Page 75 of When the Viscount Seduces
“Just last night at the ball, he said he loved me,” Gwen said. “And he asked me not to marry Markwith.”
“He didn’t tell you about Miss Worsley?” Min asked.
Gwen shook her head.
“He wouldn’t have wanted you to know,” Tamsin said.
Min looked at Gwen with sympathy. “This makes him the very definition of a rogue—one we cannot marry and who cannot be reformed as Wellesbourne and Isaac have been.”
“I need to see him,” Gwen said with great conviction. “I need to know the truth about Miss Worsley—from him. And I may be betrothed to Markwith as soon as tomorrow.”
Jo nodded. “Then you must see Somerton today.” She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. Her brow creased as she appeared to be thinking.
Min shook her head. “She can’t see him. Not with these rumors racing about.”
“She’ll need a disguise,” Jo said. “And I will find out what I can about Mr. Tremblay and Miss Worsley. Someone has to know something.”
“You would do that?” Gwen asked, blinking away the moisture that had clung to her lashes but not fallen as tears.
“If only because I’m dead curious,” Jo said with a laugh. “But I imagine you would like to know the truth, as would Somerton, I’m sure. If he is not the father, this has to be eating at him horribly.”
Gwen agreed. And when she thought about his behavior, it seemed this could be possible. She was incredibly eager to speak with him.
Min was frowning. “I still don’t think it’s wise for Gwen to see Somerton. Not with all that is happening.”
“But that’s precisely why I need to.” Gwen would not be deterred. “Everything is moving quickly, and I can’t afford to wait and see what happens.” She looked to Jo. “Do you have a disguise in mind?”
“It depends on what Min has available. I’d prefer to dress you as a young man, if possible.” Jo tossed a smile toward Min. “I don’t suppose you have anything like that.”
“I do,” Ellis said, prompting everyone to swing their attention to her. She shrugged. “Sometimes, I dress up like a man and go for a walk. It’s easier that way.” She glanced at Min. “Min knows.”
Min nodded. “You should see Somerton if you feel that strongly. I’m only concerned for your reputation and welfare.”
“I know, and I appreciate that so much. But I do feel strongly—I love Lazarus.” She decided she could use his name with her friends.
“Then you must do everything in your power to ensure a future with him, especially since he apparently loves you too,” Min said.
Jo gave Gwen a knowing smile. “He does. I’ve seen them together, and it’s rather obvious. I’ve also seen him without her, and he’s a mopey mess.”
“He mopes?” Tamsin asked, incredulous.
“He’s downright despondent,” Jo confirmed. “But he’s also a clueless man. I do believe I had to point out that he was perhaps having romantic feelings unlike any he’d ever had before.”
This provoked everyone to laugh, including Gwen. How she would have loved to have heard that conversation. “He ismyclueless man,” Gwen said. “At least, I hope he will be.”
Jo stood. “Let us assemble your costume. You need to be on your way. Presumably, you can say you were here all afternoon to account for the time you are with Somerton?”
“Yes, I’ll do that.” Gwen had indicated to her mother that she would be occupied all afternoon.
Ellis rose and went to the door. “Follow me, then. My chamber is at the end of the corridor.”
Before Gwen could reach the door, Jo clasped her hand briefly. “All will be well. I’ll find out what I can about Tremblay and Miss Worsley as soon as possible.”
Gwen embraced her tightly. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Jo patted her back. “I’m glad to help. I can’t thankyouenough for including me in your group of friends. I’ve never…belonged to anything like this.”
“We are a sisterhood,” Gwen said. “And now you are one of us.” She linked her arm through Jo’s, and they made their way to Ellis’s chamber.
