Page 17 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
He frowned. “You do not think Miss Green suitable?”
Adelaide thought back to the previous evening, and Leah’s mortification in the back of the carriage. Countess Gaumont had ridiculed her in the cruelest of ways. However, Adelaide did not share in the Countess’ opinion. True, Leah bore no title, but what did that matter? If she had the power to make Jasper content, then everything else could be overcome.
“If you find her to be suitable, then she is perfectly so.”
“But you do not care for her?”
“Why must everyone believe that I bear some sort of grudge against Miss Green?” She sighed in frustration. “I like Miss Green well enough. Her company is most distracting. I mean, she does not appreciate the friendship that you and I share, but that has not turned me against her. It is simple envy.”
“She has said as much?”
Adelaide nodded. “She has, but I think I have succeeded in convincing her that you and I share a purely platonic companionship.”
“That is a relief,” Jasper said softly.
“Why is that?”
“For if she were to ask me to cast you aside, I am not certain of how I would answer.” He looked at her sheepishly. She understood his position, but it did not sit well with her. He had known Adelaide most of his life, but if Miss Green asked such a thing of him, how could he refuse? If he wished to court her, he’d have to do as she asked. A painful truth.
“You would truly put an end to our friendship?” She felt oddly crestfallen. There was often conflict between them, but she had never thought him capable of ceasing their acquaintance. Meanwhile, the letter to Reuben still burned a hole in the desk. Another potential rejection, taunting her.
“As I say, I do not know,” he replied with a sigh. “I pray it never comes to such a crossroads.”
“As do I, Jasper… as do I.”
“Anyway, enough of my woes and future prospects that may never come to pass. Let us speak on happier subjects. Has the engagement been announced?” he asked, a little too brightly. She could tell he wanted to launch into another tirade about Reuben’s lack of suitability. Only, she could not face hearing it.
Adelaide turned and crumpled the letter into a ball. “I am uncertain. I have yet to retreat downstairs.”
“Shall we go together?”
“Are you certain Miss Green will not mind?” she replied sarcastically, drawing in an anxious breath.
“Let us not quarrel, my dear friend.”
Adelaide sighed. “Very well, then we may go together.” At least then she would have Jasper to steady her if the worst should befall her.
Replacing her quill and ink, she set out a new piece of stationery. The note could wait. Perhaps, she would not even need to write one. Even so, she left the crumpled ball of vellum on the desk, where it unfurled like a creature stretching out weary limbs. Jasper eyed it curiously, but he did not say a word about it. For that, Adelaide was grateful.
Side-by-side, they walked along the softly-lit landing. Below, Adelaide could hear the soft music of her mother’s harp drifting up. An accomplished musician, Lady Leeds often liked to play. It soothed her and brought a tranquility to the house. Ordinarily, Adelaide would have shared in the deep sense of peace, but she could not relax today.
Reaching the elegant entrance hall, where the chandelier cast sparkling dapples on the polished parquet, Adelaide broke away from Jasper.
“I will only be a moment,” she said, excusing herself from his side.
He nodded and folded his arms behind his back. Glancing at him in amusement, she thought he looked rather like a tin soldier preparing for a parade. She might have teased him for standing so proud and stoic, but she lacked the will.
Trying to calm her racing heart, she headed towards the drawing room and peered around the threshold. Her mother sat at the far side, her fingertips dancing across the seemingly endless strings of the harp. Lady Leeds eyes were closed in concentration.
Reluctantly, Adelaide cleared her throat. “Mama?”
Lady Leeds looked up in surprise. “My darling, I did not hear you come in. Was I disturbing you?”
“Your music could never disturb me, Mama.”
“Is something the matter, then?”
Adelaide exhaled shakily. “Has there been any word of the engagement?”
