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Alistair nodded. “Showing prejudice like that is no way for a gentleman to behave. But showing bad judgment, failing to keep your emotions in check, is no way for a businessman to behave.”

Jem nodded. “I see your point. But…” She couldn’t believe she was about to do this. “But Jasper’s good at his job, Pa. He’s an arse, but he’s a clever one. I’m not so sure that you should be postponing your announcement.”

Her father grunted in response. “He’s not ready.”

???

“You’re a fine filly, aren’t you?”

Ellie turned around to see a tall woman looking her up and down as though she was about to buy her, and it was only the high cheekbones and the long limbs that clued her in as to who it must be. “Mrs. Darlington,” she said, holding out her hand anddesperately wishing Jem was here.

“Better call me Jessica now that you’re in the family.”

Ellie swallowed down her surprise. Jem’s mother didn’t leave the country often and they’d never met until just now, something had always come up. “In the family?” she choked out, not sure she’d heard right.

“Well, you’ll be making an honest woman of her soon, I suppose,” Jessica said. “You’re not planning on shacking up together without a ring, are you?”

“Um, well… I, uh…”

Jessica boomed out a laugh. “I’m teasing you, Ellie. You two do as you please.” She leaned in a little and Ellie could smell expensive perfume. “But don’t miss your chance. She’s dotty about you, as I’m sure you know, and she’s just moping around waiting for you to ask for her hand.”

“She is?” Ellie said, not at all sure this was true.

“Take it from her mother, Jemima adores you. And from your looks I can see why. You organized all this, didn’t you?”

Ellie nodded.

“Efficient and competent too,” said Jessica approvingly. “I see what she sees in you. If it doesn’t work out, come knocking on my door and we’ll see what we can do to get rid of old Alistair and install you as lady of the manor instead.”

She picked up a glass of champagne and waltzed off, leaving Ellie with her mouth wide open staring after her. Once she managed to close her mouth, she laughed to herself. Jem’s mother was quite a character, but she’d been warned.

Maybe she wasn’t quite as crazy as she seemed though. She did seem to think that Jem was crazy about her, a sentiment that burned warm in Ellie’s stomach until a sudden chill ran down her spine. She spun around, but no one was behind her.

Why did she have the feeling that she was being watched?

???

Jem crept up beside Ellie, drinking in the sight of her, barely able to believe that she was allowed to speak to her, let alone touch her.

“Oh, there you are,” Ellie said, turning and smiling brightly at her.

“This is all amazing,” Jem said, gesturing at the party. “I can’t believe that you arranged all this.”

“It’s my job,” Ellie said, lifting an eyebrow. “Remember?”

“I know, but it’s still incredible. It’s almost like magic.”

“Right,” scoffed Ellie.

“Hey, just take the compliment,” said Jem, moving in so that she could put her hand on Ellie’s waist. Immediately she felt warmth. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”

Ellie’s lips curved into a smile and Jem’s heart skipped a beat. How could she think that Ellie wouldn’t want this?

“Actually, me too,” Ellie said.

“Well, I get to go first.”

“Says who?” said Ellie, laughing.