There was only one thing she could do to set him free. “I have my sister now,” she said. For a moment, she thought she saw dismay in his expression, but he dragged a hand down his face before she could be sure.
In relief?
“Yes.” He turned and crossed to the window. “I’ve no idea what your dowry consisted of, or the terms of your father’s contract with Dewberry, but as a widow, I imagine you can gain control of those funds.”
Because to truly be independent, she would need her own resources. And her dowry had not come from her father’s money but from her mother’s.
She nodded. She’d worry about that later.
“I’m sorry I caused you so much inconvenience,” she said.
Jasper clasped both hands behind his back and then turned back to face her. “It was my pleasure.”
His eyes burned, and Nia fought to control the urge to throw herself into his arms. But that wouldn’t be fair. If he wanted to be married, truly wanted her for a wife at this time in his life, he would tell her.
“I suppose it’s over, then,” she said instead. “Our journey.”
Jasper continued staring at her, but just as she took a breath, he said, “Yes. Time to return to London.” And then his expression shuttered. “Standish is a good man. And it will be good for you to be with your sister.” He crossed to her and paused.
Then, taking her hand, he bowed and pressed his lips to her fingertips. It was nearly too much to bear, having him touch her but not feeling free to touch him back. How had this happened? Her sister and her new husband had arrived to save them both, and yet Nia couldn’t help but wonder if they hadn’t ruined everything.
Which wasn’t fair of her.
But her whole body came alive at his touch—at the most innocent of gestures—his lips on the back of her hand.
He rose and, still holding her hand, stared into her eyes intently. “Promise me one thing.”
“Not to cry?” Nia already felt stinging in her eyes.
He made a sad smile. “Always.” But then he turned gravely serious. “Send for me if you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“No, Nia. If there are… repercussions… Send for me immediately.”
And then his meaning became clear. Because they had lain together. Because he’d spilled his seed inside of her.
“Of course.”
She wanted him but did not want to force herself on him.
He dropped her hand, and seeing him back toward the door, panic swept through her. “Jasper?”
“Yes?”
I need you. Please, don’t go. I don’t want this to end. I need you!
“Thank you. For everything,” she said.
“There’s no need to thank me.” He swallowed hard. “Just be happy, Nia.”
And then he was gone.
Sisters
Nia had thought that was goodbye, but it was safer for them to travel as a caravan. Lord Standish and Jasper had decided that they would go together for the first few days, after which point, Jasper and the Duke of Malum’s driver and coach would head for London and Nia, Goldie, and Lord Standish would take a southwesterly route to Seabridge Manor.
The arrangement was bittersweet. Because while she did not have to say goodbye to him yet, Nia was to ride with Goldie while Lord Standish and Jasper rode mounts outside.
