Page 102 of The Truth Serum
“He’s very excited to put that unpleasantness behind you both. Especially since it wasn’t really his fault, now, was it?”
“No, I suppose not.” She couldn’t blame him for how he’d acted under the influence of the truth serum. Just for the things he’d said.
“Excellent. Wear a dress he’ll like.”
“I can pick my own clothes, Fletcher.”
“Now don’t get tetchy with me. I’m only trying to help.” He smiled indulgently down at her. “I am to see him this afternoon to work out the details. He’ll want the first dance with you. And then three waltzes.”
Three! That would be tantamount to an engagement.
“I cannot promise that.”
Fletcher sighed as if she were growing tiresome. “You always have to do things your way. Very well. Two waltzes, but mind that he has the first dance. And make sure they are the last two waltzes. It’s best if you keep him dangling after you all night.”
“Why?”
“Because he must work for what he wants.”
Yes, she supposed that was true. And it helped that it was exactly what Nate wanted as well. “And what will you do?”
Fletcher grinned. “I will be securing my position in this little dance.” He was smiling as he gave her a slight bow. Was he mocking her? It was hard to tell. “I won’t be around the next few days. Mother will have to escort you. Pray don’t create a scandal while I’m gone.”
“Where are you going?”
“Back to Cornwall with the baron. He wants to see your property.”
“But—”
“I’ve written Henry. Told him that selling the property would be a huge mistake. You were having a lover’s tiff with the baron, and he should disregard anything you’ve written.”
She stared at him. Henry would see the truth, wouldn’t he? That Fletcher wasn’t speaking truthfully. Of course, now that she was thinking of a vastly different future, she didn’t want her brother to sell the property either.
Good God, Fletcher had done her a favor.
“I’ll write to Henry as well, tell him not to sell.” Her oldest brother would think she had taken leave of her senses. Two contradictory instructions in so short a time.
“Good—”
“But why must you go to Cornwall with him?” She didn’t want her brother anywhere near the baron. The more distance she could put between them the better. “Let him see the property on his own. You should stay in London—”
“I cannot remain here, waiting upon you hand and foot.”
“But—”
“Enough. Your task is to remember how good the baron will be for you. Be prepared to accept him when we return.” He grinned as he adjusted his waistcoat. “Everything is finally going the way it ought. Do not overturn the applecart now. Good day.”
She watched him leave, a spring in his step like she’d rarely seen on him. Why did the sight make her heart sink? Was it because her brother was up to something? Ridiculous question. Fletcher wasalwaysup to something, and she rarely cared what.
Or was it because she’d just lied to her brother with such certainty that she wondered at her own feelings. She’d said she didn’t love Nate and never had.
But she did.
She loved him. She wanted to marry him.
But how exactly was she going to accomplish that when she’d just destroyed him in society and her family was dead set against him? She didn’t really care about her family. She’d like Henry to give her away, but even that wasn’t really important.
The problem was Nate’s diplomatic career. He’d told her about Lord Benedict’s offer. That he didn’t have to run around being a spy anymore. He could take a respectable diplomatic post.
