wed Lord Keery. What more do you want?”
“The bastard’s head on a platter.” Henry seethed. “He deserves to be punished for ruining you, not rewarded.”
Jane flinched at the fury in her brother’s tone before squaring her shoulders and pinning him with her gaze. “I am as much to blame as he is.” Truly, most of the fault for their situation rested upon her shoulders. She’d been the one to allow him into her bed. The one to act like a wicked wanton. Lord Keery remaining in her room for Henry to discover was all her fault. She could have—shouldhave—kicked him out the moment he stumbled into her chamber, rather than welcoming him into her bed.
He’d not even been there for her—probably did not even know who she was. What was the lady’s name he’d mumbled before passing out?Sonya.Jane thought on it a moment, her pulse quickening. Lady Sonya, the late Earl of Gravestone’s widow. A true diamond of the first water with her flaxen hair, bright blue eyes, and lithe figure. Jane swallowed hard. How could she—with her dark hair, drab green eyes, and short, rounded stature—ever hope to compete with such a rival? Her lips quivered as she fought the urge to cry. What a fine mess she’d gotten herself into.
“You are a lady, Jane. The blame is all his.” Henry took her into his arms. “I am sorry this happened to you.”
Jane settled her head against his comforting chest. “Please, Henry, allow me some privacy.”
He released her and took a step back, studying her. “I would rather you not be alone at present. If you will allow Claudia to remain, I will go.”
Jane glanced to where her sister-in-law stood near the window. The warmth and understanding in her gaze gave a measure of comfort. The lady, having known more than her share of scandal, no doubt understood what Jane was feeling. Moreover, Henry would not leave her chamber unless she consented. “Very well,” Jane agreed, giving Henry a slight nod, “Claudia may remain.”
Her brother looked at his wife. “Take care of her. I will see to the countess. It would be best if this situation stayed quiet until after the wedding.”
Claudia nodded. “Do not fret, love. Jane is in safe hands.”
He dropped a kiss on Claudia’s forehead before exiting the room.
Once the door closed behind him, Jane released a huff of breath and sank onto her mattress. She wanted to scream, to cry, to throw something out of frustration, disappointment, and anger. Likewise, she wanted to laugh, to smile, to celebrate having achieved something she never thought she would—gaining a husband. Though she would not have chosen Lord Keery, even a rakehell would suit better than spinsterhood. At the very least, she would have a family of her own.
Claudia settled herself on the bed beside Jane and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Do you wish to talk?”
Jane turned her head on the feather pillow. “I know not what to say. My mind is muddled, being pulled to and fro with warring ideas.”
“Perhaps speaking them aloud will help you sort your thoughts.” Claudia gently squeezed Jane’s shoulder.
“I fear you will think me rather silly.”
“I would never think that my dear.” Claudia gave a warm smile.
With a resigned sigh, Jane sat up. What could it hurt? “I once wanted nothing more than to marry and have a family all my own. When I first made my debut, I did so with the highest hopes. After so many failed seasons, however, I had resigned myself to spinsterhood.”
“And now?” Claudia encouraged her.
Jane rose from the bed and began pacing the floor. “Now I do not know how to feel.” She reached the wall, pivoted, and started back toward the bed. “Part of me is upset, angry even, over being forced to wed. Still, another part of me is excited. It makes no sense at all.”
Claudia came to her and took her hands, stilling her. “There is nothing silly about what you are feeling. Your future changed a great deal overnight and I daresay, will change even more with the coming hours. Thus, it only makes sense you would have mixed emotions.”
Jane felt a sharp prick of guilt as she studied Claudia for a moment, taking in her warm, caring expression. She could not help but wonder if her sister-in-law would think the same if she was privy to Jane’s deception.
