Page 9 of Harrowing Hall
“Thatdoessound rather torn.” He narrowed an eye, enjoying the game, because she was most certainly leading up to something. “And your conclusion as to why she wants to marry me when, in truth, that is not the case at all? Ruling out, of course, that she’s after my title as we are of equal station.”
“Naturally.” She perked a brow at him, and they murmured the same thing at the same time. “Which means it is financial.”
Blake thought about that. “Ihaveheard rumor that her father has a gambling problem.” He considered Jane discreetly. “He’s a miserable old fool.”
“So she likely faces a variety of problems.” Maude eyed Jane as well. “A father who needs her to marry someone who will not demand a dowry. Not just that, but someone who might be able to help him financially. Perhaps pay off his debts.” She shrugged. “And who knows, perhaps someone willing to fund more gambling.”
“Yet, I would do no such thing.” Orwouldhe?
“He does not know that.” Maude thanked the servant who delivered them beverages and kept considering Jane, who chatted with a small group of people. Eligible bachelors smitten with her, yet she seemed oblivious. “I suspect there is another element to Lady Jane’s story. For, she wears a dreamy expression when she thinks no one’s watching. A look that is by no means that of a woman whose love is marrying someone else.”
“Ah.” Blake understood her meaning. “You think she is in love with another. Perhaps a titled chap with no money?”
“Or perhaps even a commoner with money.” She looked at Blake curiously. “While I certainly appreciate you, my dear, you are not the typical sort in the peerage, no?”
“No,” he agreed. “Few, especially Jane’s father, would allow her to marry beneath her station no matter how destitute he may be.”
“Hmm.” Maude mulled it over. “We shall revisit that premise later, for I think nothing impossible.” She swirled her claret and finally filled him in on what she had been alluding to all along. “First, though, I should tell you of our visit to the dress shop the other day.” She batted her lashes at him and smiled prettily. “I do so appreciate you having a gown made for me for the ball tomorrow night. That was very generous of you.”
“You need not thank me.” He gave her the sort of look that would soon make her fan herself. “You are to be my wife, so it is the first of many.” His gaze fell to her far too kissable lips. “Dresses I look forward to seeing you in, then taking off.”
“Oh, dear.” As expected, her fan swung into action. Her cheeks pinkened. The corner of her mouth twitched in amusement. “You should not speak of such things around others.”
“Nobody can hear us.” He stepped closer. “Besides, we are supposed to look like we are flirting. That we are in love.”
Her fan went faster, but she held her ground where some lasses might feel it more appropriate to put distance between them until after their wedding night.
“Wearein love and to be married. I do so hope you like the dress. It is quite….” She wore a dreamy expression. “Different from my usual style. But Jane said,” her eyes widened, “that’s right! I nearly forgot. Back to Jane.”
Before he could respond with all the ways he was sure to adore her new dress, she continued.
“The moment Jane told the dressmaker we would return to the shop to pick up our All Saints’ Eve dresses, I knew something was amiss.” She gestured at him. “I am engaged to a viscount, and Jane is titled herself. Therefore, the dresses should have been delivered to us, yes?”
“Aye.” He nodded. “That is typically how it is done.”
“Quite right.” A sly gleam lit Maude’s eyes. “Not just that, but for the better part of our visit, she stared at the seamstress’s brother, who justhappenedto pop in at the same time as us. It seems he owns the business, so he is well enough off.”
“So they are taken with each other?” He knew the bloke. Liked him, in fact. He made a decent living but was by no means wealthy.
“Oh, yes.” Maude touched his arm before her hand fluttered over her chest, and she wore a dreamy expression again. “Without doubt, they are very much in love.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” Her gaze turned a smidge bashful when she looked at him. “For they looked at each other like you look at me.” The fan fluttered again. “And I look at you.”
“Then love it is.”
“So, what to do?”
“What would you like me to do?” Because his Maude undoubtedly had a plan.
“Meet him.” Maude rested her hand on his arm again. “Invite him to the ball tomorrow so that you might get a sense of his character. Watch him and Jane together. Or at least watch the way they eye each other when apart.”
He already had a sense of the fellow, and knew he would treat Jane well, but how to make such happen? How to navigate her father?
“Consider him invited.” He winked. “Whether titled or not, the entire village always attends our All Saints’ Eve ball. It has been a tradition for centuries.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Maude’s eyes gleamed. She clasped her hands together before her smile faltered. “But what if he cannot attend? Would it not be prudent to ensure he is here?”
