“Everyone knows they did not offer for you,” Natalie interjected. “Before you cast your judgment upon others, think first of your situation.”
Alexandra’s face contorted before she snatched up her reticule from a chair and walked out of the shop.
"The only reason I tolerate her is that she purchases a new dress every week," Mary sighed upon Alexandra's exit. “If I had my way, I would choose who patronizes me.”
For the remainder of the afternoon, Alexandra’s words about the scandal and that being the reason for Natalie’s spinsterhood plagued her. She gave Mary Phoebe’s dress and returned home with Hannah.
George found them in the drawing room with an invitation, which he held up, a smile on his face. “We have a soirée to attend at the Duke of Amsthorne’s residence.”
Natalie’s insides tightened with anticipation. They had never been invited to any event hosted by Jasper or Phoebe. Their family lacked society’s favor because of their debts. Until now.
"Itoldyou, Natalie,” Hannah cried, running up to George and taking the invitation from him, “The Duke is fond of you!"
"Hannah!" Natalie reprimanded.
"Did you just say that Amsthorne is fond of Natalie, Hannah?" George inquired, his eyes widening with interest. She groaned because she did not want him to have false hopes with regards to her marriage. They had already accepted that she would never marry.
"Sorry," Hannah mouthed to Natalie.
“Do not mind her, George,” Natalie dismissed. “Society is carrying around a rumor. Pay it no mind, please.”
"Yes, it is nothing of consequence, George," Hannah supported.
"Amsthorne having potential interest in you is not a matter to be disregarded, Natalie," George responded. "And remember, I do have cause to believe Hannah. Surely getting an invitation for the first time from him after dancing with you holds something more."
“Perhaps my friendship with Lady Phoebe is behind all of this,” Natalie murmured in an attempt to draw him away from being hopeful.
“No.” George shook his head. “The Duke would not have danced with you simply because you are friends with Lady Phoebe.”
“George,” Natalie’s voice was forceful, “the Duke is just an acquaintance.”
"Very well, Natalie. If you say so." He finally acquiesced. Natalie was beginning to calm down when he suddenly added, "You shall have a new dress for the upcoming soiree. Both of you. No objections." He looked sternly from her to Hannah, who smirked like a fox.
Natalie had no choice but to accept this. She did, however, make a mental note to secretly supplement even more into their accounts from her wins. George wanted her to have a new dress to impress Jasper because, like many others, he was hoping for a match between them. Nothing she did stopped him.
The expectation that now rested upon her shoulders was too great, and she wanted to tell someone that she could not marry Jasper. He would never offer for her. And he was the man who compromised her a decade ago.
Chapter 19
The Comtesse with fiery hair and emerald green eyes had London under her spell. Some gentlemen swear they had never beheld a more beautiful creature, especially Mr. Lupton and Baron Peckhart. We apologize to the Baron’s poor wife if she is reading this. Comtesse De Villepin claimed that she came to England only to be with the Masked Rogue. Could she be the woman he rescued at Hyde Park? Is he in love with her?
Jasper was at Whites again when he spied Clifford poring over the contents of a sheet. He joined him at his table but had to clear his throat to get the Earl’s attention.
"My apologies, Your Grace." Clifford set aside the paper.
"Please, call me Jasper or Amsthorne," he said. He rather liked the Earl and did not mind friendship with him. The little time he had left also made him disdain formality.
“I shall call you Amsthorne then,” Clifford agreed with a small smile.
Jasper glanced at the sheet on the table. “I did not know you read The Londoner earnestly.”
"Do we not all?” Clifford chuckled. “It is telling us more about the Comtesse.”
Jasper sucked in his breath. No one knew who the Comtesse was, and he was glad that Natalie would not wear the mask again or go out in public in that seductive dress. He had already given Smith the task of covering anything good enough to expose her, as he did for himself.
Two gentlemen walked into the salon at that moment, and they were talking about the Comtesse. Jasper’s jaw clenched as he wondered when the obsession would cease. He had guessed correctly when he told Natalie that they would not let her go. He had to do what must be done to protect her, and maybe he needed to set some measures in place to shield her should the situation overpower Smith. After all, he would be leaving soon, and when he did, she might be exposed.
“Are you well, Amsthorne?” Clifford asked, and Jasper blinked.
