Chapter 6

A s Sheff paced the library where he was shortly due to meet with his parents, he wasn't thinking of the impending interview. He couldn't seem to stop thinking about kissing Jo.

He'd felt an undeniable and profound connection, sharp and sizzling like electricity, but also deep and persistent. It was as though he could still feel the imprint of her lips on his.

Apparently, he'd been too many days without the embrace of a woman. He'd rectify that this evening and pay a visit to the Rogue's Den.

Jo's mother's suggestion came back to him, that he ought to abstain from sexual congress for the duration of their fake betrothal. He'd somehow managed not to gape at her in horror.

"Shefford, my darling."

Sheff turned to see his mother glide into the room, her hair impeccably arranged with her gray streaks somehow looking as though they'd been placed specifically to enhance the style. She wore a pale green dress, and a simple gold cross adorned her neck.

"Good afternoon, Mama."

"I confess my curiosity is quite piqued that you asked me to meet you at a specific time." A smile teased her lips, and Sheff hated that his father's arrival was about to ruin her mood.

However, before he could tell her that his father would also join them, the duke strode into the library. His gaze fell on the duchess. He pursed his lips but said nothing as he went straight to the liquor cabinet and poured a glass of wine.

"Afternoon, Sheff," he said gruffly.

"Why is he here?" Mama asked, her eyes darkening.

"I live here," Papa replied as he turned to face her, a bored expression flattening his features.

"Hardly." Mama sniffed and turned so that she faced Sheff. "You asked us both here?"

"I did. I'm pleased to announce my betrothal."

His father had just taken a drink of wine and was now coughing whereas his mother gasped. One hand flew to her throat as she gaped at him, her blue eyes wide with shock.

"You'd better not be bamming us," his father said after he'd recovered himself. He cast a glance toward the duchess, a single furrow marring his brow. Was he…concerned about her? About how she might feel if Sheff was tricking them?

No. Of course not.

"Sheff would never," the duchess said almost breathlessly.

A pang of guilt gripped Sheff and squeezed him tightly. But then he thought of the incessant haranguing, of the countless uncomfortable conversations with her in which she'd browbeat him about his duty and how he must wed. And that he needed to be a good husband—kind, understanding, and, above all, discreet.

It was an impossible situation. He would disappoint her by remaining unwed, and he would disappoint her by utterly failing as a husband.

"I truly have a betrothed," Sheff said, pushing the guilt to the back of his mind. "Even now, she is wearing Grandmama's ring." He glanced at his father, who blinked in surprise.

"She would like that," the duke said somewhat somberly before sipping his wine.

"Aren't you going to tell us who she is?" Mama asked, her voice slightly shrill. "I can't begin to imagine. This is a shocking development. You weren't even courting anyone, as far as I know."

"I was not. However, I have known this lady for a while now. We are friends. I danced with her at the Phoenix Club ball last night, and something had changed between us. I realized—and she did too—that we could perhaps be more than friends. I think that is why I haven't wanted to wed before now," Sheff said, warming to his tale. "Apparently, I needed a strong foundation with someone before I felt ready to propose marriage."

Something about the words, though they were a complete fabrication, rang true somewhere deep inside Sheff. If he were ever to wed, and he would not , friendship seemed as good a basis as any. A friend would not expect love.

His mother and father stared at him blankly.

"Who is it?" his mother prodded, her expression eager.

"Miss Josephine Harker."

"Damn me," the duke breathed.

The duchess scrunched her face, her mouth drawing into a frown. "Who?"

"Her mother owns the Siren's Call," the duke replied. "It's a gaming hell."

The color drained from the duchess's face. "A what ?"

"It's not a gaming hell, Mama," Sheff said, throwing his father a perturbed glower. "It's a club, and a very nice one. Jo's mother opened it close to twenty years ago, I think."

"That's about right," the duke said with a nod. He drank more of his wine. "But good heavens, Sheff, couldn't you have chosen someone from your own class?"

They were reacting exactly as he'd expected and hoped. Though, for some reason, their obvious disapproval rankled. Jo was a fine woman.

Except, you chose her precisely because they wouldn't like her and would be less likely to press for a rush to the altar.

The reminder sounding in his brain settled his agitation a bit. This was proceeding just as planned, and he needed to remember that.

The duchess gripped the back of a chair before moving stiltedly to sit in it. Or, more accurately, collapse onto it. Her face was still pale. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap.

