Page 68 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“I need one of those,” he said, pointing at the amber liquid in Jasper’s hand.
“You seemed just fine before you left,” the man replied.
“Much can happen in a few moments. Will you pour it, or shall I?”
Jasper pulled his head back. “What the devil has gotten into you?”
“The devil has not gotten into me, but he is making my life difficult. That can be the only explanation for my predicament.”
“You are in a predicament that you cannot solve?” the man asked. “I never thought I would live to see the day!”
“I did not say I could not solve it,” Nash muttered, pouring himself a brandy and taking a seat.
“Well, do tell me what the problem is,” his friend urged. “Perhaps the Great Jasper can help.”
“The Great Jasper?”
“Do you think it too vain? What about Jasper the Incredible?”
“What have you done to earn these titles?”
The man grinned. “My very existence gives me greatness, but I suppose I can work on a lesser name. Either way, I am ready to hear of this problem.”
Nash briefly debated whether he should reveal his troubling thoughts and the woman behind it all. Jasper would undoubtedly be surprised, but the man would not judge him.
“What do you think of Isabella?” he asked.
“Other than the fact that I find her beautiful?”
Nash frowned. “You did not tell me this before.”
“But it’s rather obvious, is it not? More than that, she is like a breath of fresh air. I look forward to seeing her again. Where is she?”
Pinpricks of jealousy studded Nash’s scalp as he narrowed his eyes at his friend. “I hope you do not have any designs on my servant.”
Jasper roared with laughter so suddenly that Nash spilt a little brandy on his breeches.
“What has come over you?” he asked, wiping the liquid off his attire.
“You have simply confirmed my suspicions,” Jasper claimed. “I was not entirely certain of it when I was last here, but I am now.”
“What are you on about?” Nash asked.
“Your feelings for Isabella. You were the last person I ever imagined would fall for the help, but I cannot blame you. Isabella puts many of the women in our circle to shame.
I do not merely mean physically, although she truly is lovely, but her demeanour is refreshing to be around. If you had not told me she was a servant, I might have guessed her to be a lady in commoner’s clothing.”
Jasper was perceptive, more so than Nash realised. The man had noticed Isabella’s uniqueness after just a visit or two, while Nash had had her under his roof for well over two months, and yet he was no closer to discovering much more than his friend knew.
“Well, these feelings that you speak of are inappropriate,” said Nash. “I am not even certain of what I feel for the woman! I wish to protect her from harm, and I feel terrible if she shows the slightest evidence of unhappiness. I have felt this way ever since I rescued her, and the feelings have only grown. What is happening to me?”
“It seems you have atendrefor the woman, which would be a first for you,” Jasper replied. “It’s rather unfortunate that she is your servant and not a woman you can pursue.”
“Do not be ridiculous! Who said anything about atendre?”
“Then what would you say it is? You were ready to challenge me to a duel moments ago.”
Nash shook his head. “Do not be so dramatic. Let’s leave this subject of feelings before you start telling me that I love her!”
