Page 31 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“Come now, do you not revel in our sport—these games we play?”
“Ordinarily I would feel inclined to play along, but I fear I am too weary for such amusement tonight. I ask again, what are you both doing out here?”
Reuben smiled. “I thought it best that Lord Gillett and I were better acquainted. He is a dear friend of yours, and so he must become a dear friend of mine. We are to be wed, after all—you and I.”
“Are we?” A sharp note darted off her tongue.
“We are, my love,” he assured.
She arched an eyebrow. “I have seen no evidence.”
“Another of my foolish tricks, my dear. Had I realized it would bring you heartache, I would never have done it. Truly, it has been my most pressing intention, to make amends for any pain I may have caused.”
Jasper shot him an icy stare, but the former did not breathe a word.
Good boy.
“Will it be yet another game?” Adelaide murmured.
Reuben closed the gap between them and sank to the ground before her, his knee dampening in the night-slicked grass. A chill shivered up his thigh. She looked at him in astonishment as he reached into his coat pocket and drew out a small leather box. He lifted the lid to reveal a beautiful ruby ring, with a circle of miniature diamonds clustered around the crimson jewel.
“No more tricks or games at your expense,” he promised. “This is a symbol of my honesty. From now on, you will be party to my amusements. It shall be you and I, against the gossipers of London.”
He had been saving the ring for just such an occasion, in case he needed to win her over in the blink of an eye. It was a test, more than anything, a marker, to gauge how easily he could salvage her favor. And she had passed with flying colors. Their marriage would be happy indeed, if all it took was a pretty ring to regain her faith in him.
“This is for me?” she whispered.
“If you will have it… and me?” He took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. She held it up, admiring it for a moment. Meanwhile, Jasper looked on in utter disbelief. A fact that pleased Reuben greatly. Two birds with one stone.
To his surprise, however, she shook her head and took the ring off. “I need actions, not gifts,” she said firmly, pressing it back into his palm.
He eyed her curiously. She was full of endless surprises. A ruby that size would have been enough to entice most ladies. And yet, it was not enough to heal the rift he had torn between them. More work was required.
Very well. I suppose you have earned it.
“I have been remiss in my behavior towards you, Lady Adelaide,” he began solemnly. “I have acted in a most uncouth, callous manner. It was cruel, and it was unfair to you, whom I adore. The expression of emotions does not come easily to me. And yet, I cannot deny how entirely you have captured my heart. I pray that I have not diminished in your opinion, for yours is the only one I care about.”
A small smile curved up the corners of her full lips. “You speak very prettily when the mood takes you, Your Grace.”
“You inspire those words in me, Lady Adelaide. I am wholly sincere.” He was somewhat startled to find that he meant it. “I will make amends for my behavior, if you swear to forgive me for my transgressions. Let us put this unpleasantness behind us and move towards our future together.”
“How can I be sure of your intent, after your broken promises?”
“Take this ring as a sign of my sincerity,” he urged. “And rest assured that I will fulfil my pledge to you. The announcement shall appear in tomorrow’s papers. And we will be wed soon enough, if you desire it still.”
She nodded slowly, accepting the ring this time. “You know that I do.”
He shot a smug look at Jasper, who looked crestfallen. However, he was not entirely done having his fun. There was one hurdle still to overcome.
“There is only one problem,” he said.
Adelaide frowned. “What issue can there be?”
“Your father, my love.”
“What about him?” Her tone bordered on wary.
“I have sent him several letters regarding your dowry, and he has not responded to a single one,” he explained. “Indeed, it is one of the reasons I withheld the announcement for so long. I cannot proceed until it has been properly discussed. I know it is not your fault, but it must be dealt with as soon as possible. There can be no delay.”
