Page 123 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

The door opened and Madalene stepped into the room, wearing a blue gown with a round neckline. She smiled politely. “I was hoping for a moment of Corbyn’s time.”

“You wish to speak to me?” Corbyn asked in surprise.

“I do,” Madalene replied as she closed the door.

“What do you wish to speak about?”

“Jane,” she said simply.

Corbyn’s hand tightened around his glass. “There is nothing to discuss.”

“I think there is,” Madalene pressed.

Corbyn frowned. “I’m afraid you don’t know what you are speaking of.”

“I do, completely,” Madalene replied, maintaining his gaze.

Baldwin glanced between them. “Can someone please explain what the blazes is going on?”

Madalene turned towards her husband. “I believe that Corbyn is in love with Jane.”

Baldwin bobbed his head. “I agree with that statement.”

“That is utter rubbish!” Corbyn exclaimed.

“Oh?” Madalene asked. “Then why did you admit that you care for Jane, but informed her that there could be no future between you two?”

“That was a private conversation,” Corbyn muttered.

“I assure you that Jane told me in the strictest confidence,” Madalene shared.

Baldwin lifted his brow. “Did you tell Jane that you cared for her?”

“I did,” Corbyn admitted, seeing no reason to deny it.

“Pray tell, why don’t you offer for her, then?” Baldwin asked.

Corbyn gulped his drink and placed the glass back onto the tray. “Because it’s not that simple.”

“Why is that?” Madalene questioned.

“It just isn’t.”

Madalene pressed her lips together. “Would you mind explaining your reasons in further detail?”

“Do I have a choice?” Corbyn asked.

Madalene smiled sweetly; too sweetly. “Of course. This is not an interrogation.”

“It certainly feels like one,” Corbyn grumbled.

Madalene walked over to the settee and sat down. “Why don’t you start at the beginning?”

“Meaning?”

“When did you first realize that you held Jane in high regard?”

“From the moment I met her,” Corbyn reluctantly shared.

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