Free Lover Be Mine: A Legendary Lovers Novel by Nicole Jordan

you?”
    “You are known for your plain-speaking yourself,” Jack countered.
    “I am. I fancy directness over mealymouth bromides. Therefore, pray be direct.”
    “Do I understand correctly that you don’t want your niece to wed Dunmore?”
    She hesitated but eventually nodded. “You could say so.”
    “Then I wish to make my case for why you should grant me permission to court her.”
    “
Indeed
?” Astonishment spread over Mrs. Pennant’s wrinkled features. “Are you telling me
     you want to
wed
my niece?”
    Jack answered honestly. “I don’t yet know if matrimony is in the cards. We only met
     just this week.”
    “So you are not claiming to love her.”
    “I admit I am enamored of her, but I don’t know her well enough yet to love her, and
     it is too soon to tell if a courtship could lead to marriage. But I want the chance
     for us to become better acquainted and determine if we could be a match … which is
     why I am requesting an invitation to your house party.”
    Her rasping laugh sounded again. “You are inventive, I’ll give you that. I presume
     you will tell me why I should invite you.”
    “Because time is running short for me to win your niece’s affections before Dunmore
     proposes.”
    “Does Sophie favor your courtship?”
    Jack hesitated. “I have reason to believe she mightentertain my suit if it weren’t for her father’s objections.”
    The elderly lady’s mouth turned down in a frown. “If this is some lark of yours, Lord
     Jack …”
    “I assure you, I am in earnest.”
    “Why should I believe you—a hellion with a taste for the devil? For the past decade
     you have left a string of broken hearts in your wake.”
    “I have no intention of breaking your niece’s heart, madam,” Jack assured her.
    “To my knowledge you have never been marriage-minded.”
    He smiled. “Because I have never met the right match. Until Sophie, I have never met
     the woman who could make me contemplate matrimony.” Which was certainly an understatement,
     he reflected drolly.
    “But surely you realize the obstacles you face? Oliver Fortin would never countenance
     your courtship of his daughter, even if I would.”
    Her tone had softened, and for the first time Jack felt himself winning the argument
     for Mrs. Pennant’s approval. “I realize I cannot woo her openly, so I want to call
     in reinforcements. I suggest that you also invite my cousin, Lady Skye Wilde, and
     I will come along as her escort. It will provide a good excuse for my presence.”
    Mrs. Pennant’s mouth pursed as she appeared to weigh his proposal. “What does your
     cousin have to say about your plan?”
    “I haven’t asked her yet, but I have no doubt she will comply. Skye and my sister
     Katharine are great admirers of your niece and want to get to know herbetter. In fact, they would be happy to introduce her to their genteel circles.”
    “Their patronage would be beneficial for Sophie,” Mrs. Pennant said thoughtfully.
     “Oliver would be a fool to shun it, although even that enticing advantage is unlikely
     to sway him.”
    “Which is another reason to invite me to Berkshire. It will give me a chance to persuade
     her father as well. And if anyone can charm Fortin, Skye can. She can also keep Dunmore
     occupied while I claim your niece’s time and attention.”
    Mrs. Pennant seemed faintly impressed. “Apparently you have thought of everything.”
    “Not by a long shot. I’ve had less than a day to plan.”
    “It seems you are going to a great deal of trouble to pursue my niece.”
    “True,” Jack agreed, amused at himself. He’d never gone to such lengths to court a
     lady, or been forced to desperate measures merely to see one. But he wasn’t willing
     to let this lady slip from his grasp without at least investigating their compatibility.
     He could afford to invest a week or so of time and effort in exploring what might
     have a momentous impact on his future.
    “You will have to be