“I need to regain my place in Society.”
“Ahh, yes, I should have guessed. I know you, Nick. You never gave a damn about Society, not then, and I suspect you don’t now. Why?”
“I have a ward. I must find her a husband.”
The duchess smiled, intrigued. “Who is she?”
“The Duke of Weston’s granddaughter.”
“I had heard there was some other offspring— from the wrong side of the blanket. So it’s true!”
“It’s true. Will you help me?”
She smiled again and touched his face. “One favor begets another.” Her hand lingered. “I will help you, Nick.”
“Thank you.”
Her hand had moved to his strong neck. “You are still beautiful,” she murmured. Then her tone became crisp. “Come this afternoon. At four.”
The earl stared. “So there is a price?”
“I am a selfish woman.”
“So I see.” He walked to the door and turned. “But I am no prostitute.” “Nick—”
Shoulders rigid, he left.
Jane was excited. Her excitement was barely contained. On the plush seat in the earl’s carriage, sitting beside him, she was wiggling enthusiastically. Hands clasped, she turned to him, her face wreathed with happiness. “I can’t tell you what this means to me!”
The earl stared at her. They were on their way to the Lyceum to see Henry Irving perform. He was feeling very uncomfortable. His decision to go to the theater was calculated—he wanted Jane to be seen by the right people. He had not even considered how she would react to the prospect, while she apparently thought he was trying to please her. He wondered if he might be blushing slightly, but fortunately, it was dark in the carriage.
Jane was babbling on and on about Mr. Irving, who was a well-known actor. The earl barely heard. She was stunning tonight in her new finery, a modest rose evening gown with flounces and polonaise. She wore her hair curled and hanging loose down her back. She was a vision, an earthly angel, beyond description.
He thought of the Duchess of Lancaster and felt sickened. So much for friendship. He should have known better. No one did anything for nothing. Jane touched his arm. The earl tensed.
“We’re here,” she told him excitedly.
He smiled slightly, unable to restrain himself.
Her smile answered his, and hers was uncontained.
The lobby was filled with the crowd. People were milling, quickly exchanging a few words, and hurrying to find their seats. Most socializing took place during the intermission. The earl took Jane’s arm firmly. He spotted Lindley with a young woman and another couple just as they were entering the auditorium. He tensed.
“Look,” Jane said, pressing close. “Lindley’s here.”
He was aware of her body warm and soft against his. Second, he was aware of her close scrutiny. Mostly, he was aware of his body’s flaming, uninhibited response. He cursed himself.You are in a public place, for Gods sake!
He maneuvered Jane apart from him. “Let’s take our seats.”
As they took their seats in a private box, there was a tangible hush in those around them. Then he was cognizant of the whispers. “Ignore them,” he told Jane.
Jane looked around with a fierce glare. “I cannot!”
“Sit.” He gently pushed her down. “We are here to enjoy ourselves,” he lied. But he did not seat himself immediately. He stood in the box, raking the entire theater with his gaze, daring them all. Satisfied he had shown his courage and disdain, he sat. Jane was regarding him intensely.
His gaze skittered away from hers.
She placed her small, delicate, gloved hand upon his. “You are more man than all of them put together.”
