Lady Tisway waved a hand and called, “Miss Greene, come join us.”
Jackson stopped Anna with a light touch to her arm, feeling compelled to warn her, “You’re in the thick of it now.” The smiles on the ladies’ faces must be a ploy before the fatal strike. “You are lucky they misunderstood your insult earlier.”
Anna studied his face. “Another reference you are unacquainted with, I see.” She shook her head at his questioning look. “‘The weird sisters’ are a reference toMacbeth.”
“A book?”
Lady Tisway snorted, the lady’s hearing apparently fine. “A play, boy.”
Anna threw a smug smile at him. “Yes. One of Shakespeare’s finest portrayals of how greed can turn a man into a tyrannical monster.”
Jackson smirked at the inference. “I promise you, dearest,” he said, for her ears only this time, “when I show you my monster side, it isyouwho will beg for everything. And more.”
Anna swallowed audibly as the finest blush traced over her cheeks.
“You should read more, Your Grace,” the baroness called, dealing the cards. “Or, at least attend the theater. You’d embarrass yourself less.”
Anna coughed a laugh beside him.
The corners of his lips curled upward. “Yes,” he said, starting to enjoy the torment. “My lovely intended frequently reminds me.”
“A right fine intended, then, to take on the task of bringing you up to snuff.” This time, the insult came from Lady Holloway. “Now we demand you share her for our own delight.”
Anna chuckled again. Eyes bright, she said, “I’m being summoned, Duke. If you think I can manage those terrifyingbeastsalone? You, of course, are welcome to return to your bush ifyouare not up to the task.”
She walked off without another word, her hips swaying deliciously with challenge.
Jackson shook his head as the Widowed Widows dealt her in, smiles all around. Here, he’d thought charm and disguises to behis greatest tools to win over his enemies. Fool was he. All he’d needed was to crack open a book. Or twenty.
Or beg a certain, sharp-tongued woman to join his ranks.
“Jackson, really. I demand an explanation,” his mother said, coming up beside him. “You can’t possibly marry this woman.”
“Oh, leave it, Ester,” Lady Tisway said. “His Grace is a grown man.”
Lady Holloway agreed. “You can always ring a fine peal over him later,afterwe’ve gone. Now, come and sit. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.” Her dark eyes fixed on Jackson. “You too, Your Grace. Come and entertain us with tales of the city. I’ll sit out the first set in order to determine your skills.”
Saved from the noose to find the axe at his throat.
Jackson was in no position to refuse.
Though he’d have preferred the quick death over the first lick of fire when he sat, and as the women immediately set about fanning the flames.
“When is the wedding?” Lady Tisway demanded.
“Three days,” Jackson said.
Three gray-haired heads sprang up at that.
“Threedays!” His mother immediately began pacing and wringing her hands. “What will the neighbors think? The worst, that’s what! Oh, no, no, no. The great name of Grandfellow will be tarnished beyond repair.”
Ignoring the theatrics, Lady Holloway narrowed eyes on Jackson. “Nothing untoward has taken place to rush the nuptials, I presume?”
“No,” he said, pointedly rearranging the cards in his hand. “We simply didn’t see a point in waiting.” He placed his hand over Anna’s on the table and smiled down into her frowning face. “Why would we, now that we’ve found the greatest gift in life?”
“And what gift would that be, dear?” Anna asked, her eyes promising vengeance. “Convenience? A skilled hand to free the locks?” She’d turned her hand palm-side up, where it was easier for her nails to dig into his gloveless flesh. “A clearing of debts?”
Lady Tisway laughed. “Oh, you’ve a tongue on you, girl.” Nothing but approval in her tone.
