The first two she could understand but... “Jealousy?” Surely that could not be right. Besides, how would jealousy—if Leeds was even capable of such a thing—help her discern his motives? “I don’t think that one will work.”
“Why not?”
“Leeds? Jealous? Over me? That would imply he cares for me, which I assure you, he cannot.”
“Even if he doesn’t care for you, he cares about hisname. All men do. Besides, no man wants to be cuckolded.”
Harriet’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about? I’m not going to embark on an affair.”
“Who said anything about an affair?” Leonora grinned. “There are many ways to ignite jealousy in a man.”
“Lord,” Harriet muttered. “Do I even want to know?”
Leonora clapped her hands together. “I have a fabulous idea! You should dance with Lord Dare, the most handsome and blackened rake in London.”
“I do not even know Lord Dare.” She slanted a glance at her friend. “And why do you pronounce his name with so much intrigue?”
“Because I find him intriguing.”
“You shouldn’t find a rake intriguing, Leonora. That’s how ladies are ruined.”
Leonora sighed. “I know, but there is something about the thrill of dancing on the edge of danger, don’t you agree?”
“I don’t,” Harriet said. “I’ve never wanted to reform a rake.” But imagining ruining the calm of her soon-to-be-husband, it did hold immense appeal, so she could hardly judge her friend for her quirks.
“Oh, I don’t mean to reform him. I’m just enjoying myself.”
“Well, be careful. The last thing you want is to end up like me.”
“Oh, cheer up, Harriet. Tomorrow you become a marchioness.”
Harriet bared her teeth. “I’m cheerful. See?”
Leonora laughed. “No one needs to bethatcheerful.”
Harriet wrinkled her nose. “I cannot believe my life has come to this. At least I kept my promise to my mother. As much as I could.”
“That is all that counts,” Leonora agreed with a smile. She fell back against the pillows stacked against the wall. “If I don’t find a match soon, my father will probably arrange one for me as well.”
“You have no one in mind?”
Leonora shook her head. “All I want to do is have fun. All my parents want is to suck the fun out of everything.”
Harriet chuckled. “That’s a bit harsh.”
“Well, I shall steal a bit of fun from every moment I can as long as I can.” Leonora poked Harriet’s waist. “You can still find love, you know. Or a spot offunhere and there.”
“Thatwould mean I’d have to embark on an affair.”
“Maybe not. Perhaps you will find love with Leeds.”
Find love with Leeds? “Impossible.”
“Why?” Leonora asked.
Why indeed.
“I admit, it’s rather unfashionable for wives to fall in love with their husbands.”
