Page 36 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

An image of Lord Evan came to her mind, but she quickly banished it. “Nothing in particular,” she lied.

Madalene gave her a look that implied she didn’t believe her. “I see,” she said. “I was just asking if you intend to return tomorrow to the orphanage.”

“I would like to.”

“Excellent,” Madalene replied. “Mrs. Foster said the girls really enjoyed having you as their teacher.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Her mother spoke up. “I hope you will be able to find a French teacher soon.”

“Mrs. Foster has narrowed it down to a few candidates,” Madalene revealed. “We just want to make sure we get someone who is a good fit for the school.”

“That is most important,” Jane’s mother said.

“But I hope you don’t hire someone too soon,” Jane remarked. “I find that I really enjoy teaching the girls.”

“You are always welcome to come back and read to the younger girls,” Madalene suggested.

“I would be happy to do that.”

“Wonderful,” Madalene responded.

Baldwin reached for his wife’s hand. “I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished with the orphanage,” he said in a loving tone.

Madalene offered him a private smile. “Thank you.”

Jane felt a twinge of jealousy at the blatant display of affection between them, and she lowered her gaze to her lap. Would she ever find someone who would love her as much as they loved each other? She hoped so, but she was not naïve enough to believe everyone was destined to have a love match.

The coach came to a jerky stop in front of a three-level townhouse, and the footman opened the door. Baldwin exited first and assisted them out of the coach. As they started to follow the line of people into Lady Greenan’s townhouse, Jane couldn’t help but groan at the amount of people attending the ball.

“Whatever is the matter?” her mother asked, glancing over at her.

“It’s acrush,” she replied.

She got a smile in response. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

“I prefer more intimate gatherings,” Jane said as she eyed the myriad of people crowded around the gold-papered walls of the rectangular ballroom. The middle of the room was chalked with flowers and intentionally left open for dancing. A half-orchestra was playing in one of the far corners of the room.

“You prefer staying at home and reading a book,” her mother remarked knowingly.

“It is much more pleasant than mingling with people who only view me as a prize to be won,” Jane muttered under her breath.

They continued to follow Baldwin and Madalene until they found a spot where they could stand and wouldn’t be in the way of the other guests.

“It is a shame that Emmeline couldn’t attend,” Madalene commented, her voice raised so she could be heard over the noise in the room.

The elder Lady Hawthorne nodded. “I hope she feels better shortly.”

Jane couldn’t help but wonder if Emmeline didn’t wish to attend because Oliver hadn’t intended to accompany her.

A familiar man broke through from the crowd of people and approached Baldwin with a smile on his face. “It’s good to see you enjoying yourself, Hawthorne,” he greeted.

“Likewise, Brinton.”

Lord Brinton shifted his gaze towards Jane and performed a slight bow. “You are looking especially lovely this evening, Lady Jane.”

“Thank you,” she replied as she dropped into a curtsy.

---