Beginning with their first encounter, Jenny explained all that had taken place, how they became friends despite her attraction to him, and ended with what had occurred at the masquerade ball the previous evening.
“And so,” Jenny concluded, “that is why you found me sitting here all alone. The very idea of dressing and facing the day is more than I can stand.”
Her sister gave her a sympathetic nod. “I understand your dilemma all too well because Richard and I endured something very similar. A woman he once knew came back into his life, and I did everything I could to hold his attention.”
“But how?” Jenny asked.
Maria stood and tested the door to make certain it was closed. “You must understand that men are very different from women,” she said as she returned to her place on the bed. “They can be easily distracted by a woman’s… how can I put this delicately. Charms?”
Jenny gaped, and her sister laughed. “I’m speaking of a kiss, a gentle touch, and yes, perhaps how well she wears a dress. If you believe this woman’s beauty will distract him from seeing you, you must become more beautiful than she.”
“But how do I do that?” Jenny asked with an exasperated sigh.
Maria returned to the vanity table and chose several items. “Not with those,” she said with a scowl. “You’ll need far better cosmetics. These perfumes may do. How did you come by so many?”
“Diana left them for us,” Jenny replied.
“Very generous of her, but I think we can find something better suited to you.” Maria tapped her lips. “Let’s go into Chatsworth. I’ll purchase everything you’ll need to make you the lady he desires. When he’s unable to take his eyes off you, or his hands”—she chuckled at this—“this other woman will have no place in his life.”
Jenny frowned. “But she’s far more beautiful—”
“Jenny, you said you overheard him admit that he remembered her kisses, correct?” Jenny nodded. “Then what you must do is provide him with a new set of memories. Then, her kisses will no longer matter.”
A battle warred in Jenny’s mind. This was far different advice from that which Mrs. Rutley had given her. “You aren’t suggesting that I… give myself to him, are you?”
“If you wish to marry him, what difference does it make? You want him to propose marriage, don’t you? Or do you plan to remain his friend while this other woman seduces him? You do realize that if they marry, she will never allow you to remain friends. I know I refused when that problem arose.”
Jenny tugged on her braid just as something tugged at her mind. Nothing about this plan seemed ladylike, but what other choice did she have?
“If I do decide to go through with this plan, what do I do about Louisa? She may be willing to leave us alone for a brief moment—knowing I would never reveal it to Mrs. Rutley—but I cannot imagine her allowing us to be alone for a prolonged amount of time. How am I to get time alone with him?”
The familiar mischievous grin appeared on Maria’s lips. “I’ll stay an extra night so I can act as your chaperone. Does this man live nearby?”
Jenny nodded. “Not far at all.”
“Good. We’ll go into the village today and buy everything you’ll need. Before we go, I want you to send a message stating—not asking, stating—that he should clear his schedule for the afternoon because you’ll be calling over at midday.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Although the last of his guests had departed at a late hour, Nicholas rose early the following morning with Miss Jenny on his mind. Something was amiss, and he had to learn what it was.
Now, however, he had a larger problem at hand. Several of his guests had remained for the night, including Lord Tulk and Lady Ayles. Initially, he had hoped to approach the marquess during breakfast and present his final proposition. Unfortunately, he had no idea what Lady Ayles had planned for the day. And trusting her not to meddle was out of the question.
Then there was the matter of the blackmail. He had paid Lady Ayles as she requested and now sat across from her in the drawing room. It was time to remove her from his home. For good. He had better things to do than entertain a blackmailer.
“Now, unless you have something more worth saying, you’ll leave. I can’t have anyone seeing us together and believing I’ve suddenly lost my mind and agreed to rekindle our relationship.”
Now that he could look back on what they once had with clearer vision, the word rekindle was a poor choice of words. Who would consider rekindling a candle when he could have a roaring fire with Miss Jenny?
“Oh, Nicholas,” she said, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. “You’ve always worried more than was necessary. I’ll not upset your little fiancée by being seen with you.”
“Then, why won’t you leave? What more do you want?”
Lady Ayles twirled a long strand of dark hair around her finger. “The last letter you sent still angers me, Nicholas.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. “I know full well it was nothing but lies. Tell me you don’t wish for me to be on your arm again.Inyour arms again. Say so, and I’ll walk away and never return.”
An image of Miss Jenny came to mind. If he wanted anyone on—or in—his arms, it was she, not Lady Ayles. “What we had is now in the past. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I no longer see you in that way.”
Pouting, Lady Ayles asked, “In what way is that?”