Page 450 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Exactly!” she exclaimed, then looked at Jo, “And you, Lady Josephine, are you ready for marriage?”

Jo detected an underlying curiosity that went beyond the question. The lady had clearly noticed the fact that Josephine had been flirting shamelessly with other men at the party last night. But then, no one could have missed the fact that she danced with the same man three times last night—a man who wasn’t Nicholas.

“I am coping,” she said. “You know how weddings are, a thousand details and not nearly enough time to prepare.”

“So true, and the details will drive a person to distraction. I imagine your mother has things well in hand, though?”

“I wouldn’t survive without her,” Josephine said, and her heart gave a twist. Spending time with her mother was taking an added toll on her.

“I haven’t seen your mother this afternoon,” Lady Allaway said.

“She is likely resting in her room. She takes a short nap in the afternoons on the days we’re home.”

Lady Allaway gave a knowing nod. “I have found a nap in the afternoon makes me a new woman.”

“My mother says much the same.” Jo flicked a glance at the doorway as Henry Maxwell entered. His gaze alighted on Nicholas, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

“If you will excuse me, Lady Allaway, I see Henry just arrived,” Nicholas said. “There is a matter I wish to discuss with him.”

“Of course,” she replied. “You run along. I’ll see to Lady Josephine.”

“I wouldn’t mind saying hello to Henry,” Josephine said.

Nick flashed a dazzling smile. “And he you, no doubt. But we will bore you with our business.”

“On the contrary,” she replied. “You know how interested I am in business.”

“Yes, I do, but not this time.” He smiled, but she caught the hint of steel in his eyes.

“Lady Josephine and I will amuse ourselves,” Lady Allaway said.

“You’re too kind,” Nick bent over the older woman’s hand again, then took Jo’s hand in his and lifted it to his lips. “I will see you at dinner, Lady Josephine.”

She wanted to snatch her hand back, but that would do no good.

Nicholas left, and Lady Allaway said, “You are a very lucky young woman, my dear.”

“Yes,” Josephine answered, her bad luck coming to mind as it too often did.

Why had Nicholas returned home? From the corner of her eye, she saw that he and Henry had been waylaid by two of her father’s cronies. They were probably congratulating him on his upcoming marriage.

Eric Fleming entered from the open French doors leading to the balcony and his eyes fell on her. He cast a glance at Nicholas, whose back was to him, then crossed the room to Josephine and Lady Allaway.

“Lady Allaway.” He nodded, then said to Jo, “You look in the peak of health, Lady Josephine. You’re almost glowing.”

“I noticed that as well,” Lady Allaway said. “But she was in the company of Lord Grayson, so it’s to be expected.”

Eric’s gaze sharpened on her. “Is that so?”

Panic raced to the surface. Lady Allaway’s comment was that of a romantic, but Eric’s expression was too knowing. He couldn’t know that Nick had done to her. Josephine forced back the erotic picture, suddenly afraid the truth would show on her face.

She gave Eric a coy smile and slid a hand into the crook of his arm. “Surely you aren’t jealous, my lord? Only last night I saw you dancing with Lady Clayworth, and it was obvious that she hung on your every word.”

He laid a hand on his heart. “If only that were true. I fear the lady isn’t interested in me.”

“I find that hard to believe,” Josephine said. She looked at Lady Allaway. “Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Allaway?”

“But of course. What eligible woman could possibly resist you?”