Her face became animated. “I found the loveliest book calledThe Fall of the Roman Empire.It was from the library of a royal family in the Russian court.” Her eyes gleamed excitedly.
“Would this be the same book you dropped on my foot?” Justin asked dryly.
“That would be the one,” she returned sweetly.
“What on earth are you two talking about?” Case demanded.
“Oh nothing,” Jillian said airily. “He ran over me in front of the bookstore, and I dropped my book on his toe. Fortunately, my book is no worse for the wear.”
“At least my bumping into you was an accident,” he said darkly. “If you had been watching where you were going, it wouldn’t have happened.”
She set down her fork and looked at him in astonishment. “You couldn’t see a woman carrying a stack of books? At least I have an excuse.Myview was impeded. Yours, on the other hand, yourgrace, was completely unobstructed.”
The two glared at one another over their plates.
“Why do I get the impression I am invisible?” Case muttered. “When you two are quite finished, perhaps we could go for a stroll around the square.”
“I must be getting back home,” Justin said rising, dropping his napkin on the table. “I have an afternoon appointment.”
Jillian’s gleeful smile was instantaneous.
“You needn’t look so relieved.” He glowered at her.
“On the contrary, I am quite disappointed,” she said, not quite carrying off a somber expression.
“Is there no end to your sarcasm?”
“Is there no end to your pomposity?”
“Ahem.” Case cleared his throat.
Justin glowered at Jillian, turned on his heel, and walked away from the table.
“You want to tell me what the deuce all that was about?” Case demanded when Justin had gone.
She shrugged. “I guess he doesn’t like me very much, but you already knew that,” she pointed out. “Don’t look so grim. I provoked him quite shamelessly.”
He chuckled. “That you did.”
###
Justin sat in Case’s study idly tapping his fingers against the glass of brandy he’d helped himself to. He checked his fob for the third time in as many minutes and shifted impatiently. Surely Case wasn’t spending all afternoon withher.
He clenched his jaw in annoyance. He wasn’t entirely sure why Lady Penroth inspired such irritation. He’d fully expected her to be contrite and repentant over her scandalous behavior, but she’d openly challenged and defied him. And he’d enjoyed it. And that was what rankled him the most.
He set his drink aside as he heard footsteps approaching. Case soon entered, surprise at seeing Justin evident in his features. “I thought you had an afternoon appointment.”
“I do—with you,” he said after a pause. “Case, we need to talk. This matter withJillianhas gotten out of hand.”
Case raised an eyebrow.
“Case, it isn’t like you to be flaunting your mistress among places visited by theton. This sort of thing just isn’t done. You’ve made no secret of your obvioustendrefor her, but damn it, keep it discreet!”
Case burst out laughing. “Justin, she isn't my mistress, never has been.”
“That’s certainly not what society thinks,” Justin said pointedly.
“When have you ever given a fig about what thetonthinks?”
