Case smiled and took up his glass once more. “Let’s go join Jillian in the study. We have plans to make.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Lady Bea sat regally in her armchair listening with keen interest to Justin’s proposed plan. After much initial discussion between Justin, Jillian and Case, it was decided that they would approach Lady Bea and confide the circumstances of their return to London. In enlisting her aid as a potential hostess for their engagement ball, they were assured of higher attendance. If anyone could get the members of thetonto return to London in the dead of winter, it was Lady Bea.
“So you want me to throw a bash to announce your engagement in hopes of ferreting out the person who is trying to harm Jillian?” Lady Bea eyed Justin speculatively for a moment.
“Well, more than that, I want to spread the word that she will be the future Duchess of Whittington and hope it deters her pursuer,” Justin added. “By throwing an engagement bash, the whole of London will see Jillian by my side and know that she is under my protection.”
Lady Bea nodded approvingly. “The fellow would have to be a nitwit to continue his felonious attempts.”
Jillian leaned forward in concern. “I don’t want to place you in harm’s way.”
“Nonsense, my dear. I could use a little excitement every now and again. All I would need to do is drop a few offhand comments about a big announcement and the people will arrive in droves, off season or not. You would, of course, need to withhold your announcement in theTimesuntil the morning after.”
“Of course,” Justin murmured.
“And Jillian, I insist you stay with me in the interim.”
Jillian looked up in surprise, not wanting to protest Lady Bea’s kindness, but she wanted to go to her own home and be around the only family she knew. She missed Hilda, Elsie and the others.
“That is an excellent suggestion,” she heard Justin say. “I will provide extra security so that you will both be safe.”
“It is settled then,” Lady Bea said in satisfaction. She pushed herself up from her chair and crossed the room. “I shall summon my footman to accompany you to Jillian’s home so that he may assist you in transporting her things back here.”
Jillian opened her mouth to protest, but Justin was tucking her arm under his and ushering her out the door. As they ascended the steps of the carriage, she turned back to Justin.
“I would much rather stay in my own home, Justin. I don’t want to be a burden to Lady Bea.” She settled into the seat next to him.
“We must think of your safety, sweetheart. I don’t like the idea of you being alone in your townhome, especially since you already had an intruder.”
Jillian shuddered as the memory of that night assailed her even as she was warmed by Justin’s endearment.
Justin rubbed her hand soothingly. “You mustn’t think of that now. You will be safe at Lady Bea’s, and I suspect she is rather thrilled at the prospect of your company.”
“What shall I do about Hilda and Elsie and Johnny and Harry, of course, and Catriona…” She trailed off, biting her lip in consternation.
“You can settle a nice sum on them so that they can support themselves until they find other employment.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Other employment? I’ve no wish for them to go elsewhere. I’ll have need of them when—after this is over with.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Justin said softly.
A shiver skittered down her spine as she took in his intent gaze. Her cheeks grew warm and her insides fluttered. His hand cupped the side of her face, and his lips lowered to hers.
“I could get used to this,” she said, breathlessly, as she drew away.
“It is my hope that you will do precisely that,” he said huskily, his eyes darkening in desire.
“Justin, stop that!” She firmly extricated his hands from underneath her skirts. “We’re almost there,” she whispered frantically.
“Plenty of time,” he murmured, nibbling at the lobe of her ear.
She moaned softly as his lips moved down her neck. “Perhaps you are right.”
###
Jillian informed her servants of her plans, leaving out that her engagement was a ruse. They all heartily congratulated her, but then came the inevitable question of what would happen to their positions. Justin hastily assured them that he would make generous arrangements for them.
