Jenny frowned in confusion. “But I’ve heard you tell your friends about this wonderful love you and Richard share. Has it all been a lie?”
“You really must stop acting like a naive schoolgirl, Jenny,” Maria said. “No one marries for love. But in polite circles, no one wants to hear anything but how happy our marriages are. And Lord Dowding? Did he mention love when he told his lady friend about their remembered kisses? No, he did not. You see? He is no different from any other man. All he wants is a lovely woman who can comport herself properly on his arm. And one he can enjoy in his bed. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you.”
The carriage came to a stop in front of Rosling Estate. Jenny approached the portico, her body numb with confusion. Maria’s advice contradicted everything she had learned during her time at Courtly Manor.
Osborne greeted Jenny and Maria at the door, moving aside to allow them to enter. As he took their coats, Lord Dowding appeared.
“Good afternoon, Miss Jenny.” He stopped and smiled at Maria. “And who is this? You never mentioned you had a twin.”
Jenny laughed. “My lord, may I present my elder sister, Mrs. Maria Bastable.”
Maria dropped into a curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Lord Dowding replied. He turned to Jenny. “I have the wine you requested, but I must admit I’m a trifle confused as to why you requested it.”
“My apologies, my lord,” Maria said before Jenny could reply, “but my sister spoke very highly of your library. I realize this may be unconventional, but I’ve simply had no time to go to the bookshop in the village since arriving. Would you mind if I took a few moments to peruse your collection?” She gave a small laugh. “I promise not to take any with me when I leave. I merely hope to find an interesting title I can order once I’ve returned home.”
“I see no reason why not,” Lord Dowding said before directing her to the room. “And please feel free to borrow any that catch your interest. There is no need to purchase books when I have plenty to offer.”
When Maria left, Jenny followed Lord Dowding to the parlor. Her breathing came in shallow gasps, for her heart was pressing against her lungs.
“I must admit your letter baffled me, Miss Jenny,” Lord Dowding said as he motioned to the couch. “And you look… different. Your cheeks are quite red. I did not realize it was so cold outside.”
Rather than sitting, Jenny forced a small laugh and glided toward him as Maria had suggested when she had explained her plan. “It’s rouge, my lord. And do you like my perfume?”
Lord Dowding smiled down at her. “It’s a lovely scent,” he said, handing her a glass of wine.
Jenny took a rather large gulp and set the glass aside. Now for the next step of her sister’s plan. She took his glass from his hand and set it beside hers.
“Miss Jenny?” the earl asked, his brows knitted.
“Do you find me beautiful, my lord?” she whispered as she touched his arm.
“Why yes, of course. I’ve commented as much many times.”
She batted her eyelashes. “And do my lips look inviting?”
He gave a quick nod. “Yes, but… did you not wish to be friends?”
Jenny ignored him. “Then allow me to show you how my kisses are the best you shall ever have.” Without warning, she lifted herself onto the tips of her toes and pressed her lips to his. At first, he resisted, but then he grasped her by the waist.
“Your sister…”
“Will be gone for some time.”
Their kiss resumed, becoming more urgent. Yet Jenny could not help but think of the lessons she had received from Mrs. Rutley and her other instructors. This was wrong, so wrong!
She pushed away, tears welling in her eyes. “No, I cannot do this any longer. Using kisses and feminine wiles is not my way, nor will it ever be.”
Lord Dowding frowned. “I must admit, I’m confused.”
Jenny grabbed her wine glass and walked over to the fireplace. Staring into the dancing flames, she wondered how she would broach the subject of Lady Ayles without sounding a petulant child. Oh, why had she allowed Maria to talk her into this farce!
The earl came to stand beside her. “When you left the ball, I could see how angry you were, but I still don’t understand why. Did it have anything to do with Lady Ayles?”
Jenny turned the stem of the glass in her fingers. “During the party, Louisa and I wanted to go out to the gardens for some fresh air. We stopped outside a door I had first thought was closed, but then I heard you admit that you missed her kisses.”
Lord Dowding groaned. “But—”