Page 48 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“She danced with a marquess, an earl, and the son of a duke,” her mother listed with glee.

“Among others, Mother,” Jane said with a shake of her head.

“Yes, you also danced with Mr. Haskett,” she responded with distaste.

“He wasn’t as awful a dance partner as I thought he would be,” Jane admitted. “He behaved like a perfect gentleman around me.”

Her mother gave her a knowing look. “He is a rake, and not worthy of your notice.”

“I agree, but I refuse to be rude to the man.”

Her mother opened her mouth but closed it when Pratt walked into the room. He met Jane’s gaze. “Mr. Haskett is here to call upon you. Are you available for callers, milady?”

“I am,” Jane said, putting her fabric on the table. “Will you show him in?”

“I would be happy to,” Pratt replied.

Jane rose and smoothed her pale pink gown.

“There is nothing to be nervous about,” her mother murmured. “Invite him to have some tea, and then send him on his way.”

“I understand, Mother,” Jane replied.

Mr. Haskett walked into the room with a smile on his handsome face. He was fashionably dressed, and his dark hair was brushed to the side. Many women would consider him to be charming, but she was not one of them. She knew exactly the type of person that he was, and she would not be swayed by a dashing smile.

“Mr. Haskett,” she greeted politely.

He came to a stop in front of her and reached for her hand. After he kissed the air above it, he said, “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Lady Jane.”

Jane slid her hand out of his and gestured towards the teapot. “Would you care for some tea?” she asked, hoping to create more distance between them.

“I would.”

She lowered herself gracefully onto the settee and poured him a cup of tea. As she extended him the cup and saucer, he accepted it and sat down on an upholstered armchair next to her.

Mr. Haskett’s eyes shifted towards Lady Hawthorne and Emmeline. “I am so grateful to be in the presence of such lovely ladies.”

Jane’s mother gave him a strained smile. “You are too kind, Mr. Haskett.”

“Have you met Oliver’s wife yet?” Jane asked, gesturing towards Emmeline.

Mr. Haskett nodded. “We met at Mrs. Bailey’s soirée.” He smiled. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Oliver.”

“Likewise, Mr. Haskett,” Emmeline said with a polite smile.

Jane clasped her hands in her lap. “May I inquire about your family, Mr. Haskett?”

“You may,” he replied. “They are well.”

“I am pleased to hear that.”

Mr. Haskett took a sip of his tea and lowered the cup and saucer to his lap. “I enjoyed our dance together last night.”

“As did I.” Her words sounded forced to her own ears.

“Did you receive the flowers that I sent over?”

“I did, and I thank you kindly for them.”

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