“I do not believe I have had the opportunity to introduce the Earl of Ecklehill,” she said just as Jasper appeared.
Natalie tried to look indifferent as Oliver greeted them, but as soon as Jasper took her hand, a strange calmness washed over her. It was as though his very presence was countering every menacing look Oliver surreptitiously cast in her direction.
He kissed her hand. “I am happy to see you this evening, My Lady.”
Phoebe and George looked pleased, but when Oliver spoke to Hannah, George’s demeanor changed to one of dire consternation.
Dinner was announced, saving them from talking longer in the drawing room. There would be conversation while they ate, but they could distract themselves with the food. Oliver walked with Hannah, unfortunately, while George accompanied Phoebe.
When Jasper took Natalie's hand again, she could not help the little flutter she felt at the contact. He grinned slyly as he placed her hand on his elbow and led her to the dining room.
Conversation at dinner was unsurprisingly dominated by Oliver as he shared stories of his travels and business adventures. He boasted at every opportunity, and although Phoebe and Jasper were unaware of it—likely because he was their good friend and their judgment was shaded—Natalie’s family was losing their spirits.
She looked up from her soup and found Jasper’s eyes on her. His expression was unreadable, but Natalie thought she saw a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
Then George surprised her when he began to participate in the conversation with more spirit. He asked Oliver questions, and Oliver replied pleasantly.The vile demon!She smiled when she heard the sarcasm in her cousin’s compliments, which Oliver was oblivious to.
Phoebe conversed with Hannah, and Jasper claimed Natalie’s attention. “You are quiet tonight. Is something the matter?”
Natalie smiled at him and shook her head. “Cook is very skilled with partridge. I am afraid that is what has me quiet tonight.”
He laughed softly, but she could see that he did not believe her. He did not prod her, and she appreciated it along with his concern. Dinner passed better than she thought, and when it was over, the ladies left the gentlemen to enjoy their port, moving to the drawing room.
Phoebe played the pianoforte while Hannah sang, and Natalie’s mood was rejuvenated. That was until Oliver entered the room and sidled beside her. Hannah missed a note when she saw him, but Phoebe continued playing, encouraging her to keep singing.
"I told you we would be seeing each other more frequently, Natalie," Oliver said.
“You left your company to tell me this?” she asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"I came to tell you something different, my dear—”
“Do not call me that!” she whispered harshly.
Oliver ignored her and continued. “Do you not find it curious that Amsthorne bears no recollection of that night?" Natalie gave no response to this as something constricted her chest. "We tend to erase our most insignificant memories, after all. I suppose he is excused in that regard," Oliver chuckled.
Natalie felt her nails dig painfully into her palms. Oliver might not stop until he had her family’s blood.
"Would you like some water, Natalie? You look rather parched." He feigned concern. He knew the pain he was causing her, and he was thoroughly enjoying it.
"Please, excuse me." Natalie rose stiffly. She might perish if she spent another minute in his vile company.
She found the lavatory and patted some cold water onto her face. It was soothing, but it did little in the way of calming the emotions that warred inside her. Anger took her breath away while sadness pushed against the back of her eyes. She regarded herself in the mirror, seeing how disturbed she looked.
Slowly, and with considerable effort, she forced a smile onto her face. When she was satisfied, she let herself out of the room. As she opened the door and stepped into the hallway, she let out a small gasp.
“Did I frighten you?” Jasper asked, pushing off the wall he had been leaning against, waiting for her. His eyes narrowed, and his brows furrowed. "Are you well?" Before she could respond, he took her hand and drew her into the first room he found, locking it behind them.
"There is no reason to lock us in here, Jasper,” she laughed nervously. “I am well."
His skeptical gaze remained on her, searching every inch of her face to confirm what she had just said.
“I do not believe you. You left the soiree abruptly, you were too quiet at dinner, and now you look as though you are going to cry.” Jasper took her face in his hands. “Natalie, my darling, tell me what troubles you.”
The softness of his tone and the concern in his eyes made her truly wish that she could cry and tell him what bothered her, but he was a part of those things.
“Natalie?” he asked again, bringing his lips very close to hers. Instead of answering, she met him the rest of the way, and the passion that had been swelling erupted between them.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him, while his mouth moved over hers with both sweetness and urgency. He guided her to a table and placed her atop it, his hands caressing her body through her dress, reminding her of the never-ending need she had, and that only he could satisfy.
