Page 52 of A Chance to Dance with the Duke
Their smiles were so genuine, the look of adoration in their expressions so perfectly sweet…
Jane sighed. “I’m so glad they finally realized that they love each other.”
Felicity and Ann nodded in agreement. All three of them had seen it for ages now…the way Meg grew so uncharacteristically dreamy around Carver.
The way he only had eyes for her.
But it was that much more satisfying to see them finally realize it for themselves.
“No one deserves such happiness more,” Felicity said. Then she turned to Ann and Jane. “Except for you two, of course.”
Ann nudged Felicity. “And you. We all deserve such happiness.”
Felicity shrugged. “I suppose. I’m just happy that such a pleasant ending came of that silly game of ours.”
“Indeed,” Ann said. “And we’re not through yet.”
Jane looked warily from Felicity to Ann; both of them had a decidedly scheming look in their eyes. She grew even more apprehensive when that look fell on her.
Apprehensive, but also…perhaps just a little excited.
“Meg was so brave,” Jane said quietly. “I’m not sure I could ever be so brave.”
Felicity tilted her head to the side as she considered Jane. “Meg was undoubtedly brave. But, if you’ll recall, shedidhide from Carver in the days after her first humiliation.”
“That’s true,” Ann said. “But it wouldn’t be bravery if one wasn’t fearful to begin with.”
Jane and Felicity both nodded at that.
“Quite right,” Felicity said. “If there’s nothing to be feared, there’s no call for courage.”
Jane’s mind went back to those days when Meg avoided Carver’s visits. “I’ve never even been brave enough to avoid the Earl.”
The moment she said it, Jane wished she could call the words back. But it was too late, the others were watching her closely.
“I…I only mean…” She swallowed hard. “When he comes each month to visit, I wish…I wish I could do what Meg did.”
“Evade the Earl the way he avoids you?” Ann offered.
Jane nodded as Felicity clapped her hands together. “Oh, that is the perfect dare. Nothing too frightening…”
Jane frowned. Wait, surely her friend did not mean?—
Felicity turned to her. “That’s precisely what I challenge you to do.” She raised a finger as well as her voice. “The next time your elusive earl comes to call…you shall find a way to elude him.”
Jane blinked as panic swelled. But there was excitement there too. At the prospect of avoiding an awkward, painful visit, yes, but also…
At not being there when he came to call.
“He takes it for granted.” The words escaped her softly.
Felicity and Ann leaned in to hear her over the music.
She cleared her throat. “He takes it for granted that I’ll just…be there. Waiting for him. As if I have no life of my own. As if he can just take off for who knows where and when he returns, I’ll just be…waiting for him.”
Ann and Felicity shared a small smile.
“But this time you won’t be,” Ann said.
