The Earl's Outrageous Lover Page 0,11
with her family since before she was born.
Beth looked back at the lovely woman and smiled. “You look stunning,” she replied honestly. “Just a touch demure, but nothing to hide your sparkling personality.” Beth loved this exquisite young woman like she was her own daughter. She wasn’t sure why Jessica was making such a fuss about this dinner tonight though. “I’m sure the dinner will go exactly as planned,” she assured her nervous friend.
Jessica took in a deep, calming breath, then nodded her head, giving Beth permission to open the door. “Thanks for the pep talk,” she whispered a moment before the door opened. She wanted things to be perfect tonight with Edward. She didn’t want to make any mistakes that might irritate him. She needed his help to get through this maze of finding a husband.
Jessica had anticipated this moment all afternoon, hoping that Edward would walk into her house, see her dressed in a more demure style and her appearance tonight would counter his previous impression of her. He’d said that she’d been gallivanting around the world so this was her chance to show him that she wasn’t flighty but could be earnest and take this legal issue seriously.
So when the door opened and she saw Edward, her eyes sparkled with anticipation and she smiled brightly. She took in his tall, muscular frame in the dark suit and a shiver of awareness flashed through her. Good grief, why did he have to look so amazing? Those broad shoulders and his height were intimidating enough but those hazel eyes looked like he could see right through her façade and know her darkest secrets. Could he know that she didn’t like him? That she thought he was a fuddy duddy? Okay, an incredibly sexy and attractive….yes, even a yummy fuddy duddy but still….
Why on earth was she trying so hard to impress this man? She didn’t even like him! She shouldn’t care about his opinion of her. He was here to help her find a husband, not hire her for a job opportunity.
It took her several moments before she realized that he wasn’t alone.
When she noticed the gorgeous, cool, blond woman standing beside him, she stumbled mentally, completely unprepared to host another woman in her propaganda night. Blinking rapidly, she searched her brain to try and catch up with what was happening. Who was this woman and why was she here? It was embarrassing enough that she was trying to impress Edward with her seriousness. Did she have to have another witness if she messed up somehow?
Thankfully, her mother’s training snapped in at the last moment and she stepped forward, her hands extended to the lovely woman as the couple entered the foyer together. Edward had his arm around her waist in a proprietary fashion and Jessica suddenly and unexplainably wanted to scratch the woman’s eyes out. Instead, she extended her hand and introduced herself.
“Good evening!” she managed to say with just the right amount of warmth in her voice. “I’m Jessica Mallory and I’m so grateful that both of you were able to make it for dinner tonight.”
Edward stepped in and made the introductions. “Jessica, I’m sorry about the surprise guest. I just thought that Julianna might know more eligible bachelors who are ready to settle down than I do so I brought her along for the conversation. I hope you don’t mind,” he said, letting the question hang in the air.
Jessica looked back and forth between Edward and the blond woman, her mind confused. “Of course I don’t mind. I’m truly appreciative of any assistance.”
He turned to the blond woman slightly while he said, “This is Lady Julianna Holbrook. She’s about your age and I’ve briefed her on the situation.”
Jessica was furious with Edward. How could he do this to her? How dare he reveal her family secret to a stranger! She was so hurt by his betrayal that she wanted desperately to slam the door and run up to her room to cry out her humiliation. She couldn’t believe he was so crass, so insensitive! What a jerk!
Julianna stepped forward and took Jessica’s cold hand. “I’m very honored to meet you, Ms. Mallory. And please don’t be angry with Edward for telling me of your predicament. I completely understand that discretion is of the utmost importance right now. And I promise that none of this will leave your house. I’m only here to offer my assistance and I hope that we can be friends and allies in