was my soul mate, and I lost my heart in the beguiling depths of those pansy-blue eyes. I loved her to distraction, and was fairly dazzled when she swore that she loved only me. I showered her with bad verses and expensive trinkets.” Jared’s lips curved in a tight smile. “And then—I can still remember the night she came to me, her pink little mouth trembling in despair. She needed, she explained, oh, ever so much money. Her brother, you see, had gambled unluckily, and was about to plunge headlong into the River Tick. Father would disown him, family dishonored. ‘Oh, Jared, what am I to do?’
“She left my house that night with a roll of soft she could not even fit into her reticule. I learned shortly thereafter that the gambling debt had been incurred not by her brother, but by her lover, of whose existence, needless to say, I had heretofore been unaware. I was crushed, to understate the matter. You see, I was so very young. Ah, well.” He laughed softly. “It was a long time ago. And even at that, sad to say, I failed to learn my lesson, for my next chere amie was pretty Patsy Ford-ham. She was a viscountess, whose doting husband was wealthy enough to buy a small country. When she bestowed her favors on me, I was vastly set up in my own estimation, but she was the greediest baggage imaginable. You can understand how lowering it was for me to discover that she was merely using me as a source for whatever jewelry she desired that the viscount had neglected to purchase for her.
“It was at that point, I’m pleased to say, the lesson sank in. Suffice it to say that the time is past when I can be duped by a touching story no matter how lovely the teller of the tale.
“Which brings us back to Mademoiselle St. Aubin. We have come to a business arrangement, and so far she has lived up to her part of the bargain admirably. She has more or less abandoned her ‘damsel in distress’ position, so things will no doubt proceed smoothly.”
“Oho,” chuckled Simon. “Another agreeable connection in the offing?”
Jared was startled by the question, and made oddly uncomfortable by it, but he replied lightly.
“I think it unlikely. She seems to have taken me in an unaccountable dislike. And with that I will leave you, for it is time to dress for dinner. I trust you brought appropriate attire.”
“Yes, if you mean knee breeches. I assume the old standards still prevail? I thought so. Have no fear, I shall dazzle the assembled company. Now be off with you.”
In her chambers, Diana was made aware of the approaching dinner hour by the advent of Kate, bearing another addition to her wardrobe. It was evident that Lady Amabelle had made good her promise, for this time the ensemble was suitable for evening wear. The lutestring gown, of palest lime, was not precisely in the first stare of fashion, but the low neckline was trimmed in French ruching, and there were two flounces around the hem.
Having buttoned and tucked Diana into the gown, Kate was all admiration, declaring herself obliged to create a hair style that would do the raiment justice. The result was a becoming swirl of curls perched atop Diana’s head. A few ringlets were allowed to escape, framing her face in an enchanting filigree of antique gold.
Surveying herself with guilty pleasure, Diana discovered the age-old feminine truth that almost any trouble can be lightened by the knowledge that one looks one’s best.
As Kate led her once more through endless passages to the drawing room, she made another discovery. Her heart was pounding in an alarming manner in anticipation of another confrontation with Lord Burnleigh!
Chapter 8
Upon entering the pleasant chamber that served as the drawing room, Diana found the other members of the household already assembled. Lady Teague, Jared, and Simon were seated in earnest conversation on a settee of straw-colored silk. Mrs. Sample and Miss Bledsoe carried on their own exchange by the fire, while Lissa