"Her mother owns a gaming hell," she whispered. She shook her head slowly. "No, no. This cannot be." Lifting her gaze to Sheff's, she actually looked as though she might cry. "You must rescind your offer. It's not too late."

Sheff clung to his patience. This was all part of the scheme. But what if he were truly in love with Jo? He gritted his teeth. He had not expected to be annoyed by the very reaction he'd sought to provoke.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "Mama, I trust you will come to welcome Jo warmly. She is exceedingly clever, well-mannered, and she will be an excellent countess."

"But she isn't even part of Society," the duchess said, sounding as though she'd just heard the worst news possible. "And her parentage…" Her voice trailed off as her face became even paler.

"At least he's marrying someone," his father said. "You can whip her into shape, I'm sure, Alice."

Sheff's mother sent her husband a glare before addressing Sheff once more. "This will ruin the family." She threw her hands up and clenched her jaw.

"It will not," Sheff ground out. "Jo is wonderful. You aren't even giving her a chance. She will exceed every one of your expectations." He took another deep breath to try to calm his surprising anger. "The matter is settled. I have already secured her father's permission, and, as I said, Jo is already wearing Grandmama's ring." He almost mentioned the presumptive betrothal ball, but if his mother didn't want to have one, wouldn't that be for the best?

The duke frowned at his now-empty wineglass before moving his focus to Sheff. "There is no chance you'll change your mind?"

"No."

"We must have a betrothal ball," the duchess said bitterly. She looked at Sheff expectantly. "I don't suppose your gaming-hell betrothed could plan and execute a ball?"

"Since she manages a busy club with seemingly little effort, I imagine she could." That was perhaps the truest thing he'd said yet.

The duchess gripped the arm of her chair, her knuckles going white. "She works at this gaming hell?"

"Yes." Sheff felt no guilt at duping his parents, especially his mother, given her reaction. He loved her, but she'd been completely unreasonable on the subject of his marriage. Her reaction today was even worse. "Mama, was I supposed to permit you to choose a wife of whom you approve?"

His father snorted, and Sheff was fairly certain he was trying not to laugh.

"Don't be ridiculous," the duchess said, sniffing. "But you cannot fault me for wanting you to wed someone who is your social equal."

That was most important to her, which Sheff ought to have known. Hearing her say it, however, hit him. He now realized that what he'd been seeking wasn't a reprieve from their demands, but a reprieve from them . An odd sense of exhaustion settled over him. Why did everything in this family have to be so fraught, so bloody difficult?

"I am sorry you are unhappy with my choice of bride," Sheff said, stiffening his spine and adopting his most noble tone. "However, I am going to marry Jo and I encourage you to find it within yourselves to be happy about it. Or at least not distraught. I am getting married . That is what you wanted."

"He's right," the duke said. "Congratulations, Sheff. I hope you will be very happy. Truly. " He sounded as if he actually meant it.

The duchess stood. Some color had returned to her face, but her features looked as if they'd been carved from ice. "I will need time to acclimate myself to this…situation." Then she strode from the room.

"I didn't know she could walk that fast," the duke muttered, moving back to the liquor cabinet to deposit his empty glass on the tray. Turning to face Sheff, he smoothed the lapel of his coat. "Ignore her. She's always been demanding and unforgiving."

Unforgiving? Was she going to be angry with Sheff forever? "You say that because she will never forgive you for your behavior. I am not you." Except parts of him were.

"No, you are not, thank goodness. Your mother possesses deep convictions. She also applies different sets of morals and expectations to everyone. It's bloody confusing." He massaged his brow.

It seemed as though his father might say more, but when he did not, Sheff asked, "What, exactly, is confusing?"

"Never mind. Forget I said anything." He gave Sheff a half smile. "Your mother winds me up like an automaton. I'm happy for you, my boy. Jo seems a delightful young woman, not that I know her very well. If she's anything like her mother, you've found an excellent helpmate—strong, capable, and likely to make sure you don't cause a scandal." He chuckled as he left the library.

Sheff frowned after him. Was his father trying to say that his wife—Sheff's mother—wasn't able to prevent him from causing a scandal? As if it were her fault.

"That is precisely the expression I would expect to see on your face after meeting with Mama and Papa," Min said as she walked into the library. "Percy said you were in here with them. Did they give you a deadline for marriage?"

