“A fair amount.” Jasper’s eyes sparkled. “Though we travel in slightly different circles, we share many of the same interests, frequent many of the same clubs.”
Meredith’s face clouded. “I can well imagine what those finer male interests entail. Horse racing, boxing, aged brandy, loose buxom women, and high-stakes gambling. Oh, and let us not forget the odd duel now and again. You three are a deadly trio set loose upon an unsuspecting city.”
“ ’Tis not as bad as all that, Merry. The marquess is changing. Everyone has noticed it. He is slow to anger, thoughtful before he takes action, more considered of his activities. Many have lamented he is more settled these days, less haunted, at times even downright somber.”
Surprised, Meredith considered her brother’s words. Jasper was making her husband sound like a wise old man. Responsible, levelheaded, even sober.
“You sound as though you like him.”
“I do. Dardington’s a capital fellow,” Jasper promptly replied. “He keeps his own counsel, lives his life without being overly concerned about appearances. He is much admired, much revered among many of my friends and acquaintances. I confess I, too, admire him greatly.”
Meredith could barely credit what she was hearing. Jasper was apparently afflicted with a terminal case of hero worship. “How quickly the worm turns. A few short weeks ago you were facing each other with pistols drawn, yet now you are the best of friends.” Meredith rolled her eyes heavenward. “And they say women are fickle.”
“The duel never took place, as you are well aware.” Jasper shrugged. “Besides, we are family. ’Tis bad form to quarrel publicly with your relations.”
“I must be sure to remind you of that the next time you and Jason start up with your customary bickering,” Meredith said.
Her eyes lit with mischief as she spied Jason striding toward them. It was good to be among the twins again, and almost shocking to admit how much she had missed seeing them on a daily basis. Though they had caused her numerous amounts of grief and worry throughout the years, she loved them both dearly.
“At last I have found you!” Jason executed a hasty bow, then swept her up in a comfortable hug. “I’ve been searching all over for you, Merry.”
“Have you?” A wave of spicy scented soap and fine brandy washed over her, such a pleasing and familiar odor that Meredith closed her eyes for a moment to relish it. “I confess it is wonderful to see you again, yet knowing you have been searching for me has caused a nervous shiver to run down my spine.” She laughed lightly, then pulled away and observed her brother keenly.
Jason was dressed to perfection in black evening attire, complete with a snowy lawn shirt, silver patterned waistcoat, black knee breeches, and a matching black coat. The severe outfit should have looked somber as he stood beside his identical twin, who was garbed in garments of richly hued blue tones, but somehow Jason had the slight advantage.
Meredith at first attributed it to the fine tailoring of his garments, but then decided it was the gleaming devil-may-care sparkle in his eyes that set Jason above his twin.
“Your words wound me, Merry.”
“Hardly.” Meredith ignored the look of stricken indignation she felt certain was feigned and kissed Jason’s cheek. “Are you enjoying the ball?”
A momentary frown marred the twin’s handsome brow. “I was having the most incredible run of luck with the cards, winning more this evening than I have in a fortnight.” He thrust an accusing finger at a clearly bored Jasper. “Unfortunately, my delight was abruptly cut short when I was unceremoniously yanked from the tables by my brother.”
“You might as well save your breath.” Jasper replied smugly. “Meredith already knows of our pact to limit our gambling at parties and balls. Needless to say, she approves heartily.”
“That is no surprise.” Jason sulked for a mere instant, then turned to his sister with a charming smile.“You will no doubt be pleased to note, then, that I have admirably managed to control my disappointment at this unlucky turn of events and vow at the next ball I shall play faster so I may win more.”
“Your fortitude astounds me,” Meredith said, with a small inscrutable smile.
“It is a marvel, is it not?”
“I think I’m going to be ill.” Jasper folded his arms across his chest and gave his twin a disgusted look.
“It irks you no end to be continually reminded that I am the favored brother.” Jason’s handsome face brightened and the moment his brother’s back was turned he winked broadly at Meredith.
“Shall we get a drink?” Meredith suggested, fearing Jasper’s earlier vow not to quarrel with a family member in public was in grave jeopardy of being broken.
“There isn’t time for drinks,” Jason insisted. “I spied the most angelic creature when I was leaving the card room. Fair of face, lithe of form, and in all likelihood newly arrived from the country. She possesses a starry-eyed gleam of provincial naivety in her eyes that is enchanting.”
“She sounds far too innocent and honorable for the likes of a scoundrel such as you,” Jasper interjected.
“She is a delight and certain to be the toast of the Season,” Jason stated firmly, pointedly ignoring his brother’s jibes. “A mere glimpse of her and my heart has been soundly pierced by Cupid’s arrow. You must find out who she is and introduce me to her at once, Merry, before my sweet young beauty is surrounded and bedazzled by a flattering horde of young bucks.”
Jasper laughed. “You are slipping, brother. Whenever a female catches your eye you usually waste no time in presenting yourself.”
“True. In the past that method has been most effective. Most women like a man who is bold and assertive. But this woman is different.” Jason’s lips twisted in a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, she is also accompanied by a harridan of a sister who is acting as her chaperon. I heard she nearly boxed the Earl of Aubrey’s ears for being presumptuous enough to request a waltz before learning if the girl had been granted permission for the dance.”
“Cowed by a mere female, brother.” It was a challenge, not a question. “How disappointing.”
