Page 51 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Not that you are a stranger to me, Lord Gillett, though I know you believe we have much more to learn about one another. In truth, that is one of the reasons I am writing to you—so that you may better understand the workings of my heart. I understand that I have confused you, and I am sorry for that. However, you left me little choice. What else is a young lady supposed to do, when she so admires a man who is unfailingly courteous, almost to a fault?
I have had time to think about your response to my line of inquiry. Now, I understand why you did not echo my sentiments in an equally forward manner. You are kind and you have been raised as a gentleman, whilst I am still learning how to behave like a true lady. I mistook reserve for disinterest and indifference. Given time to ponder it some more, I realize I may have been the one who was mistaken.
However, I must tell you that the pressure upon me does not show any signs of relenting. My mother wishes me to marry before the beginning of the new year, and I fear I may have to do as she pleases. With that in mind, I would ask that you continue to show that strength of resolve that I so admire in you. I beg of you—please make no attempt to discover my location. Instead, I ask that you write to me, so that we may continue our education of one another’s characters.
In doing so, I may better judge your own needs and hopes and dreams. I no longer believe I align with that vision, and I shall uncover that further by discovering more of your nature. If we are not meant to be, and I discover it for myself, it shall give me the strength I need to set you free of any attachment you may have towards me. I adore you, Lord Gillett, I truly do. However, I also understand the pressure upon you. You say you do not care for societal dogma, but I know you cannot risk your reputation on an unfortunate match. I will not allow it. I cannot permit myself to be selfish in this matter.
Even so, I should like to hear from you. This way, we may move at a slower pace and get to know one another more intimately. Your words will soothe me in my confinement here, for as long as my family require care.
Please, accept my apologies for the way that I acted. I did not intend to be so cold and snappish. You know it is not in my nature to be so. I pray that I shall hear from you soon.
Fondest regards,
Miss L. Green
Jasper gasped as he came to the end of the letter. He had never heard Miss Green speak so prettily, nor had he expected such charm from her written words. It dispelled any thoughts he may have had surrounding her coldness. Now, he realized it had simply been an expression of her pent-up emotion, an exasperation with the situation, and not him.
“Well…?” Adelaide prompted.
“It is a rather wonderful letter.”
She smiled excitedly. “It is? What does she say?”
“She wishes me to write back, and holds no expectations for a future proposal,” he replied, reeling in disbelief. “She would like to use these letters as a means of getting to know one another better. From afar, we may come to a conclusion about our attachment to one another.”
“I suppose a little time did her some good, then?”
He nodded. “Yes, I suppose it did.”
“Will you reply?”
He glanced over the letter one more time, absorbing its content. He sensed he would read it many more times before he finally understood every word. However, the notions within eased his suffering. If he could be certain of her affections, then he would be able to continue on, knowing he had not lost her. Yesterday, he had thought her blunt and insincere, her coldness making him doubt her true motives for seeking his affection. Now, his former belief in her true admiration had returned.
He folded the letter up and held it to his chest. “Yes, I think I shall.”
Chapter 19
Ephraim emerged from his chambers after several days of keeping to himself. Having feigned a complaint of the chest, no one had sought to disturb his peace. After the events at the Houses of Parliament, he’d had a lot to think about. Each morning, he expected a letter to come from Lord Rowntree, but nothing arrived.
No news has to be good news…
After all, they had done as Lord Rowntree had asked. A simple task with a large reward. The second half of the funds had yet to appear, but Lord Rowntree had warned that it might take a week, after the fact, for the money to come to Ephraim. Still, the wait was worrying. He had a dowry to pay for. True, he had more than enough from the first instalment, but it was better to be safe than sorry. He did not wish to bankrupt himself on a single payment to the Duke of Bradford.
The house was eerily empty as he descended the stairs. His wife had gone into town with her dear friend, Lady Phyllis, and Adelaide was nowhere to be found. She had mentioned something about visiting with Jasper, which alarmed and comforted him in equal measure. Surely, Jasper would not breathe a word of what had happened? After all, his own reputation was on the line.
Two more weeks, and we shall be out of London until the summer. It cannot come soon enough.
“Your papers, My Lord,” Daniel, the butler, appeared from nowhere. He held out a silver tray with the morning’s post and newspapers upon it.
“Thank you, Daniel,” Ephraim replied. “Might you have some luncheon sent into the dining room? I did not eat much of the breakfast that was sent up, and I am positively famished.”
Daniel dipped his head. “Certainly, My Lord.”
Taking the papers and the letters, Ephraim moved down the dark-paneled hallway and turned right into the dining room. Everything had already been cleared away after breakfast, leaving the room sparse and oddly unwelcoming. Ignoring the strange feeling, Ephraim crossed the floor and sat down at the head chair.
Putting the letters to one side, he started with the newspapers. With a loud yawn, he flipped through the first few pages. Nothing really stood out that grabbed his weary attention. On the fourth page, however, he froze. His eyes darted to a headline in the right-hand corner:Member of Parliament in Unexpected Disgrace.
Feverishly, he continued to read:The Right Honorable Member of Parliament for Bath, Mr. Howard Palmer, was apprehended yesterday on a charge of embezzlement and smuggling. With strong ties to the East India Company, the news has come as a great shock to his fellow investors. He stands accused of smuggling live animals from Western Africa, and embezzling funds from the shareholders of Remington’s Spices.
