Page 84 of As the Earl Likes
Persephone blinked at her. “That is remarkable. When did your father return from Weston?”
“Just last week.” Min looked back to Jo. “I did not mean to divert us from Jo’s situation. She needs a plan for telling my brother he’s to be a father.” She suddenly smiled. “And I’m to be an aunt. I must admit I am thrilled.”
Seeing Min’s expression gave Jo more comfort than she’d had in weeks. She felt a surge of strength and courage. “I think I must go to Weston and tell Sheff about the babe. If he proposes, I will say yes.”
“When he proposes,” Min said with a grin, and the others nodded in agreement.
They were all so sure Sheff would marry her. Jo was still worried about forcing themselves into a marriage neither wanted. Though, if they both wanted the child, perhaps it would be all right. Especially since her friends were right—she loved him. Didn’t she owe it to herself to find out if there was any chance at all they could be happy together?
Gwen took Jo’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I think you must also tell Sheff how you feel. There is every chance he may feel the same. Lazarus kept his love from me because he thought that was best for me.” She rolled her eyes. “He was wrong. Please don’t make that mistake. You’ll never know what could happen if you don’t tell him the truth.”
Jo wanted so badly to have what Gwen and Lazarus did. She hadn’t realized just how much until there was a child. The family she hadn’t known she wanted was just within reach.
“Does anyone here think Sheff can reform himself from a rogue to a faithful husband and father?” Jo asked.
“I do,” Tamsin said loudly and with a bright smile.
“That is not surprising to anyone,” Min said with a laugh. “You are the most optimistic person in the room.”
“In London, really,” Gwen added with a grin.
“I also think Sheff can reform,” Ellis said, and that was surprising. “Before he left London, he seemed different to me. He was more thoughtful. More reserved. As if something weighed on his mind.”
“You think he loves Jo?” Min asked.
Ellis lifted a shoulder, her gaze fixing on Jo. “I think Jo should find out.”
“We are all leaving for Weston day after tomorrow,” Tamsin said. “You must come with us.”
So that everyone could witness her humiliation when Sheff probably said he did not love her in return? “I think I might prefer privacy.”
“Then leave tomorrow,” Min said. “You can take one of my father’s coaches.”
“Does she need a chaperone?” Tamsin asked.
“No,” Jo said firmly. “I’ve never had one before, and I’m not starting with that now.” What good was a chaperone when she was already with child?
She would arrive in Weston a day ahead of everyone. Whatever happened with Sheff, Jo would have her mother near, then she would shortly also have her friends. “All right. I’ll leave in the morning. Thank you, Min. And everyone.” She looked around and felt a catch in her throat. “I’m so very fortunate to have you all as my friends.”
“We are just as fortunate to have you,” Gwen said, releasing Jo’s hand so she could put her arm around her and give her a sideways hug.
Butterflies took flight in Jo’s belly. Or was it the baby? No, it was nervous anticipation, for now that Jo knew what she would do, she was anxious to do it.
She would be glad for the journey, however, as there was much to consider. What if she did marry Sheff? She would be a countess, and she’d be expected to do all the Society things, including the ones she found tedious. But she would also be able to host literary salons and be invited to all manner of scholarly discussions. She had to think there were people who would not accept her, but she didn’t care. Would Sheff? Given his anger at how she’d been given the cut direct, she didn’t think he would.
Perhaps everything would work out. A future Jo never imagined flitted before her.
With Sheff’s love, you can do anything.
The sentiment rose in her mind, surprising her. Did she believe that? She knew that acknowledging her love for him made her feel stronger and more secure. Perhaps his love would do the same.
She had only to find out if that love existed.
Mrs. Ingram, the Grove’s rather tall housekeeper, bustled into the library and stopped short upon seeing Sheff sprawled in a chair. He was reading a novel. Or trying to anyway.
“I didn’t realize you were in here, my lord. I can return later.” She spoke in a lilting southern Welsh accent.
“Don’t let me interrupt your plans,” Sheff said, snapping the book closed. He’d wanted to read a novel to feel closer to Jo, but he just couldn’t focus. “I should go for a ride.” He hadn’t been for several days.
