She could not have appreciated that she might have to marry yet another stranger.
And Jasper had delivered the news of their destination with all the finesse of a hammer.
“Things will look better in the morning.” Jasper smoothed his palm over her hair. “They always do.”
She made a small sound that wasn’t quite a sob. “I’m sorry I’ve dragged you into this.” Her voice sounded defeated, and a delicate tremor ran through her.
Jasper gathered her closer. “It mightn’t be all that bad. We’ll figure things out tomorrow. For now, try to sleep.”
He waited, and when she didn’t answer, he glanced down. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing had finally turned deep and even.
Jasper braced his foot on the floor and followed his own advice.
A New Day
Nia burrowed deeper into her mattress. But as she went to push some of the coverlet away, she realized it wasn’t her coverlet at all, but a wool jacket. And she was not sleeping on a mattress, but a velvet-covered bench.
The events of the previous day crashed over her like a tidal wave of cold water.
She was in a carriage with the notorious Piccadilly Player. She’d left the Duke of Dewberry at the altar, escaped her home by tearing the trellis off the side of her father’s house, and then she’d very nearly solicited a position for herself at the Domus Emporium.
And then she’d fallen asleep in Jasper’s arms.
But she was alone now, and the carriage sat still. Pushing herself up, she brushed her hair away from her face and rubbed her eyes. Gritty and hot, she ached all over. The ringing in her ear was gone, however, and her cheek only ached a little.
The carriage jostled but didn’t move forward, and she realized they must be watering the horses. With the urgent need to clean up, not to mention relieve herself, she peered outside. People bustled about, entering and exiting a posting inn on one side. A mercantile was doing healthy business on the other. A mail coach pulled into the yard and parked beside another older-looking carriage.
She eyed the door, unsure of her safety and wondering if anyone would recognize her in her present condition. Her father was quite notorious, and news of her wedding had been in all the papers.
And yet, everyone around looked to be minding their own business.
She reached for the handle, but just before she could push, the door was pulled open from outside.
“You’re awake,” Jasper announced all too cheerfully.
Rays of sunshine sparkled on the golden glints in his light brown hair, which sprang up in all directions. Combined with the unshaven whiskers on the lower half of his face, he managed to appear even more handsome than he had the day before. But most noticeable, despite the shadows etched beneath his hazel eyes, was the light of optimism lurking behind them.
She vaguely remembered him giving her his jacket the night before. It had made for a cozy blanket. He’d made for a most surprisingly comfortable bed.
Nia blinked at him, her mouth suddenly dry, taking in his unbuttoned waistcoat, wrinkled shirt, and sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
“Yes.” Her voice came out as more of a croaking sound. She covered her mouth, horrified that he would see her so unkempt. “But I’m a mess,” she said. “I need—”
“I’ve made arrangements for you to use one of the rooms to clean up.” He reached inside to take her hand. “And inside, you’ll find a package of useful items I’ve purchased for you. But I’m afraid you’ll have to manage without a lady’s maid.”
“My maid quit last month. The one before her only lasted two weeks.”
He cocked a brow. “I wouldn’t have taken you to be overly demanding.”
“Lizzy left when she learned of my engagement to Dewberry,” Nia explained. “Before that, Annie found a more appealing position with Lady Lionel.” Nia hadn’t blamed either of them for leaving as her father tended to treat his servants poorly. For that reason, she’d gone through more than her fair share of nannies, and then governesses and maids. “I’ve grown rather adept at dressing myself, thank you.”
Nia leaned out for the baron to assist her, but rather than land her feet on the ground, she found herself swooped up and into Jasper’s arms.
“Mud in this yard is a foot deep,” he explained. Nia glanced down at her feet. Well-worn slippers peeked out from beneath the dull green gown. Yesterday at this time they had been sparkling white and decorated with jeweled bows. Today they were a filthy gray, torn, and hanging on her toes by little more than a few threads. She dared not imagine what the rest of her person looked like.
Nia pressed her face into his neck, unwilling for him, or anyone, to see her in her current state.
“Good thinking,” Jasper chuckled. “But I don’t think you’ll be recognized by anyone here.” Which was also a good motive for hiding her face, if not her actual reason.
