“Yes, but apart from the maids cleaning the rooms, no one could enter this room during the day without being seen. Therefore, they must come during the night. This new letter might draw them here.” She fixed him with a stare. “Someone should spend the night and watch for them.”
Jason raked his hands through his hair. “But it will not be you!”
Her gaze took in his disordered locks before answering. “There’s no need to roar at me. I shall do it whatever you say.”
“What!” He gave a slow grin at her sudden boldness. “If anyone spends the night here, it will be me.”
She frowned. “Don’t be so straight-laced. I am hardly a green girl. No one need know of it, and if they did, my reputation shan’t suffer for none of the staff would repeat it outside this house.”
“You have remarkable faith in your staff, Lady Helen,” he said, his mouth an ironic twist. “I absolutely forbid it.”
She glared. “You forbid it? I don’t see how you will come to learn of it, Lord Peyton.”
“Because we will keep watch together.”
Helen stared at him. “But that’s preposterous. Then I would be compromised, and so would you be.”
“I am willing to take that chance.”
She shook her head. “It’s not necessary for you to be here. I have the perfect hiding place. No one will see me.”
“Nevertheless, I expect you to admit me to the house after the butler has retired. I shall handle the night watchman. We must avoid the footman on night duty. You know how best to do that.”
“I am not entirely sure I should allow you to—”
“Are you and your mother going out this evening?”
“No.”
“Then Lady Kinsey will have retired by midnight?”
“Yes, but...”
“Then I’ll be at the servants’ entrance at midnight.”
“No…I…”
“If you wish to obtain your mother’s consent, please do so.”
“But you know my mother will never agree to me spending the night in the library, let alone with you.”
“I shall be there whatever you decide.”
She frowned. “I…”
Behind them, the door opened. Jason turned as a bright head appeared. Lady Diana slipped into the room.
Jason bowed. “Lady Diana.”
“Lord Peyton, how good to see you again.” She hurried forward, her face wreathed in smiles.
Behind him, Helen shifted from her position at the desk. “You are too late for tea, Diana. Shall I ring for more?”
“Yes, please.” Diana smiled brilliantly at him. “I was delighted to learn that you are attending my ball, Lord Peyton. I hope you will ask me to dance.”
“I intend to, although I fear your beaux will claim them all.” He smiled and turned to Helen. “Will you save me a waltz, Lady Helen?”
Helen’s mouth, still tight with rigid disapproval at his authoritarian manner, softened. “I shall look forward to it.”
