Free Claiming the Chaperon's Heart by Anne Herries Page A

their homes.’
    Jane was very surprised that a man she hardly knew had suggested such a thing, but also flattered. She was aware that her good taste was often mentioned in polite circles and imagined he must have heard that she was famed for her style in all things. Mama was always extolling her virtues to others, particularly gentlemen.
    ‘I suppose he has heard some sort of garbled tale about your flair for such things.’ Will frowned. ‘I still think you ought not to agree. There’s something about him...and that friend of his. I cannot put my finger on it, but I don’t like Hargreaves and if Frant insists on keeping him in his pocket it shows...’
    ‘What does it show?’ Jane enquired, believing she understood her brother’s hostility. He was feeling a little jealous of the handsome gentleman for whom Melia had shown a particular liking. ‘I find Lord Frant a very pleasant companion—as for Viscount Hargreaves, I hardly know him.’
    ‘No more you know Frant,’ her brother said harshly. ‘I suppose he is well enough but I don’t like his friend and that I tell you...’ Will’s face was a little red as he added, ‘And it ain’t just because Melia likes him either. I wouldn’t trust that man further than I could throw him.’
    Jane was a little surprised, for her brother was the most easy-going gentleman she knew. It was unusual for him to take such a dislike to anyone. Even allowing for Melia’s attraction to the man, Jane had not expected this reaction.
    ‘I wasn’t aware that you knew much of him?’
    ‘Well, I don’t,’ her brother said. ‘When we first met I thought him a pleasant enough fellow, but I saw him fleece a young fool at the club one evening. I’m almost sure that he cheated, but I couldn’t be certain. The youth in question was General Brent’s grandson. He came into his estate when his father died last year and if he carries on at the card table in the way he did that evening, he will soon run through his fortune.’
    ‘Oh, Will!’ Jane exclaimed for she knew the general and the young man’s mother quite well. ‘I am shocked. Indeed, I am. Are you sure he was cheating? It is bad enough to go on playing when a young man like that is losing constantly, but to cheat him...’
    ‘I saw him take a card from his sleeve. I almost intervened—but I could not prove anything. If he called me a liar and protested that it was only his kerchief, which he did take out to conceal the card...it would have ended in a duel. I did not wish to become embroiled in such an unbecoming brangle, Jane. He is Lord Frant’s guest, his trusted friend—and it would seem as if I were trying to discredit him for my own purposes...’
    ‘Yes, of course I do see,’ Jane said, frowning. ‘I am perfectly sure that Lord Frant is not aware of such behaviour. I do not believe he would count a cheat as his best friend...’
    ‘No?’ Will looked dubious but then he inclined his head. ‘I dare say you are right, Jane. I know you to be a good judge of character. Please, keep your eyes and ears open as regards this man’s character, as I shall. I promise you that it is not sour grapes. I trust I am man enough to accept Melia preferring another man, but I would not want to see her ruined or have her heart broken by a scoundrel.’
    ‘Be careful you do not use such words to her—or anyone but me,’ Jane warned. ‘I am glad you’ve been frank with me, Will. I shall try to steer her away from his company gently, but to forbid her or cast a slight on his character would make her rebellious.’
    ‘Yes, I know her temper and her heedless character,’ Jane’s brother said a little sadly. ‘I love her for her faults as much as her good points. If she were a paragon, perhaps I should not love her half as well.’
    ‘Oh, my dearest,’ Jane said, but would not let words of sympathy tumble out. Will would resent it if she showed pity. He was a man and could fight his own battles. ‘Well, we must do what we