Page 71 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
“Lady Wynten,” Lavinia replied warmly, then leaned in slightly toward Jane. “Come with me. You look like you are about to be eaten alive.”
“I am not?—”
“You are.”
Before Jane could argue further, Lavinia was already guiding her away.
They moved toward the edge of the hall where groups gathered more informally near the refreshments. The music softened slightly, replaced by low conversation and the occasional laugh.
Only once they were out of immediate earshot did Lavinia speak again.
“It will pass. They will find a new scandal to chase.”
Jane’s mouth tightened. “I am not certain I will be forgiven quickly enough for that to matter.”
Lavinia studied her for a moment. “Then we will make them talk about something else.”
Jane blinked. “Such as?”
Lavinia’s smile sharpened. “How beautiful and graceful you look tonight.”
Jane gave her a look. “I am not certain that is helpful.”
“It is entirely helpful,” Lavinia said firmly. “You are intelligent, composed, and despite your current expression, quite striking when you are not actively trying to disappear.”
“I am not trying to disappear.”
“You absolutely are.”
Jane exhaled slowly. Before she could respond, a small cluster of gentlemen approached nearby, their conversation deliberatelyloud enough to suggest they had not noticed her. Which meant, of course, that they had.
One of them, young, well-dressed, and just a little too confident, glanced toward her.
“And that,” he said, not particularly quietly, “is Lady Jane, is it not?”
His companion chuckled. “The one whose brother is missing?”
Jane went still.
Lavinia’s expression cooled instantly.
Viscount Alistair Blackwood tilted his head slightly, eyes lingering on Jane in a way that was not quite polite. “Such a pity,” he continued. “One does wonder what sort of household allows such things to occur.”
Jane felt heat rise in her chest, but she did not move. She had promised herself she would not give them the satisfaction.
The man’s companion added, “Maltby did not survive the disgrace. I wonder what other scandal the poor lady will have to shoulder. A kidnapped brother, then a failed engagement… Tsk, tsk. Pity.”
Viscount Blackwood gave a faint laugh. Jane inhaled slowly. Beside her, Lavinia stiffened. Before either of them could speak, another voice cut in.
“I suggest you stop speaking about matters which are of none of your concern.”
The room shifted. Jane turned. Hector stood only a few paces away. He had not been there a moment ago.
The gentlemen stiffened immediately.
The first man blinked. “Your Grace?—”
“You have gossiped enough tonight, and you lack the necessary facts,” Hector continued.
