Free Claiming the Chaperon's Heart by Anne Herries

looking at him in amusement. ‘If I do not have at least four engagements each day I shall think myself abandoned. You must not grudge me my fun, Will. I come so seldom to London that my friends clamour to see me and have me attend their parties.’
    ‘And the house is inundated with young smarts,’ her brother said, a trifle put out. ‘I think you were right, Jane. Melia hardly has time to pass the time of day with me of late. If she is not driving in the park with one of her admirers, she is riding, or attending an al fresco breakfast or a waltzing party in the afternoons.’
    ‘You would not have her appear a country dowd?’ Jane lifted her fine eyes to his. ‘Naturally, she wishes to waltz well by the time she appears at Almack’s, and Lady Sopworth’s invitation to join her daughters at their waltzing lessons was a great favour that I was delighted for her to take up.’
    ‘I do not mean to complain,’ Will said with a wry smile for his sister. ‘Melia is lovely and it is no wonder that she is in demand. I knew it would happen but I hope she will not forget me.’
    ‘If she loves you this will be but a passing phase,’ his sister said. ‘If she does not—then I do not think you would wish to marry her?’
    ‘Perhaps not,’ Will admitted, a flash of pain in his eyes. ‘But I do think the world of her, Jane—and I hoped she felt the same.’
    ‘She is young, dearest, and must have a little time to flirt,’ Jane said softly, feeling his hurt and wishing that she might help him, but there was little she could do.
    ‘I do understand,’ Will answered with a determined lift of his head. ‘Take no notice of me. Have you arranged to see Mama today?’
    ‘Mama is always engaged,’ her loving daughter said. ‘She did make time to call on us and we have all dined with her—but I am informed she means to give a large ball next week and we are all summoned to attend.’
    Will’s eyes lit with laughter. ‘I should not dare to plead another engagement, and I know you would not think of it. Besides, everyone will be there. It will be the biggest crush of the season if I know anything of Mama.’
    ‘Yes, I dare say it will...’ Jane had been opening her letters. Most were invitations to various affairs, but the one she had just glanced down at made her sit up straighter. ‘Cousin Sarah apologises for her tardiness in replying and asks if she may join me here on Thursday afternoon... Oh! That is the day after tomorrow. I must be at home to receive her, which means I cannot accompany Melia to Mrs Broom’s for tea and a little music...’ She turned beguiling eyes on her brother. ‘I know it is the kind of affair you most despise, Will—but perhaps you could escort her?’
    Will seemed to hesitate, then nodded. ‘Of course, love. At least it will give me the chance to spend more than a few minutes in her company.’
    ‘Yes...’ Jane scanned the rest of her cousin’s letter and frowned. Sarah seemed to be in a fret over something, hinting that she had a problem that she wished to discuss with her. Discarding the letter, she opened the next in her pile. ‘I must make sure that one of the best guest rooms is prepared for Sarah...’ A little cry of surprise left her lips as she read her next letter. ‘How odd...’
    ‘Something wrong, Sis?’ Will asked.
    ‘No, not wrong—just surprising. Lord Frant has asked if I can help him choose some suitable furnishings for his house. He says that he has been living in two rooms and that cannot continue if he wishes to entertain, which he does—and he has no idea where to start.’
    ‘What can the fellow be thinking of?’ Will frowned. ‘You must say no, Jane. It is not your place to furnish the man’s home.’
    ‘No, but he does not expect that, merely some advice. He really has no idea how to start—and you know that kind of thing has always appealed to me. Mama says that if I ever lose my fortune I might make it again by advising others how to furnish