Page 137 of A Foolish Flirtation

“I know. Very shocking, but it happens to be the truth.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”

“What do you see?”

“That you mean to be a very tolerant husband. You almost make me feel quite guilty that I cannot return the sentiment.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, just lately it has dawned on me that I have something of a jealous streak. It came as quite a shock to me.”

“Jealous? Of me?” He sounded more pleased by the notion than anything.

Emmie nodded. “Yes, for all the ladies hereabouts keep dropping hints about your popularity with the fairer sex. It has become quite wearing.”

“Who has?”

“Mrs. Ryland, for one,” she said, “intimated that everyone was expecting you to become engaged to Blanche Pebmarsh as soon as your divorce became official.”

“Blanche Pebmarsh?” he exclaimed incredulously. “What nonsense. Blanche Pebmarsh never talks about anything but riding to hounds. She’s quite obsessed with hunting and fishing. I’ve never been remotely attracted to her or her to me. Her future husband is undoubtedly in the mold of a sporting parson. I’m quite shocked at the vicar’s wife and I’m sure no one else can have said anything so ridiculous.”

“Then you would be wrong,” Emmie said sternly. “Mrs. Needham is another who made several such remarks.”

“Well, you and Teddy between you have convinced me that Mrs. Needham is a ghastly woman masquerading as a persecuted mama. We will avoid her in future.”

“And you must do your best to lay such rumors to rest,” Emmie announced.

“Oh, I don’t think I will have to make much of an effort in that respect,” he said, turning to face her. “Anyone with eyes in their head will soon notice that I am entirely infatuated with my own wife.”

“Even though every requirement you gave me was completely misleading?” She narrowed her eyes at him, pretending to be annoyed.

“Emmeline, I had to give you some motivation to marry me. And besides, you turned out to be so good at all those things.”

“What about London?” she asked. “Did you mean what you said about that?”

“No, that was a lie too.”

“What?” she squeaked in dismay.

“I mean, I don’t care about London society particularly, but we do own a rather nice town house there, and the odd sojourn to the flesh pots might be rather enjoyable, with you by my side.”

Emmie eyed him doubtfully. “You mean restaurants and theaters, and such things?”

“Precisely, and we could choose to socialize with people there that we like.”

“Such as the Hardimans?”

“Such as the Hardimans,” he agreed readily. “I’d like to squire you about a bit and flaunt you, why not?”

“That does sound rather nice,” she agreed hesitantly. “And I suppose, when Teddy is older, we will need to throw a few parties, just to ensure he is introduced to some nice circles and is not ostracized.”

“Neither he nor we will ever be ostracized, Ballentine. We would only have to show the faintest interest in reentering polite society, and we would be inundated with invitations. However, until you are ready, we will confine ourselves here to Cornwall. There are plenty of picnics and boat trips and days on the beach to be had.”

Emmie’s face suddenly fell as she remembered something. “What is it?” he asked, lowering his spoon.

“It’s that meeting here at Vance tomorrow, of the Good Works committee, and I quite forgot!”

Jeremy laughed. “Cancel it,” he advised callously.