There was nothing particularly noble in bare cupboards and empty coal bins. And besides, she had Meg to consider.
Her old nurse was the only one to stand beside her when the scandal had broken. She was the only friend she had left in the world.
How could she possibly allow the older woman to suffer even further hardship?
The answer, of course, was she could not. This money would pay their most pressing creditors and put food on the table. At the moment that was all that mattered.
Grimly thrusting aside the warning voice that whispered in the back of her mind, Jocelyn gave a nod of her head.
"Thank you."
As if thoroughly aware of her inner struggle, the devil lifted his brows in a faintly mocking manner.
"Do you not wish to count it?"
"That will not be necessary."
"So trusting, my dove?"
"You will not be difficult to track down if I discover you have attempted to cheat me."
"There is that," he agreed with a chuckle. '"When may I take possession of the rooms?"
Although not always meticulously devoted to truth if a small bit of subterfuge was more practical, Jocelyn discovered herself unable to form the lie that would allow her a few days'
grace from Mr. Valin's presence.
Not that it truly mattered.
She would no doubt merely waste the days brooding upon what was to come. Surely this was like swallowing vile medicine. It was best to be done with quickly.
"The rooms have been cleaned and prepared," she forced herself to admit. "You may have them whenever you desire."
"Good. I will collect my belongings and be here later this afternoon."
This afternoon.
She absolutely refused to shiver again.
"What of your cousin?" she demanded. "Will he not shoot you when you return for your belongings?"
"I have it on excellent authority that he devoted the goodly portion of the evening to his current mistress. It will be several hours before he awakens."
She unconsciously grimaced. "I see."
An odd hint of satisfaction touched the handsome countenance. "You disapprove of such pleasurable pastimes, Miss Kingly?"
Jocelyn was swift to smooth her features to calm indifference. "I do not possess sufficient interest to disapprove, Mr. Valin."
His lips twisted wryly. "No, of course not."
Having strained her nerves quite far enough for one morning, Jocelyn rose to her feet.
"I believe we have covered everything, Mr. Valin."
Efficiently dismissed, the tawny-haired gentleman reluctantly pushed himself from his chair.
"I shall return in a few hours," he was swift to warn.