“Pity,” he muttered.
Case sighed long-sufferingly. “Justin, what was it you wanted to see me about?”
Justin looked at Case in consternation. He had momentarily forgotten his purpose when he saw Jillian sitting there so casually. “I wanted to ask you to obtain information on when theWindsongwill arrive from India. I expect her within the month, barring any delays.”
“I will ask,” Case promised. “Won’t you have a drink with us?” he invited, rising from the table. “Let’s adjourn to the drawing room.”
Justin started to decline, but a quick look at Jillian’s hopeful expression quelled his refusal. “I’d be delighted.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake,” she said in exasperation. “Do quit looking at me so triumphantly.”
They entered the drawing room together and Stevens entered right behind, bearing a tray of drinks.
“Your favorite wine, my lady,” he said, handing her a glass.
“Thank you, Stevens,” she said, smiling fondly at him.
He turned then, and offered Justin a brandy.
Justin glowered at the esteem in which Case’s servants held Jillian. She was obviously a regular visitor to Case’s home. How they could not be appalled at her showing up at an unmarried man’s house so often and without proper chaperone was unimaginable.
“I don’t suppose you two would consider calling a truce for the evening?” Case asked hopefully.
Jillian smiled innocently over the rim of her glass. “If the duke wasn’t so bent on acting the boor, I certainly would have no issue.”
“You impertinent, cheeky—” Justin began.
“Oh look at the time!” she exclaimed. “I really must be getting home. I certainly didn’t intend to stay this long.” She shot Justin a smug look at having effectively cut off his retort.
“I shall see you home,” Case offered.
“Oh no, I will be quite fine on my own. You have a guest to entertain.”
“Let me at least call for my carriage. I’ll have the driver take you.”
Justin watched as the two exited the room, scowling at their backs.
###
The next morning, Mrs. Applegate arrived early and immediately began preparing the day’s meals. Jillian was grateful for the comforting noises emanating from the kitchen. Soon the aroma of cooking food filled the house, tantalizing Jillian with the promise of a delicious meal to come.
A knock sounded, summoning her to the door. She prayed it wasn’t another round of callers. When she opened the door, however, there was no one there. She stepped out and looked around. Seeing no one, she turned to walk back in when she caught sight of the piece of paper lying on her front doorstep. Trepidation squeezed her chest as she bent to retrieve the missive bearing the now familiar black wax. She looked around hastily, trying to spot whoever had left the note, but she saw nothing but the usual traffic for this early hour.
She walked in and closed the door securely behind her. Only then did she realize that she had forgotten to mention the first note to Case. Hesitantly she broke open the wax seal and opened the folded paper.
You will pay for your perfidy
This must be some twisted effort on the duke’s part to intimidate her. She would be relieved when he got over his fascination with needling her at every opportunity and retired to his country estate for the winter. This wasn’t something she would have attributed to him. It seemed so cowardly, and whatever she thought of the duke, she never took him for a coward. She couldn’t however, think of anyone else who would want to annoy her so.It had to be him. If only he weren’t so darn handsome.
Now where had that come from? She scolded herself for even allowing such a thought to cross her mind. Lucas was charming and handsome and look wherethathad gotten her. She flounced into a nearby chair, disgusted with herself and her wayward thoughts.
She supposed she couldn’t entirely blame their mutual animosity on him. She just couldn’t help herself when she was around him. He brought out the very worst in her and the most provoking things came out of her mouth.Admit it, Jillian, you enjoy antagonizing him.
She gave a sigh and banished the duke from her thoughts. There were other more important things to dwell on. Today was Lady Bea’s tea with several other ladies of society. If Jillian were going to attend, she would have to start her toilette now. Without Elsie to draw a bath, she was left to do it herself.
Two hours later she hurried down the stairs. She was rather pleased with her acts of self-sufficiency. Not only had she managed to draw her bath, but she had also managed to button the long row of minuscule buttons down her back. Never mind that it had taken her the better part of an hour and that she had exhausted her dictionary of expletives.
She ducked into the kitchen to tell Mrs. Applegate of her plans.
