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The only thing she did not think about was how little time they had left at the house party. She was determined not to dwell on that. Why borrow sadness before it had to be felt? They had tonight, tomorrow night, and the night after, to be together.

She should focus on what time they had.

Turning over onto her back, she stared up at the ceiling as she tried to remember what Tiffany’s plans were for today. Games, she thought. Outdoors. Which meant there would be very little opportunity for Mei and Sebastian to speak. Everyone would be able to see everyone.

Would she be jealous again? Watching him converse with the debutantes?

Mm. Envious, perhaps. That they could be so free to speak with him. But knowing he’d been hers last night, and tonight he would again… jealousy was pointless. Sebastian did not want any of them. He wanted her.

At least for the length of the house party.

Mei hugged one of the pillows to her stomach, which had turned over with a sick feeling. She truly did have to stop thinking like that. She had tonight to look forward to. Why look beyond it?

Thankfully, she did not have much time to do more tossing and turning or thinking before Jocelyn came to get her ready for the day. Mei chose a green-and-gold patterned muslin day dress. It was one Astrid had picked out for her that she had not worn before, and she knew it looked particularly well on her.

Not that it should matter since she already knew Sebastian wanted to be her lover, and he was meeting her tonight, regardless, but… she wanted to look pretty. Which was why she also sat very still while Jocelyn did her hair, delighting the aspiring lady’s maid by letting her heat the curling tongs and curling several tendrils of Mei’s hair that she let hang down from the coiffure.

When she looked in the mirror, she looked like a debutante.

At least, as close as she could get to being one.

For a moment, she thought about pushing the tendrils back, pinning them in place, and trading her dress for the aoqun. She knew why she suddenly wanted to look more like the other young ladies. And she knew why Sebastian would never see her that way. But if she did that, Jocelyn might wonder why Mei had suddenly changed her mind.

She would just have to get through the day.

Most likely, no one would even notice.

That assumption was confirmed when she walked into the dining room without creating any kind of stir. Bemused at herself, Mei glanced quickly around the room. Lady Annabelle was seated at one end of the table with Astrid on one side of her and Tiffany on the other. The Duke of Grafton’s fiancée appeared a trifle strained as Astrid asked her a question. On the other side of the table, Kalina and Rose had their heads bent together, while Kalina’s husband carried on a conversation with Gregory.

Mei decided the better seat was near Lady Annabelle because then she could sit down between Astrid and the yawning Mrs. Fenley. It would limit the number of her friends who could attempt to speak with her and perhaps perceive something she did not want them to. Astrid was very observant, but since she was focused on getting to know Lady Annabelle better, that should help.

As she sat down—a bit gingerly because of how sore she was between her legs—Mei caught a glimpse of Tiffany looking at her with suspicion. Another good reason to seat herself between Astrid and Mrs. Fenley—it meant Tiffany could not claim the seat beside her and ask any questions.

Sitting down made Mei’s bottom feel rather odd, and it took her a moment to realize why.

The spanking.

The pain did not linger, but her cheeks were far more sensitive than they normally would be. Especially when sat upon. The realization also sent a heated blush to her face, and she ducked her head down, pulling the napkin onto her lap. Goodness, she was going to have to get control over herself if she was going to make it through the next few days.

Giving herself a little inward shake, she leaned forward to take one of the flaky croissants from the top of the platter in front of her. Tiffany had an excellent French chef, and the pastries were divine.

“Good morning, Mei,” Astrid said, turning to acknowledge her, brushing a lock of red hair away from her face. She had a rather brilliant smile and an unusual spark of excitement in her eyes. “We were just discussing today’s activities. I think it would be most exciting if we were to come up with a prize for the winner of the most games.”

Ah, well, that explained the light in Astrid’s eyes.

“Which games, exactly?” Mei asked, nibbling on the croissant, her gaze flicking across Tiffany and Lady Annabelle. Was it her imagination, or was Tiffany looking at her differently than usual? Was it possible she suspected something? Or was Mei’s guilty conscience changing her behavior and causing Tiffany’s suspicion?

Blast, why was this so difficult?

“Pall Mall this morning and archery this afternoon,” Tiffany explained, leaning forward. “Though Lady Astrid had also suggested we come up with some other kind of competition for lunch, in case there is need of a tie breaker.” She glanced at Astrid, clearly amused by her friend’s eagerness.

“Like an eating contest?” Mei asked, confused. She could not think of anything else that could occur at lunch.

Astrid’s eyes lit up, and she sat up straighter. “Oh…”

“No.” Tiffany shook her head. “I want to have a nice luncheon out in the garden. I have it all planned.”

“Ah, well.” Astrid tilted her head. “Perhaps after lunch, before archery, we could do… something.”