Page 25 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“And what of the fortunate position you would be in, where you would be wed to a gentleman of considerable means—a gentleman whom you adore, and who adores you in return?”
“One must balance one’s choices,” Leah said simply. “And you understand, better than anyone, the pressures of family.”
Adelaide could hardly believe what she was hearing. “Your mother would undoubtedly be pleased if Jasper were to make his intentions known?”
“There is too much uncertainty, Adelaide. My mother must also balance the options that lay before us. We do not have the privilege that you possess, in selecting from the most prime slice of society gentlemen.”
“But you do, Leah. Jasper adores you.”
“I have yet to hear him intimate such expressions of feeling to me.”
“He is a proper man. He would not wish to say anything that might make you uncomfortable or be deemed roguish. You must be patient and allow him to process a potential courtship in the correct manner.”
Leah reached for her teacup again. “That is where you and I differ. My family have accumulated their own wealth and, as such, we hold a rather more modern viewpoint than you do. Why should he not make his intentions known directly, if he feels as strongly as you say he does?”
“He is a reticent sort of fellow, that is all. What you may decipher as hesitation is nothing more than an inherent shyness in him.”
Adelaide looked at Leah closely, attempting to figure out the strange expression that flitted across her friend’s face. If she didn’t know any better, she would say that Leah was starting to have second thoughts about the entire thing. About Jasper.
Can you really believe yourself to be so unsuitable for a gentleman who does not care for differences in class? Or is there more to this than meets the eye… what are you not telling me, Leah?
“Perhaps,” Leah said, after a moment.
Adelaide had heard of social climbers before, but she did not dare to tarnish her acquaintance with the same brush. And yet, the signs were undeniable. The Greens were wealthy and lacked nothing but a title, an attribute that would place them on the social map. Moreover, Jasper did not run to her beck and call and had not shown any clear indication of his wish to officially court her. He had made no such motion. In which case, were she interested solely in the position he could grant her, a future with him might have appeared less secure? A safer wager would have been preferable. Perhaps, her mother was pressuring her into such an ill-advised move. It was rather difficult to gauge.
“May I give him news of your continued affections?” Adelaide asked, feeling nervous for Jasper. “He wishes to send you a letter, but I thought it prudent that I speak with you first. I wanted to assure you of his feelings.”
“You believe he cares?”
“I do, Leah.” Adelaide no longer felt entirely comfortable admitting as much, in case her suspicions were confirmed.
“Then, maybe, all is not lost.” Her eyes twinkled unexpectedly, giving Adelaide hope. A bittersweet expression washed over her pretty features. Not for the first time, Adelaide could see why Jasper was so smitten with her.
Reuben did not exactly look at her in that sweet, romantic way. Not that she minded. She had never been one for saccharine regard. His affections were much darker than that—there was a danger and a thrill to them. Even so, they did not appear to be any less valid. He admired her and was fond of her. The Dowager had even said so. In truth, Adelaide was somewhat fond of him, too. She did not enjoy his games, but she honestly believed that they would enjoy a happy life together. An unorthodox existence, perhaps… but a content one.
“So… I may assure him that his affections are returned?” Adelaide pressed. Jasper would not take a vague reply, and he would likely blame her for the lack of clarity.
Leah nodded shyly. “You may.”
“And that all is forgiven with regards to the previous evening?”
“It is.”
Adelaide sighed with relief. “He shall be most pleased to hear such joyous news.”
“With regards to your friendship, however,” Leah interjected, dampening Adelaide’s enthusiasm. “I do wish you would heed my desires and spend less time in his company. You present an unwelcome distraction. My mother agrees.”
“I will do what I can,” she replied. Another white lie.
“That is much appreciated, Adelaide.” She took up her cup and saucer and lifted the tea to her lips. “Now, shall we discuss the matter of your errant fiancé, or did you only wish to pry into my romantic endeavors?”
Adelaide was spared her response by the sound of someone hammering on the front door. A tremor of fear shot through her. It did not sound like the civilized knock of a sane individual. She rose sharply and hurried towards the door of the drawing room. At the threshold, she paused. Daniel, the household butler, had beat her to it. He opened the door wide, to reveal Jasper on the other side.
A mist of rainwater clung to his hair, whilst a diluted trickle of blood meandered down his face. Adelaide gasped at the sight of him. He looked as though he had just stepped in from the pages of a Gothic novel. Thanking Daniel, he swept into the entrance hall and paused on the plush rug. Glancing at Adelaide, he smoothed down the ruffled edges of his waistcoat and offered her a reassuring smile.
“My goodness, what has happened?” Adelaide rushed to his side. Without thinking, she pulled his handkerchief from his top pocket and pressed it to his cheek. “You are wounded. Are you quite well?”
Jasper laughed softly. “A scrape, nothing more. An unfortunate incident with a low branch and my rusty horsemanship.”
