Page 72 of As the Earl Likes
“Will you come to Weston in August?” He held his breath, hoping she would. But why? So they could continue what they’d started tonight? It wasn’t a start. It was a fleeting moment. And by August, he would likely be back to his roguish ways.
“No. I need to be here in London. You cause your scandal however you like, and make sure I hear about it. Then I’ll cry off as we planned.”
Though that was what he’d intended, discussing it now filled him with an icy desolation. “I won’t return to London until the new year. That will allow plenty of time for everything to fade away.”
“I know this hasn’t gone entirely as you’d hoped. I do hope it was worth your time. And money.” Little pleats formed between her brows.
“I don’t want you to worry about any of that. Every moment of this scheme has been a delight—for me. I have always enjoyed your company, and it’s been my pleasure to know you better.” That barely communicated how he felt, but it was enough.
“I’d say you’ve come to know me quite well,” she said with a seductive smile, her brow smoothing. “Would you like to know me one more time before you go?” She put her hand to his chest and traced her finger around his nipple.
“God, yes.” He growled as he leapt on her, pressing her back into the mattress.
She giggled as he claimed her mouth. Then he lost himself in her once more.
This time, he did not forget to leave her body. And it was the hardest thing he’d ever done—right up until he walked out of her lodging onto the street.
He didn’t say goodbye, nor did she. They simply waved. Then he turned and strode into the dawn light.
Chapter 15
Jo finished updating the ledger for the club and snapped it closed. It still felt strange to sit at her mother’s desk in the study, though she’d been doing it more and more the past few weeks.
A week had passed since Sheff had left London. He’d sent over the rest of Jo’s fee before departing. The two-hundred-and-fifty-pound banknote sat in a drawer in her dressing table.
She wasn’t entirely sure why she hadn’t taken it to the bank. Perhaps it was because things felt unfinished. They were still betrothed, even if they wouldn’t be together again as an engaged couple. And they would remain betrothed until he did something that would prompt her to cry off. She couldn’t help wondering exactly what and when that would be.
She hoped he’d arrived in Yorkshire and that he and Banemore were benefiting from their time together. In the past week, Jo had gone to the park with Min, Ellis, and Tamsin, spent an afternoon shopping at booksellers and speaking with publishers along Paternoster Row with Gwen, and attended the Phoenix Club assembly on Friday evening, though she hadn’t danced with anyone and had left somewhat early.
There had been many questions about Sheff’s departure—mostly directed to Min and the duchess. Jo assumed people hadn’t asked her because they didn’t know her. Or, perhaps more perniciously, it was because they preferred to avoid speaking with her. Whatever the reason, she was glad to not have to answer their questions.
Jo had only seen the duchess at the Phoenix Club, and it had been a brief interlude. She’d actually said it was good that Sheff had left town, that he likely needed time for contemplation and reflection. Jo took that to mean the duchess hoped he would change his mind about marrying Jo. The duchess was going to be so happy when the betrothal fell apart.
While that was annoying, Jo could only hope that things would be better for Sheff in the future, that perhaps the duchess would leave him be. She hoped the same for Min but feared that would not happen. The duchess continued to press her to wed, and Min continued to resist. She hadn’t met anyone that was worth taking the risk of shackling herself for a lifetime. Jo could well understand her perspective.
The trip to Paternoster Row had been, by far, the best thing that had happened since Sheff had left. Jo’s mind was churning with ideas of what she could do next armed with the small fortune Sheff had paid her.
She could open her own bookshop. Or she could help people, primarily women, to see their work published. Perhaps she could even become a publisher herself.
But first, she needed to speak with her mother about not taking over the club. It was time. And Jo was dreading the conversation.
Her mother came into the study then, as if summoned by Jo’s thoughts. “Finished with yesterday’s entries?”
Jo nodded as she stood. “It didn’t take long.”
“And where are you off to now?” her mother asked.
“Just to my chamber. I’ve a book to read.” She’d purchased several during her outing with Gwen.
Her mother frowned. “I can’t help noticing you’ve been doing more reading than usual—and spending more time by yourself. You appear to be moping. Since Shefford left town, if I’m being honest.”
Jo gave her a wry look. “When are you never not honest?”
Chuckling, her mother moved away from the door toward the desk. “Sometimes I hold my tongue, but it is difficult. I am not going to do that now, however.” Her gaze gentled, making her look more like the woman who’d cared for Jo her entire life, who sometimes was lost beneath the successful club owner. “Is there a chance you fell in love with Shefford?”
Jo winced inwardly. “No. I did fall in lust, if I’m being honest. But that’s over now. I won’t even see Sheff again until next year.”
Her gaze skeptical, Jo’s mother didn’t immediately respond. When she did, she spoke quietly. “I hope you weren’t ever truly hoping to marry him. And I don’t say that because I am not an advocate of marriage. I mean that being wedded to him would come with a host of problems.”
