Page 25 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Father didn’t seem to care about that.”

“Neither do I.”

“That is very progressive of you, Brother.”

Baldwin leaned back on his desk. “Are you happy, Jane?” he asked, watching her closely.

His question caught her off guard, and she pressed her lips together. Was she happy? It took her a moment to respond, but she answered in the affirmative. “I am.”

“You have had a rough go of it since Father died, and I want you to know that I am here for you.”

“That is kind of you.”

“There is nothing kind about it,” he replied. “We are family, and we look out for one another.”

Jane rose and smoothed out her gown. “I must pose the question, who is looking out for Oliver?”

“I am.”

She grinned. “If that is the case, then you are doing a terrible job.”

Baldwin chuckled. “Oliver is more of a work in progress,” he acknowledged.

“That he is.”

Baldwin grew solemn. “No more wandering through the rookeries alone,” he ordered. “That is a good way to get yourself killed.”

“I understand.”

“I believe I have properly chastised you enough,” Baldwin said. “But I have no doubt that Mother will have a say in the matter, as well.”

“I imagine that will be the case.”

Baldwin straightened from his desk. “I will speak to Oliver when he returns, and I am sure he will have a perfectly rational explanation for why he was at The Gutted Fish.”

“Thank you.” Jane walked over to the door. “Will you be joining us for dinner?”

“I will.”

“I shall see you then.”

Jane left the study and headed towards her bedchamber to change. As she hurried across the entry hall, she saw her mother peeking her head out of the drawing room.

“Has Baldwin finished speaking to you?” she asked.

Jane stopped on the marble floor and turned to face her mother. “He has,” she replied, “and the interrogation went well.”

“I hardly believe it was an interrogation,” her mother remarked. “May I speak to you for a moment?”

“You may.” Jane walked towards the drawing room, dread increasing with each step. She truly didn’t need another lecture, but she didn’t dare refuse her mother’s request.

After her mother stepped into the drawing room, she closed the door. “I would prefer to keep this conversation private.”

“What would you care to discuss?” Jane asked hesitantly.

Her mother gestured towards the settee. “Perhaps we should sit first.”

Jane sat obediently and waited for her mother to speak her mind.

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