Page 71 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Ephraim had given him a lot to think about. Indeed, it had led him to the realization that his ideal lady had truly been standing before him the whole time. He could think of no lady more perfect, yet it had taken an outside eye to make him see it.I have been foolish all these years. Even if she were to reject me now, at least she would know my feelings. In good faith, I do not know that I can keep them to myself any longer. I must know. I must know if there is more to this than meets the eye.
He dressed quickly and made his way to the neighboring house. Daniel answered and asked him to wait in the drawing room whilst he fetched a maid to bring Adelaide down. It was early in the morning, and Jasper doubted she had even risen yet. Still, he could not wait a moment longer.
“Actually, might you instruct Lady Adelaide to meet me under the willow tree?” he asked, as Daniel turned to go.
The butler frowned. “Of course, My Lord.”
Clearly, the man thought he was mad, but Jasper did not care. If he was to tell Adelaide how he felt, then it would be in the place she loved more than anything. It seemed fitting.
He took himself out through the library and wandered across the garden. A glittering frost blanketed the grass, a few thawing dewdrops falling from the petals of Autumn’s last blooms. He paused to admire a winter rose, before moving on toward the willow tree. Parting the fronds, he stepped into the shade beyond and settled down on the bench beneath. An icy breeze swayed the curtain of foliage, but it did not make it through to where he sat.
Fifteen minutes later, Adelaide appeared. She looked pale and drawn, with dark circles beneath her eyes. It was evident that she had been crying. A stab of guilt pierced Jasper’s heart. He had caused this anguish, he knew he had. He had sent her away in such a cold, cruel manner and this was the result.
I am sorry, my love. It is I who should seek your forgiveness.
“What are you doing here so early?” she asked quietly. “I had not expected to hear from you for some time…if ever again.”
He smiled. “I know, and for that I am eternally sorry. Please, sit.”
Tentatively, Adelaide approached and sat down on the opposite end of the bench. “It is I who ought to be sorry. Indeed, I am extremely sorry for my actions. With time to think, I have realized how terribly I have behaved. I did not—”
“Please, Adelaide, do not punish yourself in such a manner,” he interjected. “You sought to protect me, and I should be grateful for that. There are few in this world who would defend me from heartache and deceit as you have done. It was a good deed, ill-managed.”
She held her head in her hands. “I thought you would hate me forever.”
“Adelaide, I could never hate you,” he replied, his voice filled with tenderness. He could feel the moment approaching, his heart thundering as he garnered the courage.
“Even so…I am sorry, Jasper. I should not have hidden the truth from you. I should have allowed you to come to your own conclusions about Miss Green. It was not my place to intervene.”
He took a breath. “Why did you intervene?”
“I have already explained.”
“Was my protection the only reason you intervened?”
She looked up at him with wide, desperate eyes. It was all the confirmation he needed that there was a glimmer of hope. A curious sparkle of something lingered in her gaze—a feeling he recognized, as it was reflected in his own eyes.
“I will not ask you to reveal anything to me,” he continued. “I will simply say what I must say and hope that I am not mistaken. Please, have patience with me. I have attempted to rehearse what I want to tell you, but it may not come out as I wish it to.” He flashed her a nervous smile.
“Go on…” she urged.
“Adelaide, I love you. I believe I may have loved you for the entirety of my life at your side, though it is only in recent days that I have realized the extent of my affection,” he said. “I have been a fool, unable to see that everything I have ever wanted has been right in front of me, all this time. Your father could see it. I believe even Miss Green could see it. I am sorry it has taken me so long to open my eyes.”
She stared at him, saying nothing.
Have I misunderstood? No matter…at least she will know. At least I will not have to hide what I feel. I love you, Adelaide. I have said it now. I cannot take it back, nor do I want to.
“I love you. If I were ever to marry, you would be the one I would desire as my wife. I am not asking for your hand, for I do not know if my feelings are reciprocated. I simply wish you to know that I am in love with you, and that will not go away. I have always loved you, in my own way, and now I understand the truth of it. It has always been you. Always.”
Tears streamed from her eyes. “Jasper, I…”
“I can understand if you do not feel the same way, and it shall not change the friendship between us. I value that above all things. Please, do not fear hurting me in your rejection.”
“Jasper…I love you, too. Every word that I wrote to you, though you did not realize it, came from my heart. They were my words. I love you. I love you. Oh Jasper, it is returned…your love is returned. I never dared to hope that you might feel the same. I felt certain your heart belonged to another.”
“It has always been yours,” he whispered, leaning in to touch her face. He lifted her chin gently, his eyes gazing into hers. Her hand covered his, her body trembling as he leaned ever closer. He smiled as her eyes closed, her lips rising to meet his.
He was about to kiss her when the fronds of the willow parted, and Miss Green stormed through, her eyes ablaze with fury. She lunged for Adelaide without warning, hauling her up from the bench before Jasper could move to stop her. Adelaide screamed in fright as Miss Green threw her to the ground in a fit of rage.
