Page 7 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“I shall say this only once, so be sure to hear me,” he hissed. “Lady Adelaide is going to be my wife. I do not know what history you have shared with one another as acquaintances, but I would advise you to forget any affection you feel. She is not for you.”
“I do not feel—”
Reuben tightened his grip. “Do not interrupt me, boy. Just listen.” He stood nose-to-nose with Jasper. “Lady Adelaide is not for you. She is not your friend. She is not your thing to protect. If you so much as look at her or me in a way I do not like, you shall feel the full wrath of my displeasure. I am a patient man. I do not rise to temper easily. But, if you do not obey, I will make an exception. Do you understand my meaning?”
“I have no feelings for her beyond friendship,” Jasper murmured.
“Regardless, do not think to harbor even those kinds of affections.”
“We are neighbors. I cannot stop our paths from crossing.”
Reuben shoved Jasper hard against the brickwork. “I do not like your insolence, boy. Avoid her wherever you can or endure the consequences. That is all there is to it.”
“I understand, Duke,” Jasper said, after a brief pause.
“Good.”
Leaving Jasper slumped against the wall, Reuben stalked out of the alleyway. Walking fast, he almost ran straight into Lady Adelaide. She was barely past the entrance. Her dark eyes observed him with a scrutiny he’d never seen before. Had she seen what he had done? Had she heard the words he had spoken to Jasper? Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise if she had. For now she would know what he was capable of, too.
Chapter 3
Jasper paced the grounds of the park opposite his home, hoping for a glimpse of Adelaide emerging next-door. After his altercation with Reuben, he desperately wanted to speak with her, if only to attempt to dissuade her from the match. He did not know how much she truly knew about the Duke of Bradford. Jasper had heard many unsavory things about the gentleman, lewd and chilling facts that he did not like one bit. If it was true that they were set to announce the engagement, then time was running out to change her mind.
In truth, he did not know the Duke on a personal level at all. Everything he knew of Reuben was hearsay. However, nose-to-nose, a memory had flickered into being. Stories being told of a dark and dangerous man with particular appetites. A man who took pleasure in hurting women. Jasper didn’t know how legitimate the rumors were, but he could not risk Adelaide being the one to find out.
Unless she is in love with him?he thought as he swiped his cane at a patch of skeletal shrubs. The autumn chill had already stolen the blooms away.No. Surely, she cannot be in love with such a man. I have barely seen her in his company.
Jasper tried to think back to any occasions he might have missed where they had been together. As a rule, he was not fond of society gatherings and loathed the Assembly Rooms. Dancing was not his forte, prompting him to avoid it where possible. However, he often attended, regardless. Usually, at the behest of Adelaide and her family. Racking his memories for any moment that Adelaide might have spent in Reuben’s company, he found himself coming up empty.
So, how can it be that they are to be wed? How has this come to pass? Has she allowed herself to be entrapped by such a man—is that how this has occurred? I thought her altogether more sensible than that.A tremor of guilt bristled through him.Or perhaps, she merely wishes to secure her future with a fortuitous match. She would not be the first young lady to do so. And, given the circumstances of the Colborne family, maybe her actions are more prudent than she may even know.
In all honesty, he was uncertain how much Adelaide was aware of, especially when it came to her father’s finances. Ephraim was a shrewd man in many ways, but investments were a dangerous game to play. Even the shrewdest, most careful of men could find themselves on the losing side. Indeed, several of the Earl’s speculations had gone awry in recent years. And now, he was paying the price.
Surely, Adelaide cannot know the truth?It seemed impossible to Jasper that her father would have said a word about it. He was a proud man. He would not want his family to worry.
Truly, Jasper wasn’t even sure he had all the details.No, perhaps it is simply fortunate timing. A well-made engagement that has come at the ideal moment.He just wished she might have chosen a different gentleman—one whose name did not strike discord into the heart of a great many people.
“We are delighted that you have decided on tomorrow to formally announce the engagement,” the Countess of Leeds’ sweet voice drifted across the street. Jasper’s head snapped up as he darted behind a trimmed conifer. The last thing he wanted to do was draw the attention of Reuben.
“It is my deepest pleasure, Lady Leeds,” Reuben purred in reply. He took her hand and kissed it gently. “It is an honor to be welcomed into your family, and I trust that we may enjoy a long and happy acquaintance.”
The Countess smiled from ear to ear. “Tell your mother that she must come for tea this week, so we may discuss wedding plans. There is no time to waste, Duke, as I am sure you will agree.”
“Indeed not. I shall have her write as soon as I return home.”
“Splendid.”
Placing his top hat on his head, Reuben dipped into a casual bow before swaggering down the steps to a waiting carriage. Jasper watched the scene intently, though Adelaide was nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, he skirted closer. It was unlike Adelaide to shy away from a farewell.
“You and I must arrange a meeting this week, also, to discuss the matter of my daughter’s dowry,” Ephraim urged in a low voice, as he approached the carriage window. Jasper could just make out the words.
“There is no need for haste, Leeds,” Reuben replied. “We shall speak of it whenever you are ready.”
Ephraim cleared his throat anxiously. “I shall send word after the announcement has been made tomorrow.”
“Very well. I look forward to it.”
“Yes… as do I.”
