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Underwood to get the upper hand?”
    “I’m surprised she hasn’t found herself
     engaged already.”
    They entered the club, nodding at the few men
     sitting and reading. It was too early in the day for the younger
     set, but Robin knew that Jameson’s emergence from his voluntary
     exile would circulate quickly anyway.
    They sat and ordered drinks, and Jameson
     leaned back in his chair comfortably. “I know you have kept it
     all from me these past weeks, but tell me now Robin, what is the
     damage?”
    Robin gratefully took his drink, not looking
     at his friend. “Are you certain you wish to know?”
    “Better to find out from a friend.”
    Robin nodded, looking anywhere but at
     Jameson. “I just want you to know that I don’t believe Amelia
     intended it to go this direction.”
    Jameson sipped.
    Robin said, “Once a rumor starts, there’s no stopping
     it.”
    “Oh, I’m sure she could have steered it in a
     different direction if it had suited her purpose.”
    “She would never hurt you if she could avoid
     it.”
    Jameson grinned at his friend’s discomfort.
     “Robin, I am well acquainted with your sister and have no
     illusions about her character. I liken her to a surgeon. She
     would chop off my right arm if it would save my life and expect
     me to thank her for doing it. I don’t doubt that whatever vile
     thing is floating out there about me she spread it with the sole
     intent to save me from myself. And I have already thanked her.
     Her quickness and boldness have saved Miss Underwood from my
     cowardice. Now, tell me how much it has cost me; what is the
     rumor?”
    Robin sighed loudly and said, “Like father,
     like son.”
    “Pardon?”
    “The rumor is that Miss Underwood found out
     about your father and mother. When she confronted you about the
     scandal, you told her of your mistress and hoped that she would
     not overreact like your mother did.”
    Robin stole a quick glance at Jameson. His
     mouth hung open slightly and his eyes looked vacant. He snapped
     his mouth shut, then took a drink. He took another drink. Then
     he shook his head and said, “You’re telling me that after
     jilting my bride so that I would not turn into my father,
     everyone thinks that I was jilted because I am exactly like
     him.”
    Robin nodded sadly.
    “And my bride-to-be is now the toast of the
     town because she, what, escaped from a cruel, pity-filled
     marriage before it happened?”
    “Amelia says she has heard Miss Underwood
     described as a paragon of womanhood and that she is considered a
     heroine for good and decent women everywhere who get caught in
     the lure of handsome, soulless men.”
    Jameson snorted. He snorted so loudly that an
     older gentleman sitting near the fire turned to glare at them.
     Jameson’s face turned an unhealthy shade of red and his mouth
     quivered. Robin politely looked away as Jameson took out his
     handkerchief and covered his face. The poor chap; having the
     past thrown into one’s face like that would undo anyone.
     Especially when it was a past one worked so hard to forget.
    A choked sound escaped Jameson’s handkerchief
     and Robin leaned closer.
    “Shall I hail a hackney, Jameson?” What
     gossip would come from Jameson crying in public Robin
     shuddered to imagine. Not even Amelia could control it.
    A muffled “she is a beast” escaped the
     handkerchief.
    Robin grimaced and nodded. “Yes, but she
     means well.”
    Jameson patted his eyes and choked out, “My
     God, she is diabolical.”
    Robin stared back. “Are you... laughing?”
    “Your sister has an evil ingenuity that I can
     only envy. Where does she come up with these ideas?”
    Robin slowly sipped his drink. “I’m glad you
     are amused, Jameson. I was worried how I was going to get you
     out of the club without anyone seeing you.”
    Jameson knocked back his drink and grinned,
     still chuckling a little. “I will admit that it was not what I
     was expecting, but it does have a