Page 18 of The Lady Was Lying
“I do not wish to socialize tonight.”
If Belinda had her way, she wouldn’t be socializing now. When Jane had breezed into her room without knocking, she had wanted to tell her sister to leave, but she hadn’t been able to make herself do it. Why did the thought of upsetting Jane cause her such distress? A month ago, she wouldn’t have even hesitated.
“Why not?” Jane asked.
“Because I’m tired.”
It wasn’t a lie. All afternoon it had been a struggle to pretend she wasn’t burdened by her thoughts. The revelation of Emmeline’s connection to Avondale had caused a spike of interest, but not the sort of interest that was useful. Under no circumstances would it be wise to try to kiss a duke.
Especially one who was related to Emmeline.
“That’s bollocks. You have to eat.”
“I’ll request a tray.”
Jane frowned. “I can’t imagine not wanting to attend. It doesn’t get more exciting than a duke at our table.” She paused in her inspection, her nose wrinkling as she flattened the hair on both sides of her head. “Is my right ear a touch higher than my left?”
“No one is looking at your ears.”
Jane gasped. “It is, isn’t it?” She tugged on the lobe of the offending ear. “If I were to loosen a curl or two on one side, it would be less noticeable. Do you think it is significant enough that I need to hide it?”
“No one is looking at your ears,” Belinda repeated.
Jane ignored her for a second time. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice before. Why has no one told me?”
Belinda tipped her chin down and raised her brows.
“Don’t say it,” Jane warned.
She almost chuckled. “You’re ridiculous. No one is?—”
A small pillow hit Belinda square in the face, and she couldn’t hold her laughter in any longer. It spilled forth as she picked up the pillow and threw it back at Jane. The tension she’d been holding all day lessened until it didn’t feel quite so suffocating.
Jane deftly caught the pillow and set it on the stool near the dressing table, looking mighty pleased with herself. “You laugh, but I need to look my best. In case you hadn’t heard, a duke is coming to dinner.”
“In case you hadn’t heard, he isn’t coming to see you,” she reminded Jane. Even though Sebastian had already warned Jane, Belinda couldn’t help assuming her sister would benefit from another reminder. Jane was quite fanciful when it suited her. And far too desperate to become a wife.
“It hardly matters why he is coming.” Jane tugged at her neckline. “More bosom or less?”
“Neither. Your gown fits perfectly as it is, and your ears are appropriately symmetrical.” Belinda sighed and gave her sister what she wanted. “You are fully ready to woo a duke if that is what you wish.”
Jane stopped fiddling with her dress and spun around in a circle. “You truly think so?”
“Of course. The duke will be enchanted by your grace and your beauty.”
“That’s a bit much.” Jane halted mid-spin to point at Belinda. “Wait…was that sarcasm? Why are you biting your lip? What aren’t you saying?”
Belinda shrugged innocently, but Jane was not deterred. “Tell me.”
“I can assure you my thoughts are not relevant to your interest in the duke.”
“Liar. Tell me what you were thinking,” Jane demanded again.
“Fine.” Belinda sighed. It was impossible to have private thoughts around Jane. She wasn’t even sure why she bothered trying. “James Benjamin Harris Avondale isn’t supposed to be duke. When the truth becomes public knowledge, the scandal will be earth-shattering. His title will be tainted, and his wife will be pitied. Is that truly what you want for yourself?”
“Why do you know his full name?”
“I did a bit of research.” It hadn’t been hard to learn more about the duke. The scandal sheets were very interested in him, and they seemed keen on matching him with eligible ladies.
