Free Regency Sting by Elizabeth Mansfield Page B

matter we’re discussing. It may be no skin from your nose if you become the laughingstock of London, but it shall certainly bruise mine . I won’t have the Mainwaring name made ridiculous.”
    Jason turned back to her and said politely, “I know how you feel, Lady Harriet, but no one knows me here. No passerby will be able to make the connection between this peculiar foreigner and the Mainwarings.”
    â€œThey’ll make the connection later, however, when you’ve been introduced to society. Such a sight as you make now will not easily be forgotten.”
    â€œDo I look as bad as that?” Jason asked ruefully.
    Lady Harriet softened immediately. “Oh, dear. I didn’t mean to offend … that is, of course you don’t look bad. I find you quite handsome, truly I do. It’s only that coat— ”
    Anne nodded in agreement, circling Jason and studying his appearance with amused, half-admiring revulsion. “I’ve never seen such a dreadful garment. Why on earth do you want to wear it?”
    â€œBecause it’s warm!” he declared impatiently. “I own nothing else that is suitable for this obnoxious climate. This Virginia boy is accustomed to much milder weather.”
    â€œBut I’m sorry to have to tell you, ‘Virginia boy,’ that nothing like it has ever been seen on the streets of London. If you don’t want to make a cake of yourself, you’ll remain indoors until a greatcoat can be made for you.”
    â€œBut that may take days !”
    â€œWeeks, more likely.”
    â€œ Weeks ?” He looked at Anne in dismay. “You can’t ask me to remain cooped up in the house for weeks!”
    â€œIt does seem a bit cruel,” Lady Harriet admitted.
    â€œOf course, he may go outdoors on milder days,” Anne suggested, “if he wears one of his less exceptional coats. And he may take some hope in the realization that the time necessary for making his greatcoat can be considerably shortened if he speaks to the tailors in the proper way.”
    Lady Harriet looked at Anne hopefully. “Oh, Anne, dearest, would you help him to do that?”
    Anne caught herself up short. “Now, Mama, I told you I wanted nothing to do with—”
    â€œAnne!” her stepmother cut her off in embarrassment. “You needn’t be so tactless, with Jason standing right here.”
    â€œOh, that’s all right, ma’am,” Jason assured her. “Your daughter has already informed me to my face that makin’ me over into a proper gentleman is too hopeless a task for her to undertake.”
    â€œNever mind, dear boy,” Lady Harriet said soothingly, “we shall manage very well without Anne’s help. As far as I can see, you are quite a proper gentleman already and only want the proper clothing.”
    Anne merely snorted in a scornful—and very unladylike—manner.
    Jason, ignoring her, grinned at his aunt. “Thank you, ma’am, for those comfortin’ words. If I had to rely on the good opinion of your daughter, my self-esteem would suffer a real beatin’.”
    â€œWhat gammon!” sneered Anne. “I’m beginning to suspect that your self-esteem is as oversized as you are, and I’m convinced it can stand up quite well under any blows from me .”
    â€œAnne, stop this at once! You are upsetting me, and you know my heart won’t stand it. If you won’t help him, you can at least leave the boy in peace,” Harriet ordered. “Come, Jason, give that coat to the butler and let’s confer in the library about ways and means to set you up properly in your new role.”
    Jason, with a sigh, surrendered to female pressure. He took off the offending garment and handed it to Coyne. The butler made sure also to remove the ugly, round hat from Jason’s hand, after which he quickly made a retreat down the hallway, determined to hide the clothes