"On the contrary, I requested the meeting so I could inform them that I am betrothed."

Min narrowed her eyes at him. Skepticism radiated from her as she set her hands on her hips. " You are betrothed?"

He nodded. "As of today."

"Who was foolish enough to say yes? Or is there a scandal that hasn't broken yet?" She cocked her head. "You were at the Phoenix Club for a while last evening, but if something had happened there, I would have heard about it already."

"There isn't a scandal. Nor will there be." That was perhaps the greatest lie he'd told yet. He just hoped it would be a minor scandal, particularly since the dissolution of the betrothal would happen outside of the Season and outside London. Most of all, he would ensure the scandal was entirely about him. Jo would be unscathed.

"You aren't telling me her name," Min said, her features still cloaked with doubt. "What's wrong with her?"

"Nothing is wrong with her. In fact, I think you'll approve, unlike our mother. It's Jo."

Now Min's expression changed to one that resembled their mother's reaction to Sheff's choice of bride. There was shock and even a bit of horror. " Jo? As in my friend whose mother owns the Siren's Call? Jo who hasn't set foot in a proper Society event in…forever?"

"I would argue that a Phoenix Club assembly is plenty proper. But I am not concerned about any of that."

"Clearly, else you would not have proposed." Min crossed her arms over her chest and moved closer to him. "Why Jo? I can't imagine you've fallen in love with one another in the last five minutes."

"We danced last night, and it was most revealing."

"Bah. I spent the rest of the evening with her, and she was not a woman enamored."

"I believe she likes to keep her emotions close." Sheff had no idea if that was true, but it was a good excuse for both of them to use through this ruse.

Min studied him a long moment, her brow furrowed as she seemed to consider what he said. "Jo doesn't want to marry. How did you convince her?"

"I don't want to marry either, so perhaps that makes us perfect for one another," he replied smugly.

Min shook her head. "Something doesn't smell right about this. I happen to like Jo very much. If you hurt her in any way?—"

Sheff cut her off. "I won't." He'd expected Min to express disbelief, but this level of skepticism was more than he'd anticipated. Perhaps that was because he'd failed to take Min's friendship with Jo into account. Sheff would speak to Jo about expressing her feelings in such a way that Min wouldn't question their betrothal.

But honestly, did it matter if they were in love or had never planned to wed? Sheff was expected to wed—his wishes be damned—and what young lady would say no to marrying the heir to a dukedom? Even a young lady who didn't wish to wed.

Put like that, Sheff wondered if they ought to just wed anyway and agree to lead separate lives. Both their parents did it. Why not them?

Because Sheff didn't even want that much of a commitment to someone. He wanted absolutely zero chance of disappointing a spouse.

Min was still watching him with concern, prompting him to consider just telling her the truth. Except then, she'd have to hide it from their parents. And from Ellis. Or he could just tell Ellis too. But Sheff didn't want many people knowing. It would increase the risk of the secret becoming known, and that would be damaging—especially to Jo.

"You say you won't hurt her, but you're a terrible rogue," Min said. "And she knows that!" Min uncrossed her arms and made an exasperated sound in her throat. "Rest assured, I shall learn the truth of this scheme."

Before he could think of how to respond, such as pleading with her not to tell their parents when she discovered it, Min sailed from the room.

Sheff was now doubting the wisdom of his plan. Perhaps they should call it off.

Then he'd be right back where he started.

A fter spending a couple of hours cleaning and tidying the cardroom downstairs in the club, Jo was having tea in the seating area in her bedchamber. The work in the cardroom hadn't really been necessary because one of the employees would take care of it when they came to work, but Jo had needed to do something. Her mind was too active with thoughts of this fake betrothal, her parents, Sheff's meeting with his parents, and, perhaps most of all, Sheff and that stupid kiss.

She just needed to stop thinking about it. They had a rule—that she'd made—about no kissing, and they would stick to it. There was no need to even recall they'd kissed in the first place.

Mrs. Rand popped her head into the room; the door hadn't been closed. She did not look like a typical housekeeper in that she utterly disdained house caps. Instead, she wore a small, rather smart hat that she pinned into her blond hair. Her blue eyes fixed on Jo. "You've more callers. I suppose because you're betrothed now."

