Page 33 of As the Earl Likes
“I had contemplated whether to let Min in on the scheme.” Sheff blew out a breath. “I just worry that my mother will find out—not because Min will tell her on purpose, but perhaps something would slip.” He picked up his ale and took a long drink.
Jo went back to sorting the cards, and Sheff watched her stack them by number and face. “Can I assume your mother didn’t respond well to your news?”
“She did not. My father wasn’t terribly enthused either, but he accepted my choice.” Sheff saw that Jo’s brow was still dimpled. Was that due to concentrating on the sorting, which likely didn’t require much concentration, or distress from this situation he’d created?
“Do you want to call it off?” he asked.
Jo snapped her gaze to his. “I didn’t say that. This is just more challenging than I anticipated. I’m sorry that I told your sister this is a marriage of convenience, but I dislike lying to her. And to Ellis. And to my other friends. Don’t worry, though; they won’t reveal the truth.”
“It’s fine that they think that—good, even.” Sheff crossed his arms over his chest. “This seemed like such a brilliant plan. My parents would leave me alone. Marriage-minded mamas and their daughters would move on from me. When you cry off, people would be inclined to avoid me for quite some time. I failed to think deeply enough about the present ramifications, particularly to you. Perhaps I should double your fee.”
Her eyes rounded. “That would be excessive. Especially with the wardrobe.” Her forehead smoothed. “Is it really that terrible? Putting up with the demands? Why don’t you just remove yourself to the far reaches of Scotland or somewhere?”
He chuckled. “That has occurred to me. I do like Edinburgh. Have you ever been?”
She shook her head.
“You’d like it, I think. There is Society, of course, but it’s much smaller and it seems easier to move between classes. There are so many wonderful pubs and gathering places. And the countryside is ruggedly beautiful. It’s unlike anything you can imagine.”
“Sounds intriguing.” She stacked a five on the pile of fives.
“Draw a card,” he said. “If it’s an odd number, we’ll call this off. If it’s even, we’ll continue.”
“What if it’s a face card?”
He smiled. “I’ll double your fee.”
Jo arched a brow and drew the next card, turning it over on the table in front of him as if she were the dealer in the cardroom. His grandmother’s sapphire sparkled on her finger, and the sight of it there gave him a shocking rush of possession. It was a delectable sensation, though he had no real claim to her.
There was also something undeniably seductive about the stretch of her arm and the play of her finger against the card. Perhaps he imagined her reaching for him. The notion was rather enticing.
The number eight looked back at them from the table.
“We continue,” Jo said.
“Are you sure we should leave it up to a card?” He wanted to be sure she was all right with moving forward, even if they had already agreed on it.
She shrugged. “Why not? It’s as good at decision making as anything.”
He laughed. “I’m not sure you really believe that, but if you’re comfortable continuing as we are, then I shan’t complain.”
She plucked up the eight she’d laid down in front of him and deposited it on the pile of eights. “Tell me more about the meeting with your parents. They were unhappy, and then what happened?”
“My mother stalked out, but she was…calmer when we left for the ball. She informed me that the betrothal ball will be next Saturday.”
Her lashes fluttered. “So soon?”
“I was surprised too. It’s probably for the best since it seems the news is spreading quickly.” He picked up his tankard and took a sip of ale. “You will need a new ball gown before then. Will that be a problem?”
“Min is setting an appointment with Madame Demarest on Monday afternoon and will come along. I suppose it will depend on if the modiste can make one that quickly.”
“She definitely can, and Min will make sure of it. Is my mother accompanying you?” Sheff hoped not, but wasn’t sure it was avoidable. The duchess might be upset about his choice, but she’d want to be involved in things—why else would she plan a betrothal ball so quickly? She’d also want to ensure Jo was appropriately attired.
“Min wasn’t sure. She assumed your mother would be disappointed in your choice of bride and couldn’t determine how she might react.”
“I’m sorry, Jo.” Sheff held her gaze. “I won’t allow her to be rude to you.”
“I appreciate that.” She finished sorting the cards in her hand, then picked up the stack of twos and began to sort them by suit. “I think it’s best if we just minimize our interactions. I should like to keep my attendance at Society events to no more than two per week.”
