But he was shaking his head. “No. I think you’re right. But would you care to share some of these… gestures with me?” Nia exhaled when she saw he wasn’t angry, but rather, he seemed intrigued. “I can provide my assistance and support, which I imagine might be helpful?”
“Oh, indeed.” She turned to her own meal. “Your situation with your stepmother is not all that uncommon, really. My last governess, as well as my mother, both addressed it.”
When Jasper remained silent, Nia continued. “It is important to be respectful, but also firm. I will not apologize for being the new baroness. Showing any ambiguity as to who the mistress is sends a confusing message to the servants, and that cultivates doubt. From the beginning, I will make my position with the servants quite clear. I will also learn each of their names, their strengths, their weaknesses. They must see me. And they must know that I see each of them.”
“Like a wise general.” Jasper smiled. “And Lavinia, how will you handle her?”
“I will emphasize to the dowager that although I intend to listen to her opinions, she is free of the responsibilities of the baroness, and I will do so in such a way that she can bow out gracefully. She will move into the dower house, because that is her due. She may remain a part of our lives, but only if she plays her proper role. We will be firm but kind.”
And then, mentally assessing her own words, Nia folded her hands in her lap. “It will be a very polite battle.” But Nia would win. Because, yes, she’d been trained to be a noble woman.
“I’m impressed.” Jasper leaned back and placed his napkin beside his plate.
“Of course, we don’t have to deal with your father’s widow right away. If you would prefer, we could return to London instead.” Nia smoothed her napkin over her skirt, suddenly aware that she’d taken up most of the conversation. But when she lifted her stare to Jasper’s, she saw only appreciation and… a warmth in his eyes that she was unaccustomed to.
He shook his head. “No. I rather like the idea of addressing the situation at Somerland Castle, of putting this matter with Lavinia to rest once and for all. London can wait until next spring.”
“I’ll do my best,” she said. “I can’t make any promises, though.”
“Oh, I think you’ve the right of it.”
She’d seen him smile numerous times already, and yet whenever he sent one her way, she couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Her world turned a little brighter.
“Thank you.” The words nearly caught in her throat. “I don’t want you to have regrets…”
“I won’t.” She knew he was speaking of more than a journey to his country estate. “I don’t want you to regret it, either.”
Marriage. Between the two of them.
Staring back at him, the world shrunk to just the two of them. The flickering candles reflected in his eyes, which swirled with browns and greens and even a hint of blue. Shadows emphasized the strength of his jaw, and when he licked his lips, her gaze moved to his mouth.
“Shall we retire for the night, then?” There was something new in his voice. As though they’d reached a new understanding. It sent a wicked shiver through her.
Nia glanced outside. While they’d dined together, darkness had fallen. And she’d told Jasper they would only require one chamber. Remembering the passion that exploded between the two of them the night before made her knees go weak, and she wondered if they would support her when she tried to rise.
“Nia?” Jasper had risen and stood behind her chair. “If you’ve changed your mind, I can get a second chamber.”
She shook her head. “No.” Taking his hand, she rose. “I don’t want to be alone.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
If he left her to her own devices, her nerves would keep her awake all night. No doubt, she’d come up with a thousand reasons he wouldn’t want to marry her.
He’d be making a powerful enemy in her father by doing so.
He could have his choice of ladies and could marry any of them in his own time.
He hated the idea of marriage.
And yet, here they were.
Jasper led her to the door, and as they stepped into the foyer, one of the maids who’d served them appeared.
“Can I get you anything else, sir?”
Jasper shot a glance at Nia, and she shook her head. He then thanked the maid and wished her a good evening.
