Page 7 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“I am.”

Susan straightened up and walked over to the bed. “I selected a pale blue gown for your visit to the orphanage,” she shared, holding up the gown for her inspection. “I hope that pleases you.”

“It does.”

“I assumed you would want to dress in something simple for your visit with the girls.”

“You would be right.”

After she dressed, Jane sat at her dressing table so Susan could style her hair.

Susan removed the pins from Jane’s hair and placed them on the dressing table, then started to brush out her brown tresses.

“Did you enjoy boxing this morning?” her lady’s maid asked.

“I did,” she replied, “but I pale in comparison to Madalene.”

“Is that so?”

Jane nodded. “Madalene has been boxing for years.”

“Then you must not be too hard on yourself.”

“It is hard not to,” she replied. “I have yet to land a well-timed blow on her.”

Susan twisted Jane’s hair as she styled it in a chignon. “Patience has never been one of your virtues, has it?” she teased.

“No, it has not.”

“Are you pleased with your hair?” Susan asked, stepping back.

Jane turned to the side to look at her reflection in the mirror. “It’s perfect,” she replied. “I believe you have properly transformed me into a teacher.”

“I think it’s admirable that you will be teaching the girls at the orphanage.”

“It’s only until a proper teacher can be found.”

“Regardless, it is most generous of you.”

“It’s the least I can do to help Madalene,” Jane replied.

Susan walked over to a table and picked up a blue reticule with white lace along the top. She walked it over to Jane. “Will there be anything else?” she asked.

Jane accepted the reticule and slipped it over her right wrist. “Is my muff pistol in here?”

“It is.” Susan gave her a curious look. “Does your family know you started carrying a pistol in your reticule?”

“They do not.”

“Do you think they would disapprove?”

“I know they would.”

“Then why do you have one?”

Jane gave a half-shrug. “I want to be able to defend myself, should the need ever arise.” She walked over to the door and opened it. “I shall be back later this evening,” she informed her lady’s maid.

As she walked down the hall, Jane knew her family all too well, which is why she never told them she had started carrying a muff pistol on her person. She felt safer with it, and she had no intention of stopping.

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