Chapter 12 #3
“You could say that.” Jonathan looked down into the drink between his hands. "You see, I promised Adam I would find Elizabeth a husband.”
Ian slapped his knee and laughed. “Well, that shouldn’t be too hard. Promise her to yourself.” He punched Jonathan good-naturedly on the arm.
“Elizabeth and I have had a parting of the ways, so to speak,” Jonathan said, his tongue heavy with sarcasm. “And I really don’t want to go into the details.”
Ian stared at his good friend while he took a sip of his bourbon.
There was something that Jonathan wasn’t telling him.
But if Ian pushed now, he could tell he’d get nowhere.
And from the sparks in his friend’s eyes at the mention of Elizabeth’s name, Ian knew Jonathan was denying what he really felt.
Ian smiled to himself. Maybe this Season was going to be a little more fun than the last.
One beautiful girl.
One jealous rake.
Yes, indeed. It could be quite interesting.
Ian cleared his throat to regain Jonathan’s attention. “I’ll be glad to help you rummage through London’s finest and find Lady Elizabeth a proper husband. That’s the least a friend can do. Then you’ll be able to retire to your estate in peace.”
Ian watched the play of emotions on his friend’s face before Jonathan finally said, “Thank you. Our first ball is next week.”
It was all Ian could do to keep a straight face. If Jonathan clutched that glass much tighter, it would break in two.
“I’ll be there,” Ian said as he stood. “By the way, there is a horse race next week, and I’ve got a sure winner.”
“I’d like to see what you’ve picked,” Jonathan said as he stood to leave. “We’ll talk more tomorrow night.”
“Come right this way,” Mrs. Hepplewhite said as she escorted Elizabeth to a private room. “I have another patron in there but she is just finishing up.” Mrs. Hepplewhite opened the door for Elizabeth.
“Tiffany?” Elizabeth squealed with surprise.
A young woman sitting in one of the two chairs looked up from the patterns she’d been examining. Her blond hair was piled neatly on her head, and her eyes were so blue they were crystal clear.
Elizabeth’s childhood friend was as beautiful as she remembered.
“Elizabeth Trent?” Tiffany sprang to her feet and quickly covered the short distance between them, giving Elizabeth a big hug.
“I guess there is no need for introductions.” Mrs. Hepplewhite chuckled. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’ll go and get the material I have in mind for your gowns, Lady Elizabeth.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said with a smile and then looked at her friend. “You are simply beautiful. You haven’t changed one bit.”
“Oh, haven’t I?” Tiffany patted her stomach, and Elizabeth realized that her friend was in the early months of pregnancy.
“Well, maybe a little,” Elizabeth admitted as she took a seat. “We have so much catching-up to do. Who did you marry?”
“Marquess Gray DeGray,” Tiffany said proudly. “And who did you marry? No wait I remember. You were going to grow up first and then marry Jonathan Hird.”
Elizabeth frowned. “What a good memory.”
Mrs. Hepplewhite chose that moment to return, followed by two assistants carrying bolts of brightly colored material. They spread the cloth out in front of Elizabeth.
“I should leave since I’ve finished,” Tiffany said as she stood.
Elizabeth caught Tiffany’s arm. “Stay and help me pick out my gowns, if you have the time. Besides, we have so much to talk about.”
Tiffany nodded and sat back down. They chatted happily as Elizabeth chose several fabrics to make the ball gowns.
When they were left alone, Elizabeth confided everything that had happened to her friend. It was as if she had been storing everything up inside her, and it finally poured out. Tiffany didn’t condemn or pass judgment. She just listened patiently.
“You poor dear.” Tiffany’s eyes had grown misty. “I can tell you still love him.”
Elizabeth fought hard against the tears she refused to let fall. “Yes, I do.”
“Well, we will simply have to undo a wrong. We’re going to get you that earl, if it’s the last thing we do.”
“I don’t know.” Elizabeth swallowed hard, barely managing a feeble answer. “It may be too late.”
Tiffany thought for a moment. ‘‘Rubbish. Listen, my husband is going to be gone for the next month or so, and you’ll need a female chaperone in public. What if I move into Trent House so we’ll be together? Then we can plan our next move.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
Tiffany reached over and took Elizabeth’s hand.
“Listen, these rakes are a tough lot. They don’t want to give up their freedom although they know they must, so they play the charade.
Gray was the worst. I thought I would never convince him he couldn’t live without me.
” She chuckled. “So you see, my dear, I have experience.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I’m so glad I bumped into you. You make me feel as if I might have a chance.”
Tiffany stood to leave. Evidently, Elizabeth hadn’t looked in a mirror lately, Tiffany thought.
Elizabeth was very beautiful. Men would be flocking all around her. “My dear, Jonathan Hird has met his match.
“Two scheming females against one unsuspecting gentleman... he doesn’t stand a chance.”