Page 146 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Emmeline reached for the teapot on the tray and poured herself a cup of tea. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s health.”

“I can’t imagine a world without my mother in it,” Jane shared.

A pensive look came to Emmeline’s face. “It can be a lonely world, if you let it be.”

“I’m sorry, Emme—”

Emmeline put her hand up, stilling her words. “Don’t be,” she replied. “I understood what you meant.”

Jane rose and walked over to the window. “Do you think something came up to delay Lord Evan’s arrival?” she asked as she stared out over the courtyard.

“It isn’t entirely unlikely. He does have an important job,” Madalene mused.

“What if he changed his mind about me?” Jane asked, voicing her greatest fear. “About us?”

Emmeline took a sip of her drink. “Trusting another with your heart is scary, but you must trust Lord Evan’s intentions.”

Madalene bobbed her head. “I agree with Emmeline,” she said. “You must trust Lord Evan above all else.”

A knock came at the door.

“Enter,” Madalene ordered.

The door opened and Pratt stepped inside. “Lord Evan is here to call upon you, milady. Are you available for callers?” he asked Jane.

“I am,” she replied eagerly as she smoothed down her pink gown.

Pratt tipped his head. “I shall send him in, then,” he said.

Madalene laughed as she rose. “Well, I believe Emmeline and I will give you and Corbyn a moment alone.”

Emmeline took a sip of her tea and then placed her cup onto the tray. “But we would be happy to stay, if you prefer.”

“No, I can handle this on my own,” Jane said.

Lord Evan stepped into the room, dressed in a dark blue jacket, ivory waistcoat, and caramel-colored trousers. His eyes landed on her and a smile played on his lips. “Lady Jane,” he said in a soft, almost reverent voice. “You are looking especially lovely today.”

“That is kind of you to say, Lord Evan,” she replied, clasping her hands in front of her.

Lord Evan’s eyes shifted towards Madalene and Emmeline. “It is lovely to see you beautiful ladies, as well.”

They smiled in response and offered their greetings.

Lord Evan took a step further into the room and brought his gaze back to Jane. “I was hoping to speak to you for a moment, alone, assuming you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t,” Jane replied.

Madalene spoke up. “I need to speak to the cook about supper tonight,” she said.

“And I need to…” Emmeline hesitated, “brush my hair.”

Jane smiled at Emmeline’s ridiculous excuse and watched as they departed from the room without saying another word.

Jane gestured towards the teapot. “Would you care for some tea?”

“I would not,” Lord Evan said. “I came to see if you are well.”

“I am,” she replied, chiding herself for feeling the least bit nervous.

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