Page 39 of As the Earl Likes
“She stitched it herself,” Min said.
Jo smiled. “How clever of you. I’m afraid my needle skills are abhorrent.”
“You may not want to advertise that fact,” the duchess said with a slight frown. She sent an irritated glance at Ellis, probably because she didn’t like it when Ellis attracted attention. Sheff wondered why Ellis had been included today and assumed it was because the duchess might leave sooner than Min. And while Ellis was not exactly a chaperone, more and more, the duchess was treating her like one since Ellis was not just of spinster age but an actual spinster who did not plan to wed.
Sheff realized that Jo was also an actual spinster since she didn’t plan to marry either. He generally thought of spinsters as lonely women who missed out on a great many of life’s pleasures, particularly those involving the flesh. He hated thinking of Jo, whom he saw as a passionate woman, not experiencing such things.
Min looked at their mother. “Why, Mama? It’s not as if Jo needs to lure a husband.”
Sheff stifled a laugh. “No, she does not, for that task has been accomplished. Shall we promenade, my dear?” He offered Jo his arm and gave her his most disarming smile.
She fluttered her lashes prettily, a demure smile teasing her full lips, whose impression he could still feel upon his. “Indeed, we shall.” She curled her hand around his arm, and they started along the circular path.
“I didn’t recognize you at first,” Sheff said, looking over at the breathtaking woman on his arm.
“Because of a new dress?” She made a face. “You’ve been in Society too long.”
He laughed. “My entire life. But if you’re implying that I put too much weight on appearances, you may be right. You are a beautiful woman no matter what you are wearing. Or if you’re wearing nothing at all, I would imagine.”
Her brows rose. “Is that how you flirt with other young ladies?”
Damn, she had him there. “I am horrible. My apologies. I wasn’t even trying to flirt. I’m afraid my mouth ran away from my brain.”
“I imagine that happens with many parts of your body,” she murmured, the edge of her mouth curling up.
Sheff grinned. “You are so bloody delightful. But let us begin again. You look lovely today, Miss Harker.”
“I am your betrothed. Surely you can call me Jo.” She sent him a sly glance. “And thank you. I do apologize for the expense for this new wardrobe. I fear it will be considerable. Your mother has expensive taste.”
Sheff grimaced. “She didn’t force her will upon you, did she?”
“She tried, but Min was most helpful in supporting me in my own choices. My mother was also a great help, though she left us at the modiste and did not continue to the cobbler or milliner.”
“I didn’t realize your mother went along. How was that?”
“There were tense moments, and apparently, my mother and yours are acquainted, though I don’t know the details. My mother said it wasn’t an interesting story.”
Sheff stared at her. “Why do I not believe that? You must share it with me if you find out.”
“I will.” She clasped him more tightly and pressed herself against his side as they walked.
His body instantly reacted, desire pooling in his core. “What are you doing?”
“Pretending we are in love. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing?”
Yes, but he was not supposed to respond in this way. As if nothing about this was fake. The stirring of his body certainly wasn’t.
Sheff coughed. “Er, yes.” He bent his head toward her and inhaled her spice and floral scent. A deep yearning burned inside him. She was utterly intoxicating in every way.
“Why does your mother not pay attention to Ellis?” Jo asked. “I wondered why Ellis didn’t join us on Monday for the wardrobe shopping.”
“My mother doesn’t particularly care for Ellis.”
Jo gaped at him. “How can that be? Ellis is lovely.”
“I agree, but my father insisted my mother accept her into the household when she was orphaned, and my mother never warmed up to her.” Sheff contemplated whether he ought to reveal the truth and decided he could. He trusted Jo. “For, what seems to me, obvious reasons.” He gave her a meaningful look, but she only blinked at him.
She lifted a shoulder. “It is not obvious to me.”
