Chapter 14: The Games Women Play

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Revised, Published Version

Matilda turned at the sound of musical laughter, feeling shocked and disheartened, seeing Jade flirting with Lord Richard Freeman, the Marquess of Winchester. She had risked her family's wrath for her niece and narrowed her eyes, watching how charming and ladylike she appeared. While irritated, she couldn't help the pride swelling inside her. While Jade was indeed showing Lord Freeman her favor, she was pulling it off with grace. Matilda grinned, observing how uncomfortable Lord Freeman appeared at the unwanted attention given to him by an animated Jade. Meanwhile, poor Abagail stood silent—like a statue—in awe of the man.

The duchess headed for the dining room, thinking she made a grave mistake. I have just enough time to change the place settings back. I'll put Miriam back beside William, and that will be that. The apparent contempt and menacing glare on Lord Anson's face pulled from her reverie. Matilda stopped in her tracks and turned, studying the earl. She was quick to realize Jade's behavior toward Lord Freeman was causing William's palpable outrage.

I believe I was correct in my assumptions, but I would love to see how this plays out. Jade, the little minx, is trying to get a rise out of Lord Anson by flirting with his closest friend. How very interesting. Gratified, Matilda acknowledged it was time to announce dinner, and her anxiety had waned. She was now far too curious and entertained by the current events to be concerned about the changed seating arrangements.

However, she would take full responsibility because she knew her servants would be to blame. Matilda had heard whispers of her daughter's cruelty toward the staff and had witnessed it on more than one occasion. She would not allow Miriam to belittle or abuse anyone in her household ever again and felt relieved after assigning Suzanna as Jade's lady's maid. Both girls seemed thrilled.

Matilda's suspicion of her daughter's physical abuse of Suzanna brought back memories of her last quarrel with Miriam. The thought sickened her, and she would not allow it in her home. She would deal with her husband's wrath, but she didn't give a whit what Miriam thought. Not anymore. Matilda wished to find Miriam a husband, but didn't want to burden someone else with her problems. Whoever married the wicked girl earned her pity, but she felt even worse for their unsuspecting staff.

Matilda watched Richard escort Jade and Abagail into the dining room, while William escorted Miriam. The earl walked stoically, with a beaming Miriam on his arm, who seemed oblivious to his stony expression. Matilda held her breath as William pulled out a chair beside Miriam's father and waited for her to sit.

The perplexed expression on her face turned to seething rage, and Matilda feared Miriam was about to embarrass herself by throwing a conniption. Instead, she smiled at Lord Anson and gave a small curtsy before taking her seat.

Matilda exhaled, sagging in relief, but made the mistake of peering at her husband. His forehead lifted as he regarded her, and she feigned innocence by giving him a seductive smile.

I will have a lot of explaining to do tonight. What shall I say? I hope the new ornate, alluring nightgown I purchased will be enough to take George's mind off my misdeeds. The mere thought of the racy French garment made her spine tingle with excitement. Matilda's duke still gave her butterflies, and one smoldering look from him caused heat to rush through her veins. She would have to use her womanly wiles to sway her husband tonight.

Matilda had a clear view of Jade, whom she'd seated beside Lord William Anson, while Abagail was across from the disgruntled couple and beside Lord Richard Freeman. She expected a tantalizing meal, yet couldn't neglect her other guests. Although challenging, Matilda tried in vain to act interested in fashion and politics, since the Season always coincided with the sessions of Parliament.

The duchess noticed Miriam was quiet and shooting daggers at her unaware cousin, but Jade was much too busy gulping down wine to see Miriam's glaring disapproval. Abagail was otherwise engaged in what appeared to be a light conversation with the marquess. The gentle laugh escaping her lips and the permanent blush spread across her rosy cheeks were a sure sign of her attraction to Lord Freeman.

Matilda was taking it all in, and if she were a man, she would march down to White's and put a bet in their famous betting book. Jade's ability to capture and reform the Errant Earl of Lichfield is what she would bet on. Something about Jade's elegance, mixed with her steel resolve, made the duchess realize Miriam was no match for her cousin. Sure, Miriam was wicked, unkind, and self-absorbed, but Jade was stubborn, clever, and a downright hoyden at times. And the attraction between Jade and the Earl of Lichfield was electrifying.

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Jade tried controlling her thoughts and emotions by feigning interest in her food, but Lord Anson was too close, and his smell, intoxicating. She wasn't sure if his thigh touching her own was an accident or if the rake was trying to rattle her composure.

It was quite exhausting ignoring Miriam's clear contempt while trying to suppress her growing interest in Lord Anson. The wine she consumed helped, but now Jade felt rather carefree and bold. I must be careful and remember the plan is to rebuff Lord Anson. Miriam is watching my every move.

Still, she had an odd desire to touch him and clasped her hands to keep from reaching under the table to his warm thigh pressed against hers. I have taken leave of my senses, and it must be the wine causing such impure thoughts. 'Tis not ladylike to think like a light skirt.

Jade glanced at Abagail and felt a sudden surge of happiness, seeing her come out of her timid shell. The reprieve came just in time, taking her mind off William, as she watched Abagail glowing and giggling at the handsome marquess. What is going on here? I believe the marquees has Abagail besotted and I don't think I've ever seen her flirt or be so bold. Jade's mouth slipped open, and she clamped it shut.

"Miss Fulton, is dinner not to your liking?" Jade froze, hearing Lord Anson's soft yet husky voice, and picked up her wine goblet, hoping no one would notice the sudden tremor, causing her hands to shake.

"No, my lord, 'tis not the food. Cook has outdone herself, but I've not much of an appetite," she said, staring down at her plate.

"I see," Lord Anson responded with a hint of bitterness.

Jade gulped the tart yet sweet, intoxicating wine and felt all eyes were upon them. She was not a fool and knew why the earl was cold and short with her. Even so, Jade couldn't fathom why it felt like a slap in the face, since this was the response she was trying to gain by flirting with his friend, Lord Richard Freeman. Mayhap, I went a bit overboard. What if he deems me a doxy, and I have ruined everything?

Her turbulent emotions were running amuck, and she wondered if he would show up tonight. Jade wasn't even sure what she would say or how she would say it, and only knew she had to warn him against Miriam's wickedness. A desperate feeling settled, trapped somewhere between her chest and throat.

Once dinner was over, Jade felt immense relief and looked forward to escaping to her bedchamber. She removed herself from the chair, stood, smoothed down the silk of her gown, and gasped at the proffered arm before her. She peeked toward Miriam before hooking her arm through Lord Anson's. "Thank you, my lord." Jade made the mistake of looking into his eyes and faltered, but felt his grasp tightened to steady her.

"Are you unwell?" Lord Anson furrowed his brows.

Jade lifted her chin with aloofness. "No, my lord, I am well."

"I think perhaps you've indulged in too much wine on an empty stomach." He chuckled, and Jade felt her face turn crimson.

"You are quite insufferable!" Jade scoffed in a harsh whisper, enjoying his nearness, and dreaded the loss of her arm tucked into his. They had lollygagged too long, and as they neared the drawing room, Jade realized they were the last couple to leave. "We must hurry, or tongues will be wagging."

​"I fear you are right." The earl smiled down at Jade and winked. "Tonight, same time... same place." With a quick bow, he took his leave of her.

Relief and anxiety bolted through Jade's tingling body. "Until tonight," she whispered to his retreating form.  

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Lady Lisa

September 2023 Revised Version

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