A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 2), Laura Beers [i read books TXT] 📗

She stepped over to the door and peered inside. The sitting room, with its rich blue walls, was much more masculine than her bedchamber. Two floral camelback settees faced each other near the fireplace.

Gesturing with wide arms around the room, Jane asked, “What do you think of your sitting room?”

“It is lovely.”

Jane smiled approvingly as she ran her hand along the back of the settee. “I agree, especially since I designed this room myself.”

“You did an admirable job.”

“It did turn out quite nicely,” Jane said. “Oliver wouldn’t let me redecorate his bedchamber, but he didn’t object to the sitting room.”

Emmeline stepped further into the room. “I know I shouldn’t feel odd about being in here, but I’m afraid I haven’t adjusted fully to the fact that I am a married woman yet.”

“These things take time,” Jane encouraged. “Or at least, I assume they do.”

“I am glad that you are here with me.”

“As am I,” Jane said as she came to a stop in front of her. “Besides, if Oliver doesn’t behave, then I shall deal with him.”

“Oliver did promise me that he would remain faithful,” Emmeline revealed.

“I should hope so!” Jane exclaimed.

“You must remember that this is a marriage of convenience. I can’t very well dictate my husband’s actions.”

Jane pressed her lips together, then said, “No, but I truly hope that Oliver doesn’t disrespect you by continuing on as he has been.”

“He won’t.”

Not appearing convinced, Jane remarked, “I’m hoping you are right. But, I feel as if I should warn you that a leopard cannot change its spots.”

“Oliver is a good man,” Emmeline said. “I have no doubt that he will treat me fairly.”

“And if you are wrong?”

Emmeline grew silent for a minute, then admitted, “I’m not entirely sure.”

A forced smile came to her friend’s lips as she attempted, “Let us talk about much more pleasurable things.”

“Such as?”

“Would you care to go riding tomorrow?”

Emmeline perked up. “I would love to.”

“I assumed as much,” Jane replied. “You could always outride me when we were younger.”

“I daresay that is not true.”

Jane laughed. “You used to ride through the woodlands as if it were an easy task to accomplish.”

“Once you have ridden those trails a time or two, it is much easier to navigate.”

The sound of the dinner bell could be heard chiming in the distance, beckoning everyone to come.

“We should go,” Jane encouraged.

After they exited the sitting room and her bedchamber, they started walking down a hall with portraits lining the walls.

Emmeline stopped when she arrived at Oliver’s portrait, and she was quick to acknowledge what a dashing figure he made. He was dressed in his finery, and a hint of a smile was on his lips. But it was his eyes that held her transfixed. His guarded eyes spoke of a story that she knew she would never be privy to.

“This portrait was recently commissioned,” Jane shared.

“Your brother is quite handsome.”

Jane shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t see it.”

Emmeline laughed. “I suppose you wouldn’t.”

Looping Emmeline’s arm through her own, Jane continued to lead her, and it wasn’t long before they arrived at the entry hall. They stepped into the drawing room and were greeted by Harriet.

“You are looking lovely tonight,” Harriet said.

“Thank you,” Emmeline replied.

Harriet gestured towards Baldwin and a young woman that Emmeline was unfamiliar with. “Allow me to introduce you to Baldwin’s bride, Madalene.”

Emmeline curtsied. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

The dark-haired beauty approached her and smiled warmly. “Family does not make use of titles,” she chided lightly. “I have been looking forward to speaking to you all afternoon. I am sorry that we weren’t present when you arrived, but Baldwin and I went on a carriage ride through Hyde Park.”

“That sounds delightful.”

Baldwin cleared his throat. “You must have misheard, then.”

Madalene laughed as she turned back towards Baldwin. “You must excuse my husband,” she said. “He is not a fan of taking carriage rides through Hyde Park during the fashionable hour.”

“It is entirely too crowded for my tastes,” Baldwin explained.

“I must agree with you there,” Emmeline replied. “I prefer riding my horse in the morning, and I try to avoid the crowds entirely.”

“That sounds much more enjoyable,” Baldwin said. “Madalene and I shall have to join you on your morning ride.”

Jane spoke up. “We are riding tomorrow morning. You are welcome to join us.”

With a side glance at his wife for approval, Baldwin said, “I believe we shall. Thank you for the invitation.”

The butler stepped into the room and announced that dinner was served.

“Thank you, Pratt,” Baldwin acknowledged, offering his arm to his wife. “Shall we?”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Oliver?” Emmeline asked curiously.

Frowning, Harriet shared, “I’m sorry to inform you that Oliver has gone out for the evening.”

“Oh,” Emmeline replied, her gaze lowering to the floor. “I should have assumed.”

“We all agree that it was terribly unfair of him,” Jane declared.

Emmeline put on a brave face as she brought her gaze up. “Shall we go in to dinner?” she asked, hoping her voice sounded cordial enough. “I find that I am famished.”

Jane gave her a concerned look. “It is all right to be angry.”

“I know,” Emmeline said, “but this is what I agreed to.”

Jane opened her mouth to no doubt object but closed it when Harriet interjected, “Perhaps we can discuss this later.”

“Yes, Mother,” Jane muttered, looking entirely displeased.

They followed Baldwin and Madalene into the dining room, and Emmeline claimed the seat next to Jane. After they were situated, Madalene directed a comment to Emmeline. “I heard you are turning twenty-one soon.”

“Yes, in two days’ time,” Emmeline replied.

“How wonderful!” Madalene gushed.

Baldwin leaned to the side as a footman placed a bowl of soup in front of him. “I am not sure if you are aware, but Emmeline grew up in the same village as we did.”

“I was not,” Madalene replied.

“Yes, Jane and Emmeline would get into all types of mischief in the woodlands that divided our lands,” Baldwin shared with a smile.

Harriet bobbed her head in agreement. “Jane’s dresses would be terribly filthy every time they went