Page 31 of As the Earl Likes
Min’s shoulders relaxed, and her features softened. “Well, that makes much more sense, though I’m still perplexed as to why either of you are doing this. Neither of you wants to wed.”
“Want and need are not the same thing,” Jo said. “Your brother has a duty, and I’m sure you know how your parents have become increasingly demanding that he wed.”
“So, he chose to marry you, someone of whom they would almost certainly disapprove? Why not choose one of the many young ladies from our social circle?” Min’s expression was apologetic. “I hope you know I mean no offense.”
“I do. And I did suggest that, but Sheff doesn’t want to marry any of those young ladies.” That was true. Otherwise, he would. Jo would not reveal that the betrothal itself was a ruse. She’d made a deal with Sheff. Hopefully, he would understand that letting Min think they were marrying for convenience was necessary.
“I suspect your brother chose Jo because they are friends,” Ellis said. “If you are going to wed out of necessity, why not choose someone you know and at least more than tolerate?”
“Yes, exactly that,” Jo said, grateful for Ellis’s wisdom. And help, even if she didn’t realize she was helping.
“I suppose that makes sense. You are certainly a far preferable sister-in-law than any of the young ladies on the Marriage Mart,” Min said with a smile. “But why did you agree?”
“I’ll have security and a measure of independence,” Jo said, which was true. The money Sheff was paying her would provide both.
Min’s brow formed gentle pleats. “Don’t you already have that with the Siren’s Call? You have an entire future with a successful enterprise. Though, I suppose you won’t have that anymore. The Countess of Shefford can’t run a gaming club.”
Ellis gave Jo an encouraging smile. “We must presume that is a trade Jo is willing to make.”
Min’s eyes narrowed shrewdly, and Jo braced herself for another question. “What about an heir?”
“Min!” Ellis glared at her. “Stop sticking your nose into this. We are Jo’s friends, but some things are too personal.”
Jo was especially grateful for Ellis’s defense. She didn’t want to discuss that, not even as a hypothetical situation.
“It is precisely because I am her friend that I am concerned,” Min said. She looked at Jo. “What about his rakish behavior? It won’t upset you to be married to someone with his reputation?”
It was hard for Jo not to think of her own parents. They weren’t together as a married couple, and they weren’t unhappy apart. Society was the one with the problem, not them. “Not particularly,” Jo said, hoping the next several weeks weren’t rife with conversations like these. “I’m not breaking any rogue rules, in fact.” Except she had been alone with him, and that was even before the betrothal when she’d helped him with his father. Rather, he’d helped her since the duke had been unconscious in her home and place of business.
“Do we need to keep the truth of the reason behind the marriage from Tamsin and Gwen?” Ellis asked. “We see them quite often, though I imagine Gwen will be spending more time at home with her new husband.”
“We do need to keep the real reason a secret, but I trust them to do so,” Jo said. “I will tell them.”
Min seemed to relax even more. “I’m glad. I would not want to lie to them.”
Again, Jo felt a stab of guilt. She didn’t like lying to Min. “I hope you’re not unhappy with this news, Min. Sheff and I are pleased with the arrangement. And we will be sisters,” she added with a light laugh.
“That is true, and as I said before, I could not imagine a better one. What can I do to help?”
“Sheff said your mother will set an appointment with Madame Demarest for a new wardrobe befitting my new role. He suggested you could come along, and I would like that very much.”
Min’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “I will speak to my mother. We’ll go Monday afternoon.”
“You’re certain the modiste will be available so soon?” That was only the day after tomorrow.
“Madame Demarest always makes time for my mother and me.” Min frowned slightly. “I must say, I would rather Mama not come with us. I imagine she is disappointed in Sheff’s choice of bride. Sorry to say that.” She looked at Jo with sympathy.
“Disappointed may be an understatement,” Ellis said softly. “Min, you must do what you can to support Jo.”
“I will,” Min vowed. “I will try to prevent Mama joining us.” She winked at Jo. “Now, we must be off. There’s another ball tonight, though I am rather tired after the Phoenix Club last night and Northumberland House the night before.”
Jo was exhausted just hearing of that schedule. She would need to tell Sheff that she wouldn’t go to more than two Society events each week. She couldn’t abandon the Siren’s Call. And yet, if she did not, Society would judge her harshly. She hadn’t thought of that either. More and more, she realized this was perhaps a foolish scheme.
Except the money and the promise of a future she chose was too tempting to refuse.
As Min and Ellis made their way to the entrance hall, Jo accompanied them. Ellis briefly touched Jo’s forearm. Her clear blue eyes met Jo’s with warm admiration. “I understand wanting to secure your future—through whatever means necessary. It is reasonable and smart.”
“Thank you,” Jo murmured.
