“When it involves you or our family honor, I care,” Justin replied. “I would give no credence to what the lateston ditwas if I hadn't witnessed the evidence with my own eyes.”
“What is it that bothers you so about Jillian? Surely not that you think she is my mistress. I’ve had mistresses in the past.Youhave had your share of women as well.”
“Ihave always been discreet in my affairs,” Justin pointed out. “And I don’t involve myself with someone who is so bent on causing scandal.”
“So, it isn't me having a mistress you object to, but Jillian herself.”
“Yes, exactly.”
“She’s not my mistress,” he said calmly. “We are friends and we enjoy each other’s company.”
Justin looked at him incredulously. “Friends? Case, women aren’t friends with eligible men. It isn’t done. The very suggestion is ludicrous.”
“Nevertheless, we are friends. I value her friendship very much, and I won’t have you disparaging her name. She is a virtuous young woman.”
Justin snorted. “She doesn’t need my help. She does enough to disparage her name on her own.”
“Sit down, Justin. You and I obviously need to talk over a few things.”
Justin hesitated a moment then sat down on the sofa.
“I can understand that she doesn’t fit your idea of propriety, but really, you know nothing about her. I don’t expect you to like her, but I would request that you refrain from being impolite in public.”
Justin rose in agitation and began pacing the floor in front of Case. “You want me to be nice to her? Have you lost your mind?”
“I never said you had to make special effort to be nice to her, but I would ask that you not insult her.”
He grunted in response. “Damnit, Case, she has you by the ballocks.”
Case looked pointedly at him.
“Bloody hell,” he swore. “Very well, I promise not to insult her.”
Case smiled. “You know, you might very well like her if you gave her a chance.”
Justin gave him a sour look. “I prefer my women more biddable.”
“Yes, no doubt you will marry the perfect, proper English miss and breed perfectly proper children.”
“Why are you laughing at me?” Justin demanded, glaring at Case’s amused expression.
“One day, Justin, you are going to meet a woman you can’t control, and she is going to knock you off your feet. Who knows, perhaps you have already met her.”
###
Jillian carefully unwrapped the dress that had been delivered that morning. After her afternoon at the dressmaker’s, she had returned, satisfied with the fabrics she had chosen for her new wardrobe. Discarding any colors usually worn by widows in half mourning, she had opted for bold, rich colors. Pastels were all the rage this year, but she couldn’t envision herself in pinks and yellows.
She hurriedly pulled on the dress, and Elsie fastened the back, securing the sash tightly about her waist. She gasped in pleasure as she caught her reflection in the mirror.
The dress was designed according to current fashion, with a high waist. The bodice was royal blue velvet. Just below her breasts, light blue silk flowed from the bodice, falling voluminously to her feet. A wide satin sash fit securely around her, just under her breasts, marking a distinct separation between the bodice and the skirts. The tightness of the sash accentuated the fullness of her breasts, just visible over the square neckline. The sleeves billowed from her shoulders in the same silk her skirts were made from. Only her fingertips were visible beneath the flowing material. There was even a matching fan with a ribbon that went around her wrist.
With Elsie’s help, Jillian fashioned her hair atop her head, leaving one thick strand to hang over her shoulder, falling to her waist. The effect was stunning. All modesty aside, Jillian knew she looked her best tonight.
And she wanted to look her best for Lady Bea’s ball. The dowager had been kind to her, and Jillian was determined not to disappoint or embarrass her tonight. She offered silent thanks to Fiona, her dressmaker, for not being too daring in the design of the dress.
###
When Jillian arrived at the countess’ home, the festivities were in full swing. Every room in the house was alight with hundreds of candles. The windows glowed brightly, beckoning people inside to the warmth waiting for them. There were footmen at the door to collect wraps and cloaks from the guests and maids to repair any damage to a lady’s coiffure. People milled about on their way to the ballroom where the orchestra could be heard playing a gay selection. The party would no doubt go on this night until the first streaks of dawn marked the sky.