Her features were austere—small eyes, sharp chin, and thin lips. She did not ever smile widely, but Jo suspected that was due to her teeth. Jo had only ever glimpsed them once or twice, but they were rather crooked. Despite Mrs. Rand's generally stern expression, she was a wonderful woman, and to Jo, she was family.

"I suppose so," Jo said, though she couldn't imagine who would be calling now. She might have guessed Sheff had returned. He'd said he'd see her tonight at the Siren's Call, but perhaps his plans had changed. Except, Mrs. Rand had said callers, plural. "Who is it?"

"Lady Minerva Halifax and Miss Ellis Dangerfield. They gave me a card." Mrs. Rand's mouth quirked into a slight smile as she pushed the door open wider. "Very highborn."

"Min is my betrothed's sister, so yes."

Mrs. Rand wrinkled her nose. "Your fake betrothed? Your mother told me the truth of things. I won't breathe a word, except to Frannie."

Jo wasn't surprised her mother had confided in Mrs. Rand nor that the housekeeper would tell the most important person in her life. "I would have told you. It's not as if you would believe I would marry an earl."

"Why would you trade one enclosure for another?" Mrs. Rand asked with a chuckle. "Though I believe the life you want lies somewhere between the two. At some point, you are going to have to tell your mother that."

Sucking in a breath, Jo was surprised now. How had Mrs. Rand discerned that? Jo hadn't ever said anything about wanting to do anything other than take her mother's place at the Siren's Call. "My mother doesn't suspect that, does she?"

Mrs. Rand shook her head. "No, which is why you will have to tell her. I know it won't be easy, but she will understand. She won't want you to commit to something you don't really want, not when she fought so hard to have a life she treasures.

"Then why is she going to the seaside for the summer?" Jo was still baffled by this turn of events.

"I'm not sure she knows," Mrs. Rand replied with a shrug. "Don't keep your guests waiting. Shall I bring tea?" She glanced toward Jo's tray. "Perhaps not."

"I'll ask if they want any, but for now, no." Jo stood, and Mrs. Rand moved to pick up the tray. "Thank you. I would have taken it to the kitchen." Jo had prepared it herself, as she often did, and she nearly always returned the tray downstairs.

"I know you would," Mrs. Rand said with a nod. "But you've got to pretend to be betrothed. Off with you."

Jo made her way to the sitting room, where Min and Ellis were already seated. Min wore a very determined look. Presumably, she'd heard about the betrothal.

"I can surmise why you're calling," Jo said as she sat down in a chair opposite their settee.

Min's gaze dipped to Jo's hand. "He gave you our grandmother's ring?"

"Yes." Jo glanced down at her bejeweled finger. Why had she forgotten to take the ring off? She should not have worn it while tidying. She should only wear it when she went out in Society, which would hopefully be a small amount of time. The urge to strip it off now was great, especially if her friend had issue with Jo having it. "Is that a problem?"

"It's surprising," Min said, exhaling. "All this is most shocking. I don't for one moment think you and Sheff have fallen madly in love after one dance at the Phoenix Club. You've known each other for some time."

A few years at least, Jo reasoned. And they should have expected that Min wouldn't be fooled into thinking this was an ordinary betrothal.

"Min thinks it's a marriage of convenience," Ellis said, sending Min a patient look that told Jo she'd heard a great deal from Min on this subject. That was not surprising, as Min was always one to offer an opinion.

Min pursed her lips. "It has to be. Nothing else makes sense."

Jo hadn't known Min terribly long, just a few weeks, really, but they'd become friends. It seemed Min was upset. "Are you angry?" Jo asked.

"No," Min replied quickly, but her lashes fluttered, and she looked away briefly. "Perhaps a little…hurt. If you were developing a tendre for my brother, why wouldn't I know?" She met Jo's gaze, and Jo felt a snag of guilt. She'd known it would be difficult to lie to her new friends. She hadn't realized how much it would sting.

Jo decided she couldn't be completely dishonest, especially not when Min knew better. "Yes, it's a marriage of convenience, but you mustn't tell anyone. Sheff wants everyone to think it's a love match." He hadn't used those words, but he also hadn't said they were marrying for convenience. Perhaps they should have discussed things in greater detail.

Min's shoulders relaxed, and her features softened. "Well, that makes much more sense, though I'm still perplexed as to why either of you are doing this. Neither of you wants to wed."

"Want and need are not the same thing," Jo said. "Your brother has a duty, and I'm sure you know how your parents have become increasingly demanding that he wed."

