Page 4 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Jane moved to jab Madalene in the jaw, but was startled when her sister-in-law hit her first, causing her to stagger back.

“You left yourself open,” Madalene explained.

Ignoring the pain radiating from her right cheek, Jane approached Madalene with her gloves up. “I won’t be making that mistake again.”

Madalene gave her a reassuring smile. “You always say that.”

“One day, it will come true.”

Jane tried to punch Madalene, but she easily side-stepped the blow.

Madalene eyed her with concern. “You are tired.”

“I am,” Jane admitted as she felt the sweat on her brow. “Boxing is exhausting.”

“It will keep you nimble and healthy,” Madalene remarked. “Perhaps we should stop for today and resume tomorrow with my boxing instructor, Mr. Payne.”

Jane nodded in agreement. “I think that sounds like a brilliant idea.”

Madalene motioned to a footman, who promptly came over to untie her mufflers. “Do you still intend to join me at the orphanage today?” she asked.

“I do.”

“I think it is wonderful that you are volunteering as a French teacher until we fill that position.”

Since he had finished with Madalene’s gloves, Jane extended her mufflers to the footman. “And I think it is admirable what you are doing at the orphanage.”

“I suppose we both will just have to admire one another,” Madalene joked.

“Frankly, I was surprised that my mother agreed to it.”

“I think Baldwin had something to do with that.”

Jane smiled ruefully. “Baldwin is most definitely her favorite child.”

“I don’t think your mother has a favorite.”

“Every mother has a favorite,” Jane remarked. “It is just the truth of it.”

Madalene laughed. “Regardless, I don’t believe your mother neglects you in any fashion.”

“No, she does not,” Jane agreed. “She is relentless in the rearing of me.”

“If you want me to feel pity for you, I don’t,” Madalene said, amused. “You have a mother that dotes on you something fierce.”

“She now dotes on you, as well.”

“That she does.”

Another footman approached carrying a tray with two glasses of water, and Jane reached for one. “How did you get so good at boxing?” she asked after a refreshing sip.

“Lots of practice,” Madalene replied.

“I hope, one day, that I will be as good as you.”

“You will.”

“How can you be sure?”

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