Almost a Princess Read Online Free Page B

was.”
    Lady Octavia smiled uncertainly. “You like him,” she said.
    “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far.” Jane’s dimples flashed. “Lady Sophy said that her nephew could be a tyrant when someone stood up to him. And she was right.”
    Lady Octavia laughed, then shook her head. “Be on your guard. I think he fancies you.”
    Jane stared, then said slowly and distinctly, “I don’t know him. He doesn’t know me. We met for the first time not half an hour ago.”
    “You’ve never met him before?”
    “No.”
    This seemed to deflate Lady Octavia. “Oh. I thought perhaps you’d met at the opera.”
    “I’ve seen him there, but I don’t think he has seen me.” Once again, Jane’s dimples flashed. “I’m not saying his eyes haven’t alighted on me, but that’s not the same as seeing me, is it?”
    “No. And you should be thankful for it. But now he has seen you, so be on your guard.”
    Jane let out a rich laugh. “I was rude to him. I refused to give him my friend’s address without her permission, and, as I told you, he turned nasty. That’s all there was to it.”
    “Maybe that’s what piqued his interest. He’s not used to women saying no to him.”
    “I can well believe it, but we weren’t in each other’s company for more than five minutes. What on earth did he say to you to get you fired up like this?”
    “He said very little. It’s my intuition—” Lady Octavia observed that Jane was becoming annoyed and she floundered a little. “What I mean is, he’ll probably marry a princess or someone who is almost a princess. A man in his position will be expected to marry well.”
    Jane’s voice was cool and controlled. “I’m not interested in marrying anyone.”
    Lady Octavia quickly crossed to Jane and took her hands. “Forgive me, my dear. I mean no offense. If you had a mother—well, well, I’m not your mother, so it isn’t my place to say anything.”
    After this little speech, Jane’s expression softened considerably and she returned the pressure of Lady Octavia’s hands. “I will confess,” she said musingly, “that if I were almost a princess, I might be tempted. He’s very handsome, isn’t he? Then again—” She made a face. “Maybe not. He’s not my idea of a prince.”
    Lady Octavia laughed, then, in one of her characteristic, lightning shifts, moved on to something else. “So, Jane, you’re going home tomorrow?”
    Jane nodded cautiously. “Right after breakfast. I would stay on to help out if I could, but I’m expecting company. I thought I told you.”
    “Ah, yes. Now I remember.” Her ladyship beamed. “An old school friend. I think that’s splendid. And it will do you good to get out of the city. I know you’re a country girl at heart. And don’t give the library another thought. There are more than enough volunteers to help us get settled. Just enjoy yourself, Jane. Just enjoy yourself.”
    She left, but returned almost at once. “Do you go to the opera tonight?” she asked.
    Dimples winked then went out. “I do,” Jane replied, “but I promise not to elope with Lord Castleton unless I have your permission.”
    Lady Octavia stared, mumbled something about “a silly chit,” and closed the door behind her with a decided snap.
    Jane shook her head. Lady Octavia was muddled and confusing. She often spoke without thinking. But these were small faults. She also possessed a heart that was as big as the ocean. Her ladyship had helped
her
when she needed help. And there were countless others like her. She could be forgiven for taking a proprietary interest in all her lame ducks. She only wanted what was best for them.
    On the other hand, it was a mistake to underestimate her or her devotion to the cause of women’s rights. Government ministers had been known to quake in their boots when her ladyship went on the rampage. It helped that she was highly connected. Her brother was a marquess and her husband owned one of the biggest banks in London.