Perhaps Lady Daphne had simply got the wrong end of the walking stick and misheard the gossip. But the idea that one of his Jockey Club fellows was saying such a thing pricked his ire, and it must certainly be one of those who’d stood beside him at Tattersalls.
Also, he dearly hoped Lady Daphne wouldn’t actually have any sway over Julia about keeping company with him. For he still intended...
What did he intend?
To enjoy her, at least, because she wanted that as well. That much was obvious. He wasn’t trying to coerce an unwilling female, but satisfy a willing one. However, there was something more brewing besides desire, or he wouldn’t be so furious over her ridiculous compulsion to thievery.
If she were an earl’s wife, she would have to curb any such—
An earl’s wife?
He yanked his brandy flask from his pocket and drank heartily before reentering the ballroom.
Chapter Fourteen
“Lord M__ was seen riding in the Park today with Miss S__. We cannot tell if he has taken a liking to Lady W__ or her country sister. Perhaps both, dear reader?”
-The Sun
As soon as Lord Marshfieldleft, Lady Daphne turned on Julia.
“I don’t know you, nor your sister except for her good fortune in marrying an old man.”
Julia opened her mouth to defend Sarah for, as usual, the lady made it sound as though her sister had done something premeditated to secure a fortune and a title.
“No,” Lady Daphne said, “don’t speak. I am not judging, nor condemning. Not her, at any rate. But you are going down a dangerous route, Miss Sudbury. I have been in London all my life, and I’ve seen Marshfield and his ilk destroy, albeit sometimes unintentionally, too many hopeful young women. Rakehells to a man, they are driven by their desire to the detriment of all else, including common decency.”
Julia swallowed. “I understand.” It pinched her pride to think how much she wanted to toss her decency to the far winds where Jasper was concerned.
“Do you truly?” Lady Daphne demanded. “It’s not onlyyourfuture that would be squashed during a moment of passion, no matter how pleasurable. Your sister would be dragged down with you. Her position is already slightly precarious as among thebon ton, her quick marriage and widowhood begs the question as to whether they even consummated. She has an air of illegitimacy to her title. The Crown could and probably would send your sister back to obscurity in a heartbeat if someone at the palace wanted the Worthington earldom.”
Julia couldn’t help her eyes widening at this heretofore unknown information.
“What has that to do with myself and Lord Marshfield?” She cringed. Even linking their names sounded as though they were up to something sordid.
Lady Daphne pursed her lips for a moment.
