Page 6 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Jasper glowered in the direction of Reuben. “It would appear that some rogue has attempted to apprehend you.”
“As the lady says, the situation is not as it seems,” Reuben replied coolly. He had encountered Jasper a few times during his discreet courtship of Adelaide. Every time his carriage arrived outside the townhouse belonging to Adelaide and her family, he found Jasper lingering somewhere nearby. Truth be told, he did not care for the young man. Adelaide had often assured him that Jasper was no more than a childhood friend, but Reuben did not appreciate competition of any kind. Not from other suitors, at any rate.
“You must go,” Adelaide urged.
Jasper shook his head. “I will not.”
“This gentleman is no threat to me.”
“How can I be certain?” He eyed Reuben intently.
“Listen to the young lady,” Reuben replied frostily. “You are beginning to grow tiresome.”
Adelaide sighed and turned her attention to Jasper. “This is the Duke of Bradford—the two of you have met in passing on several occasions, I am certain,” she explained slowly. “You see… I am engaged to the Duke.”
Jasper’s eyes flew wide. “You are… what? How can that be?”
“It has been arranged, Jasper.”
“Yes, Jasper, it has been arranged,” Reuben smiled triumphantly. He was not a petty sort of man, but he didn’t like the way Jasper was looking at his future wife. The young man clearly felt some kind of possessiveness towards Adelaide. Reuben was only too happy to knock that feeling on its side.
“Do your mother and father know?” Jasper asked, ignoring Reuben entirely.
Adelaide nodded. “Of course, they do.”
“How can it be that you are engaged but there has been no announcement?”
“There will be one very soon,” Reuben interjected. “I shall see to it myself.”
Adelaide looked at Reuben curiously. He smiled back, hoping to reassure her of his sincerity. The arrival of Jasper had caused a slight hiccup in his plans. He had hoped to wed Adelaide without much fuss, so that he might continue a leisurely sort of lifestyle once they were married. A mistress or two, perhaps. After all, other gentlemen enjoyed similarly discreet situations. Now, he would have to announce the engagement publicly. As soon as it was common knowledge, he would have greater trouble indulging in secret flirtations in the future.
At least I will have her dowry to console myself with,he thought.That shall have to be enough to comfort me.
“You will announce it?” she asked.
“How does tomorrow suit you, my darling?”
A broad grin spread across her face. “I should like that very much.”
“Then, tomorrow it shall be.”
“Lady Adelaide, I really think you ought to reconsider this,” Jasper murmured, evidently attempting to do so out of Reuben’s earshot. “A man who would seek to corner you in an alleyway is no gentleman, surely?”
Reuben cleared his throat. “Anything you wish to say to her, you may say to me.”
“All is well, Jasper, I assure you,” Adelaide insisted.
“You go on ahead, my sweet,” Reuben gestured towards the end of the alleyway. “I shall have a word or two with your friend here, to ensure he understands that I mean you no harm. It was a childish game, gone slightly awry, that is all.”
Adelaide paused. “I do not know if that is a good idea.”
“I promise, I need only a moment to explain myself.”
“Very well, but do not be long,” Adelaide relented. “If you are to make an official announcement, my parents will be most delighted to hear so from you.”
Casting a glance back at the two men, Adelaide turned on her heel and walked out of the alley. Reuben watched her retreat. Ordinarily, he would have admired the shape and movement of her, but he could feel no pleasure in her departure. Instead, he felt anger boil within his veins. All of his carefully-laid plans had been ruined, and there was only one person to blame.
As soon as Adelaide had disappeared around the corner, Reuben lunged for Jasper. With strong arms, he pinned the younger man against the wall of the alleyway. Jasper tried to struggle free, but it was no good. Reuben was a fiercely powerful man, in all things.
