Page 52 of As the Earl Likes
“Please make it November or later,” Lady Standish said. “I won’t have returned from the country until then.”
Jo kept herself from laughing. As if she would plan a wedding based on Lady Standish’s plans. Even so, the woman’s desire to be present was incredibly sweet. Jo realized she would have liked all of them at the wedding breakfast. If she were actually getting married.
“I have noted your preference,” Jo said before transferring her attention to Mrs. Fletcher-Peabody. “To answer your question, we are waiting because I have always wanted to marry in the autumn or winter. That way I can wear a fur-trimmed cloak.” She grinned at them, glad that Sheff had provided her with a reason.
“How splendid. And when will you host your first salon?” Mrs. Davenport asked.
“I’m not sure,” Jo replied. “Perhaps in the new year?” How she wished that were true. But perhaps it could be if she used Sheff’s payment to set up her own household and establish herself as a literary hostess. More and more, she was truly beginning to see that future. It was both exciting and a trifle daunting. Or perhaps it was the idea of telling her mother that was the daunting part.
“Where will you live?” Lady Standish asked. “I believe the earl resides at the Albany. I can’t imagine you want to move in with his parents at Henlow House.”
Definitely not. Jo hadn’t thought about where they would live because they weren’t going to live anywhere. “We haven’t decided yet.”
“Perhaps Henlow owns another property here in town,” Mrs. Fletcher-Peabody said. “How lucky you are to have snared Shefford! He’s very handsome. And roguish, but that can be exciting. My husband was somewhat of a rake in his day.” She arched her dark brows in a mischievous expression.
“You did not regret marrying a man like that?” Jo asked.
“Absolutely not. Once we were wed, Erasmus only had time for me. The key is to keep them very busy—and satisfied.” She smirked at the other ladies. Mrs. Davenport appeared nonplussed while Lady Standish swallowed a giggle.
“Thank you for that advice,” Jo said, hoping there wouldn’t be any more.
Mrs. Davenport sent Jo an expectant look. “Shall I invite Lord Shefford to my salon next Monday?”
Hadn’t he said he should attend one? “Certainly. I’m sure he’ll come if he is able.”
Jo tried to imagine him at a literary salon. She didn’t even know if he liked to read, or, if so, what.
The idea of hosting her own salons as the Countess of Shefford held a surprising appeal. As a countess, she could invite anyone she wanted, and chances were, they’d want to attend. She could invite writers from all over the world.
Her heart beat a little faster until she realized that none of that was actually going to happen.
Another party arrived, and Jo saw that it was Tamsin and Ellis. But where was Min? Excusing herself from her hostess and the two other ladies, Jo made her way to her friends.
“There you are, Jo,” Tamsin said with a smile.
“Where is Min?” Jo asked.
Ellis exhaled. “She had to attend a dinner with her mother, who hopes to match her with a gentleman who is attending. Min was so hoping that Sheff’s betrothal would keep the duchess occupied, but with the betrothal ball past and the wedding not happening for months, she has plenty of time to try to match Min.”
Poor Min. Jo would talk to Sheff and see if there was anything he could do. Perhaps he could take Min with him when he left London.
Jo would miss Min if she left. Shockingly, she realized she was going to miss Sheff too.
But she understood why he needed to go. His revelations at the ball the other night had clung to her mind. She hoped he could find some truth for himself and see that he was more than his father’s son. When she thought of how much energy he’d likely expended throughout his life caring for his parents and dealing with their difficulties, she felt rather badly for him. Was it any wonder his view of himself was distorted?
She wanted to support him. To show him that he was cared for.
She even wanted to kiss him again. The things he’d said to her in the study at the ball… Just recalling them brought heat to her core. She had to be careful it didn’t show in her face.
“Jo?”
Blinking, Jo realized she’d been woolgathering. “My apologies. I was thinking about the duchess and how she needs something to do that interests her besides managing her children’s lives,” she fibbed.
“Such as attend literary salons?” Ellis quipped.
Jo stared at her in horror before laughing. “I suppose she could, but not these. I daresay they wouldn’t be lofty enough for her. Surely one of her duchess friends hosts one.”
“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen her read a book,” Ellis mused. “Newspapers and magazines, but not books.”
