Every Time We Kiss

Matthew sat up and waited for the door to open. Instead, a slip of paper slid under the door. He walked to the note and read it quickly.

I need to speak with you in private. Meet me in the gardens in five minutes.

J

It was time to discover whom she planned to introduce him to this evening. Matthew dragged himself to the mirror. Brushing back his hair with his hands, he realized how badly he needed a haircut. His valet used to perform that duty. One more thing gone because of his father’s gaming.

After straightening his cravat and jacket, he headed to the gardens. A harsh November wind blustered, making him wish he’d brought his greatcoat with him. Dried leaves crunched under the weight of his boots. Wandering through the dead flowers and fallen leaves, he searched for her. He looked toward a small boxwood holly to see her sitting on a bench with her black, wool cloak wrapped around her.

She appeared innocent and, as she looked up at him, lonely. Her brilliant blue eyes held a haunting appearance.

“What is wrong, Jennette?”

She frowned and then smiled. “Nothing. It’s quite cold out here.”

“Why did you need to meet with me?”

“There are three ladies I think might approve of you.”

Approve of him? “Who?”

“Lady Anna Grange, Miss Mary Marston, and Miss Olivia Smithe-Taylor.”

“What about Lady Elizabeth?”

Her head darted upward. “Lady Elizabeth?”

“Yes. Your friend, I believe.”

He crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at her. “And unmarried.”

Her face paled in the dappled sunlight. “I do not believe she is the right woman for you.”

Anger surged through him. “So it is perfectly acceptable to toss me at some unsuspecting lady, as long as she isn’t a friend of yours.”

She rose and placed her hands on her hips. “How dare you suggest such an outrageous thing?”

“Then why?”

“I am not at liberty to say,” she replied slowly.

“Has she specifically told you she doesn’t want me to court her?” he demanded.

“No…” Her shoulders sagged. “It’s not what you think, Matthew.”

“Oh?”

“Promise me you shall tell no one what I’m about to say to you.” She looked up at him with pleading eyes and he knew he would have agreed to anything.

“Very well.”

“Her father left her out of his will,” she whispered, staring at the ground.

“Why?”

She shrugged and shook her head. “She has never told any of us. I know she has a dowry but I believe it is not substantial.”

“The duke had a huge fortune and I can’t believe it was all entailed,” Matthew commented.