Page 182 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

“Hide behind the sofa,” Anna hissed, shoving him away.

Grumbling under his breath, he did just that and bumped his head hard for his efforts.

Anna walked over, sat on the sofa, and kicked her foot toward him. “Come in,” she called.

From his vantage point, Jasper could not see much, but he could hear. The ladies talked about Cedrica, a distant cousin of the Duchess of Haverford, whose house they were all staying in. They were making plans to help the poor girl choose a costume for the coming costume party that would attract the man she admired.

And then they talked of Lady Emily and Lord Tipton. The gentleman still did not seem to understand just how much Emily wished for his attention and affection. Perhaps he should have a talk with Tipton. Yet, involving himself in others’ love lives when his own was such a complicated affair did not seem the wisest of courses. Hopefully, Tipton would realize what he was missing. Elsewise, the lady would find another gentleman who would make her smile, laugh, and feel treasured.

As they talked, his mind wandered. Yes, he greatly appreciated that Anna had confided in him her mother’s secret. It was becoming quite clear that she cared for him. He had thought the same of…

But, no. They were not of the same breed. Anna would not do anything to wrong him.

If only he could bring himself to tell her about his past. Then he would know for certain if he had moved on from his past wrongs. Perhaps she might be the one to make the last of his hurt disappear.

This Christmas might just be what I need.

The thought of how smug his mother would be if he did find love with Anna Wycliff after all made him chuckle.

“What was that?” Lady Emily asked.

“A rat,” Anna said easily.

Jasper snorted at that.

“A rat?” Lady Emily shrieked.

“No, no. A cat.”

As if called for, the kitten walked past Jasper, her tiny tail tickling his nose before she darted forward and played with Anna’s skirt.

The ladies exclaimed over the kitten, and finally, after Lady Emily could not convince Anna to come to the hunt ball, Lady Emily left.

Jasper groaned as he rose from behind the sofa. “I thought you two would never stop talking.”

With a brilliant smile, Anna laughed. “You know us ladies. We do love to talk.”

“Yes,” he murmured. “So I am a rat, am I?”

“You have not proved yourself a hero yet.”

“Because I have not kissed you?”

“Exactly so.” She crossed her arms.

“Are not heroes supposed to put their lady’s virtue above all else?” he countered.

Anna frowned. “Do you not wish to kiss me?”

He headed for the door. “Seek me out beneath the mistletoe and see.”

And he left her there, chuckling as he could have sworn she called him a rat once more.

CHAPTER15

24th December,1812

Benjamin stared at the letter but could not bring himself to reread it. Florentina had insisted that he come to the house party alone. She was sick more often than not, and even though he tried to help her as best he could, she did not appreciate his presence.

---