Page 72 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“He’s asked me.”

“He has?”

She offered him a timid smile. “But I have turned him down; multiple times, in fact.”

“May I ask why?”

“I don’t love him,” she admitted softly.

“Then I am glad you turned him down.”

Jane’s smile grew playful. “My mother would disagree with you,” she replied. “She is planning the wedding luncheon as we speak.”

“I am sure your mother would understand your reasons.”

“I hope so, but sometimes I feel like a grand disappointment to her.”

“Why do you say that?” Corbyn asked, baffled.

“I know she wants me to marry, but I find myself in no rush to do so,” she admitted.

“There is no shame in that.”

Jane grew silent for a long moment, then said, “My father’s death changed me.”

“In what way?”

“I am no longer a carefree girl. I was forced to grow up and help take care of my mother.”

“That is admirable.”

“After Baldwin left, I even helped with managing the properties and investments.”

“That is an impressive feat.”

“At first, our man of business refused my assistance, but then he quickly realized that I could prove useful,” she proudly shared.

“Where was Oliver during this time?”

“Oliver was doing what he did best,” she said, her voice taking on an edge. “He was chasing after women and gambling.”

“May I ask why you hold so much resentment for Oliver?”

Jane pursed her lips. “That is a fair question,” she said. “I suppose I feel some anger that I was forced to grow up, but he never has.”

“You have no control over Oliver.”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Then why not let him make his own mistakes?”

Jane let out a sigh. “You are right, of course, but that is easier said than done, especially since he is treating Emmeline so horribly.”

“Has Emmeline complained to you?”

“No, she has only been supportive of Oliver,” she shared. “It is rather irksome.”

Corbyn gave her a knowing look. “If Emmeline is not bothered by Oliver’s antics, then why should you be?”

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