Promise Me This by Kristi Rose

Author:Kristi Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kristi Rose

Chapter Nine

Jane approached Margaret with a hesitant smile and slightly raised brows, a gesture she hoped conveyed she wanted to join them. Margaret might have been casting furtive glances at Frederick, but that didn’t mean the woman wasn’t going to throat-punch him upon arrival. Frederick had royally stomped on Margaret's heart. Though George was talking, Margaret watched Jane and Frederick approach, her eyes darting between them. Since Margaret didn't glare, snarl, or turn away, Jane took that as an invitation.

“Hi,” Jane said to Margaret and George, her hand still grasping Frederick’s forearm. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if you remember me, Margaret?” She increased the size of her smile to show that she wasn’t a threat. “It’s been forever since we last saw each other at that party.” Margaret Elliott was a petite woman. Next to Frederick she looked delicate. Her glossy brown hair, fair skin, and brown eyes were unremarkable but gave her a warm and friendly vibe. She was dressed simply in a classic navy wrap dress with a kelly-green cardigan.

Jane watched realization dawn on Margaret’s face before she continued, hoping to ease Margaret’s fear that Jane wouldn’t out her for using a matchmaker company. “Frederick reminded me we’d all met there, and I thought that was a funny coincidence. I’m happy to see you again, and Frederick said much of the same.” She gave him a nudge.

Frederick bobbed his head a few times, so Jane nudged him again. “Yes, I’m very happy to see you.”

Jane linked her hands behind her back, keeping her body language non-threatening. She didn't want Margaret to think Jane was competing for Frederick. She didn't want anyone to have the same thoughts. “How have you been?”

Margaret’s attention darted between Jane and Frederick before a tentative smile crested her face and her shoulders visually relaxed.

“Tell them about the fantastic fundraiser you and Bingley just ran. Quite an achievement,” George said.

“If she won’t tell, I will,” Charlie said, coming from behind Jane and moving to stand next to Margaret. He put his hand on her lower back in a way that was both familiar and possessive. Jane felt Frederick stiffen next to her and realized she’d done the same, her arms dropping to her side.

Margaret said, “We raised over eight million dollars to help fight childhood homelessness.”

“That’s why I went to the West Coast a few months back,” he explained to Jane.

Jane felt the urge to roll her eyes. “That’s the only reason?” Couldn’t have been. Why disappear without so much as a goodbye if one was leaving to do something admirable.

Charlie briefly ducked his head, and when he looked back up, his gaze went to something across the room. Jane looked over and saw Darcy standing across the space. She assumed Charlie was looking at him.

“No,” he said. “That wasn’t the only reason. I had work to do. But the fundraiser gave me the diversion I needed while there.” He gave Jane a meaningful look. Trouble was, she didn’t know what it meant.

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