"So, he chose to marry you, someone of whom they would almost certainly disapprove? Why not choose one of the many young ladies from our social circle?" Min's expression was apologetic. "I hope you know I mean no offense."

"I do. And I did suggest that, but Sheff doesn't want to marry any of those young ladies." That was true. Otherwise, he would. Jo would not reveal that the betrothal itself was a ruse. She'd made a deal with Sheff. Hopefully, he would understand that letting Min think they were marrying for convenience was necessary.

"I suspect your brother chose Jo because they are friends," Ellis said. "If you are going to wed out of necessity, why not choose someone you know and at least more than tolerate?"

"Yes, exactly that," Jo said, grateful for Ellis's wisdom. And help, even if she didn't realize she was helping.

"I suppose that makes sense. You are certainly a far preferable sister-in-law than any of the young ladies on the Marriage Mart," Min said with a smile. "But why did you agree?"

"I'll have security and a measure of independence," Jo said, which was true. The money Sheff was paying her would provide both.

Min's brow formed gentle pleats. "Don't you already have that with the Siren's Call? You have an entire future with a successful enterprise. Though, I suppose you won't have that anymore. The Countess of Shefford can't run a gaming club."

Ellis gave Jo an encouraging smile. "We must presume that is a trade Jo is willing to make."

Min's eyes narrowed shrewdly, and Jo braced herself for another question. "What about an heir?"

"Min!" Ellis glared at her. "Stop sticking your nose into this. We are Jo's friends, but some things are too personal."

Jo was especially grateful for Ellis's defense. She didn't want to discuss that, not even as a hypothetical situation.

"It is precisely because I am her friend that I am concerned," Min said. She looked at Jo. "What about his rakish behavior? It won't upset you to be married to someone with his reputation?"

It was hard for Jo not to think of her own parents. They weren't together as a married couple, and they weren't unhappy apart. Society was the one with the problem, not them. "Not particularly," Jo said, hoping the next several weeks weren't rife with conversations like these. "I'm not breaking any rogue rules, in fact." Except she had been alone with him, and that was even before the betrothal when she'd helped him with his father. Rather, he'd helped her since the duke had been unconscious in her home and place of business.

"Do we need to keep the truth of the reason behind the marriage from Tamsin and Gwen?" Ellis asked. "We see them quite often, though I imagine Gwen will be spending more time at home with her new husband."

"We do need to keep the real reason a secret, but I trust them to do so," Jo said. "I will tell them."

Min seemed to relax even more. "I'm glad. I would not want to lie to them."

Again, Jo felt a stab of guilt. She didn't like lying to Min. "I hope you're not unhappy with this news, Min. Sheff and I are pleased with the arrangement. And we will be sisters," she added with a light laugh.

"That is true, and as I said before, I could not imagine a better one. What can I do to help?"

"Sheff said your mother will set an appointment with Madame Demarest for a new wardrobe befitting my new role. He suggested you could come along, and I would like that very much."

Min's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I will speak to my mother. We'll go Monday afternoon."

"You're certain the modiste will be available so soon?" That was only the day after tomorrow.

"Madame Demarest always makes time for my mother and me." Min frowned slightly. "I must say, I would rather Mama not come with us. I imagine she is disappointed in Sheff's choice of bride. Sorry to say that." She looked at Jo with sympathy.

"Disappointed may be an understatement," Ellis said softly. "Min, you must do what you can to support Jo."

"I will," Min vowed. "I will try to prevent Mama joining us." She winked at Jo. "Now, we must be off. There's another ball tonight, though I am rather tired after the Phoenix Club last night and Northumberland House the night before."

Jo was exhausted just hearing of that schedule. She would need to tell Sheff that she wouldn't go to more than two Society events each week. She couldn't abandon the Siren's Call. And yet, if she did not, Society would judge her harshly. She hadn't thought of that either. More and more, she realized this was perhaps a foolish scheme.

Except the money and the promise of a future she chose was too tempting to refuse.

As Min and Ellis made their way to the entrance hall, Jo accompanied them. Ellis briefly touched Jo's forearm. Her clear blue eyes met Jo's with warm admiration. "I understand wanting to secure your future—through whatever means necessary. It is reasonable and smart."

"Thank you," Jo murmured.

Still, she hated lying to them and looked forward to when this was all behind her.