“Quinn needs to be more discreet in the future,” Sebastian said dryly. “Gaming hells aren’t proper conversation for a lady.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “You’ve become such a bore, Sebastian. Now are you going to tell me about your evening?”
“No.”
“Yes,” Quinn said at the same time.
She laughed. “Well which is it?”
“I went to Vauxhall with friends,” Quinn said.
“Vauxhall? And here I thought you were going wenching and gaming.”
“Jenna,” Sebastian said in a warning voice.
She and Quinn ignored him. “Ahh yes, well, Sebastian decided against such noble pursuits. He went to see his mistress instead.”
“Bloody hell, Quinn! Mind your tongue.”
Jenna dissolved into giggles. “Mistress? Oh my. And here I thought you stuffy. And watch your tongue, brother dear. You are a bad influence on me.”
“The two of you are insufferable,” Sebastian growled.
“So tell me about this mistress of yours,” Jenna cajoled.
“When the Thames freezes over again, and we all know that isn’t going to happen.”
“Is she very beautiful?” she asked Quinn, blithely ignoring the scowl on Sebastian’s face.
“If you say a word, I’ll stuff your tongue down your throat,” Sebastian threatened.
“Never mind,” she said with wink. “You can tell me later.” She sat back, fighting a smile. So, stuffy Sebastian had a mistress. Suddenly she didn’t feel so guilty for her nightly excursions. If he could take a mistress, there was certainly no reason she couldn’t take a lover. In theory, anyway. She knew Mamma and Papa wouldn’t see it that way. Nor would society.
Thomas stepped out the French doors leading into the garden. “This just came for you, Lord Hembly.” He held out a letter.
Sebastian took the envelope and broke the seal. He quickly scanned the contents. “Mamma and Papa will be returning early,” he announced.
Jenna sat forward. “What? Let me see that.” She snatched it from his hand and read the short letter. It was true. In Mamma’s flowery handwriting, she informed her children that she and the earl would be returning earlier than expected. That meant they could return at any time. No date was given.
She let the letter fall and tried to compose her raging emotions. “How wonderful,” she said faintly. “I’ve missed them.”
“Yes, it will be wonderful to have them home,” Sebastian said, relief evident on his face.
No doubt he looked forward to relinquishing his responsibilities as the head of the family. Jenna sank back into her chair, her mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. She had to think. Alone.
Pasting a bright smile on her face, she stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, I am going to speak to cook about a special menu for Mamma and Papa’s return.”
“Excellent idea,” Sebastian spoke up.
But Quinn regarded her in silence, his brow furrowed. She hurried away, anxious to be free from his scrutiny. So her excuse wasn’t a complete lie, she stopped off in the kitchens and informed the cook that the earl and countess would be arriving early and to please have on hand the necessary ingredients for the earl’s favorite meal and the countess’s favorite dessert.
As she exited, she nearly ran into Quinn. He caught her arm, searching her face intently. “What’s wrong, Jenna? You didn’t seem overly happy that Mamma and Papa are returning.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “No, I’ve missed them both.” Frantically she searched for something to say to wipe the disbelief from his face. “It’s just that when they return, my time in London will be at an end. And then I must marry Stuart.”
Quinn’s eyes softened in sympathy, and he squeezed her arm. “Perhaps you should go out and have a little fun before they arrive.”
She looked at him in surprise and smiled. “Why Quinn, are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”
