Page 29 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“We discussed it several times, your father and I,” he continued, undeterred by Jasper’s discomfort. “In the end, we decided it would be better to leave you two to your own methods. Now, I am not so sure.”
“I know that Lady Adelaide has always been glad of the freedom,” Jasper croaked, his throat constricted.What am I supposed to say to that? I cannot navigate such treacherous waters without causing offence.
“And you?”
“I confess, I have always been glad of it, too.”
Ephraim turned his gaze towards the fire. “You admire that Green girl, do you not?”
Jasper’s cheeks flushed. “She is exceedingly amiable.”
“Oh, to be young again,” he muttered into the flames.
“Shall we discuss our plan of action, My Lord?” Jasper asked, desperate to steer the subject away from what might have been. It was not a topic he cared to dwell upon. He did not want to have to convince another person that he and Adelaide were merely friends, not after all the trouble it had caused with Miss Green.
Ephraim lifted his gaze once more. “Yes, I suppose we must. But where do we begin, Jasper?”
His heart gripped in his chest. He hardly dared speak the words aloud, for fear that someone might hear him. “Well, first and foremost, we have to find a way into the Houses of Parliament.”
Chapter 11
Reuben lingered at the edge of the park, hiding in the shadows spread out by a cluster of trees. The grassy expanse lay in the center of the square where the Colbornes and the Gilletts lived. It was dark already, a spray of starlight smattering the velvet sky above. A few clouds rolled by, drifting across the sliver of silvery moon. He pulled his collar closer to his chin to keep out the night’s chill.
He had been watching Adelaide’s house for close to an hour, noting every light in every window. Now and again, a shadowy figure passed by the panes. He imagined each to be Adelaide.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought of her standing on the front step of her home, staring out at his retreating figure. She was proving to be quite the firebrand. He had known she was different to most young ladies, but her defiance and fortitude thrilled him to the core. In truth, a strong affection was forming in his heart for her. Unconventional, yet persistent. If anyone could tolerate the role of being his wife, it was she.
Even so, her unexpected visit to his mother had forced his agenda forwards. There was no way the Dowager would allow him to wriggle free of his promises, nor would he be permitted to play his games much longer. Already, he sensed there would be an announcement in the paper. He had not authorized it, but his mother would undoubtedly do so. She was eager to see him wed. Now that she had met Adelaide, she would stop at nothing until the deal was done.
Perhaps, it is time I put the poor girl out of her misery,he thought with a wry grin.She has proven herself worthy of my affections and has responded well to my little amusements. She has demanded nothing of me, despite my hesitations. I am not likely to find her kind again. And yet… a moment more would be utterly delicious. One more game. One more hurdle to decipher her true character.
There was only one problem—a barb that continued to sting in his side. Jasper, Lord Gillett, the future Earl of Richmond. Already, he had spoiled Reuben’s full enjoyment of the last diversion. He had hoped to delight in seeing Adelaide’s desperation, indulging in her realization that the announcement had not appeared. Indeed, his plan had been to go to her the following day, to make amends and put an end to his play. However, upon seeing Jasper standing on the front step, at Adelaide’s side, the sight had ignited his ire. Not towards Adelaide, but towards the perennial weed who fawned upon her.
That insipid weasel must be taught a lesson. One he cannot so easily forget. I was too lenient on him the last time. I shall not be so generous again.If there was one thing that Reuben could not abide, it was disobedience. Jasper had ignored his warning. Now, Jasper would have to pay for that rebellion.
At that very moment, he knew that Jasper was inside the Colborne house. He did not know why, but that did not matter. The very act of his presence there was a defiance of their agreement.
The plan was to wait until Jasper left, before heading towards the Gillett household and asking for an audience with the upstart. No butler would deny him. He outranked Jasper and his family in every way. All he had to do was wait for the moment to strike.
As fortune would have it, Jasper walked out of the Colborne house ten minutes later. Reuben hung back, watching closely. To his utter delight, Jasper did not head straight for the neighboring townhouse. Instead, he pulled his coat tighter around himself and strode towards the park. The gate squeaked as he entered, while Reuben sunk deeper into the shadows.
I could not have planned it better if I had tried,he mused with satisfaction.
Jasper stalked in his direction, entirely oblivious to his presence. He paused nearby, prompting Reuben to hold his breath. Jasper glanced around suspiciously, his eyes narrowed. Visibly shrugging off his wariness, he continued on down the winding path that led through the park. Reuben waited until Jasper had walked right past, before creeping out behind him.
He followed him to the opposite end of the parkland, before clamping his hand down hard on Jasper’s shoulder. The startled man whirled around. His eyes widened in shock as they fixed on Reuben’s face.
“Your Grace, what are you doing?” he gasped, his tone panicked.
“Did I not warn you, boy? Was I not transparent enough, where Lady Adelaide is concerned?” Reuben hissed, gripping Jasper’s shoulder tighter. He smirked, pressing his thumb against a cut on Jasper’s cheekbone. “Looks like I’m not the only one whose anger you have incited. Was it my beloved, scratching at you like the wildcat she is?”
Jasper lowered his voice to a threatening growl. “Unhand me.”
“There is little chance of that. Not until I am satisfied that you will keep your distance from my betrothed.”
Jasper snorted. “Your betrothed? You are fortunate that she has not smeared your name across this city. Truly, you do not deserve her,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “And I know I am not alone in wishing she would come to her senses about you.”
“She understands what sort of creature I am. She does not judge as simpler minds may do.” His words did little to affect Reuben, who had heard it all before. It had been many years since the slurs of others had troubled him.
