Page 33 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“Oh yes, I have seen such things often enough in my nine-and-fifty years,” she replied. “Although, it is usually overly-protective brothers who cause this kind of dissonance.”
Adelaide sighed. “I think Jasper means well.”
“As do I, Lady Adelaide.”
“He doesn’t understand.”
Rosemary shook her head. “They never do, My Lady.”
“It is easy for wealthy young men of good position,” she went on. “They do not have to fear for their future, and that of their family. They have a title, the moment they are born. Everything is given to them. Fortunate matches are preferable, but they are not necessary.”
“It is the greatest crime towards our gender, My Lady—that you, and many other ladies like you, rarely stand to inherit. A sad truth, indeed.”
“Cousin Charles shall receive everything. The Duke is my inheritance, I suppose… why can they not see that?”
Rosemary pinched her brows together. “They, My Lady?”
“I meant he—Jasper.” She thought of her father, still unable to believe that he might have intervened in the match. Indeed, she prayed she was wrong. It would mean reassessing her relationship with Reuben, but at least her father would not be exposed as a liar. A hurtful deceiver, who had allowed her to go on feeling cast aside.
They reached the house a moment later. Adelaide stepped out first, before turning to assist Rosemary. The driver was halfway off his box, ready to help, but Adelaide waved him away. The old lady was not as spry as she once was, and required help getting down from the carriage. Her hands were cold and shaky, though a warm smile spread across her face. Adelaide adored the old woman, thinking of her as a substitute grandmother. Her own had died many years before.
“Shall I remain, My Lady?” Rosemary nodded to the neighboring house. Jasper sat on the top step, looking thoroughly miserable. He must have cut through the park to reach the house before her.
“I need only a moment, Rosemary. You go inside and get warm, before you catch a chill,” she urged.
“Very well, My Lady. I will linger on the chaise in the entrance hall awhile, in case you require my assistance. The door shall stay open.”
Adelaide smiled. “Thank you, Rosemary.”
As soon as the old woman had made her way into the house, Jasper edged down the steps. He approached Adelaide sheepishly, running an anxious hand through his hair. She noticed that the cut on his cheek had healed nicely. Still, she wished he would not ride out alone. She had chided him often enough for it.
“I realize how upset you must be, Adelaide, but I urge you not to go to your father tonight. I spoke with him earlier—he is on the brink of exhaustion,” he said, wasting no time. “The Duke of Bradford is a deceitful snake. He has planted a seed of doubt in your mind as a means to stir up trouble, nothing more.”
Angry fires burned hot in her cheeks. “Do you know that for certain—that the Duke is lying?”
“I confess… I don’t.”
“Then how can you say that to me? Surely, you realize that I have to know the truth?” She balled her hands into fists. “You saw my anguish, Jasper.Hesaw my anguish. If he has chosen to keep letters from me… then he has enabled my distress.”
“I have made my judgement based on your father’s character, compared to that of the Duke. He is suggesting such falsehoods to drive a wedge between you and your father. I would stake my life on it.”
Adelaide shook her head. “Why would he do that? He has no reason to.”
“As a means of control, perhaps? I cannot answer that. I do not know the inner workings of Duke Bradford’s mind.”
“If I find that I have been lied to, I shall know the cause.” Her voice dripped with bitterness.
Jasper frowned. “What do you mean?”
“You have been to my father and told him of your disapproval. Deny it, I dare you.”
“Adelaide, I—”
“You are only looking out for my wellbeing?” she interjected coldly. “I have heard it all before. I do not need your protection. You are not my brother, you are my friend. You should offer support and kindness, not resistance and cruel words. Whom I choose to marry is none of your concern.”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “It is when I fear you are making a poor choice. There are better men out there. You know it—you have merely chosen to settle for the first gentleman to offer marriage, because you are frightened.”
Adelaide gaped at him. “Frightened?” She could barely speak the word in case it came out barbed and dripping venom.
