Page 11 of The Rake I Wished For
“Won’t your future husband clear that up for you?” Jane asked, that look of confusion back and marring her otherwise unblemished brow.
“I want one kiss from a man I find handsome and charming,” Jocelyn clarified. “And there’s no guarantee that my husband will be either.”
Point of fact, Jocelyn rather hoped hewouldn’tbe either. It would make things so much simpler.
“But…” Jane started.
Jocelyn overrode her next argument. “Then, once this kiss is out of the way, I will turn my full attention to winning over the man who is bound to be next season’s most desirable bachelor—the new Marquess of Northbridge.”
Jane’s jaw dropped. “The new…wait…do you mean…Luke?”
Jocelyn’s eyes widened in surprise. “You know him?”
Jane blinked. “Of course. His family’s estate borders mine. We grew up together.”
“Really? Then you can tell me all about him.”
Jane shook her head with a laugh. “I’m not sure what good that would do. I haven’t seen him in years. I doubt that knowing he once liked to catch frogs in the stream will do you much good on the marriage mart.”
A thought occurred that had Jocelyn spinning to face her friend. “Doyouwish to marry him?”
“What?” Jane looked stricken. “Good heavens, no.”
Jocelyn frowned. “Is he terrible then?”
“No, not at all.” Jane’s expression grew thoughtful. “Though, truthfully, I cannot speak to what he’s like now…”
“But as a child?”
“Oh, as a child he was great fun,” Jane said, her smile bright. “I’d imagine he’s turned into a decent fellow. Just so long as he hasn’t turned into his father.”
Jane made a face of disgust that had Jocelyn swallowing a laugh as she asked mildly, “You mean the marquess who’s recently passed and whom all of London is now mourning?”
Jane’s disgust morphed into a wince. “Right. I suppose I shouldn’t insult the man just yet.”
“I’d wait a few more months.” Jocelyn leaned back against the vanity as she studied her friend. “Are you certain you haven’t set your cap on the marquess…” In her mind Jocelyn was already sorting through her list of potential husbands. It would only take a little re-prioritizing to change her plan, and she’d much rather change tack than alienate a dear friend.
“I’m certain,” Jane said firmly. “You know I have no wish to marry at all.”
Jocelyn winced. She hated to point out yet again that Jane might not be able to escape the inevitable much longer. Though, if she continued to defy her parents and act the hoyden, perhaps she could.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Jane said with a wry smile. “And I know I must marry…eventually. But trust me when I say Luke’s family knows me too well. They would never approve, even if I did have my sights set on him…” She wrinkled her nose. “Which I don’t. He was a friend, nothing more. Besides, I’d abhor being a part of that insufferable family. And a marchioness? Me?” Jane feigned a violent shudder that made Jocelyn laugh.
“You are an odd creature, Jane.” Jocelyn sat on the bed beside Jane and wrapped an arm around her slim shoulders. “But that’s why I love you so much.”
“And you are a clever creature,” Jane shot back with an impish grin. “Which is why I cannot believe you, of all people, have hatched such an idiotic plan.”
“Idiotic?” Jocelyn pouted. “That’s rather harsh. It’s a gamble, I will give you that. But with you and Harlow there as chaperones, the risk is minimal, and this is my best chance.”
Jane crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Yes, about Harlow…”
Jocelyn spun back to face the vanity, ducking her head lest Jane could read her expression. Truthfully, she didn’t want to see her own reflection in the mirror for fear of what she’d see there.
But, looking or not, the heat in her cheeks was a dead giveaway.
“Do you honestly think your brother’s best friend, and the man your family trusts to look after your best interests, is merely going to…to stand by and let some rake take advantage of you?”
Jocelyn distracted herself by organizing her belongings on the vanity. “Let me deal with Harlow,” she said. “I’ve known the man my whole life. He loves nothing more than a good laugh. I’ll tell him I was teasing, and when all is said and done, he’ll be none the wiser.”
