“Who is Mr. Percer?” he asked, not even bothering to look at her.
“A gentleman who has been kind enough to take me for turns about the room, and into the gardens and offer conversation that doesn’t bore me to tears.”
Crisp looked at her over his shoulder, eyes narrowed. “Is he courting you?”
“I am not certain of his intent, but as you have abandoned me, at least I have someone to keep me company.”
She also knew that Mr. Percer was in need of an heiress, which she was. No doubt Percer had far more interest in her wealth than he did her. Further, she had no interest in Mr. Percer, no matter how charming he may be. Not that she’d tell Crisp, of course, because she hoped he was at least a small bit jealous and maybe he’d remain after dinner.
Seven
Whothebloodyhellwas Mr. Percer?
That was the question that had plagued Crisp from the moment Vanessa had mentioned the name.
Had he bothered with introductions to the other guests, he’d already know, but Crisp had intentionally held himself away.
He wasn’t just irritated to learn this information, he was bloody jealous!
Not that he’d let on, of course, and he was rather proud of how he hid his reaction to another gentleman courting her in the evening.
Instead of asking any further questions, he told her more stories of his travels.
They also reminisced about their past and those four months they were together without anyone being the wiser. By the time they returned to the manor, Crisp had to face the truth. He was still in love with Vanessa, and he was jealous as hell of Mr. Percer.
He just needed to decide what he was going to do about it.
He may have lectured himself earlier about wanting his freedom and that it wouldn’t be fair to bring her into his family. But those excuses rang hollow, and he’d known it at the time. He just didn’t want to acknowledge the truth.
But he’d not stand by while another gentleman courted her. This was a second chance for them both and in that moment, Crisp decided that he would not squander the opportunity a second time. When he joined the others for dinner, he also followed them into the sitting room and had every intention of keeping an eye on Vanessa and this Mr. Percer.
However, as soon as he found a seat where he could observe Vanessa, who was speaking with the gentleman in question, some of the female guests surrounded him asking questions about his travels. Then he caught sight of Vanessa, standing alone and staring at him. She wasn’t smiling and if he wasn’t mistaken, there was sadness in her eyes. Then she pursed her lips, lifted her chin and excused herself and stepped outside.
Was she jealous? Did he hope that she was? Could what they shared nine years ago be recaptured?
When had she become so possessive?
It was bad enough that several glances from misses were cast upon Crisp at the dinner table, but then they surrounded him in the sitting room. Teasing, flirting and hanging on every single bloody word he spoke.
One even suggested that perhaps she should join them to help solve the riddles.
The audacity!
She knew that Crisp would decline the offer, but it still made Vanessa happy to hear him do so.
All the fluttering eyelashes and giggling was quite nauseating. She’d never been so foolish, of which she was certain. Further, Crisp wasn’t that witty.
And then, he had the audacity to glance over at her and grin, as if he were enjoying all the attention. If he had wanted every available miss and lady fawning over him, Crisp should have attended the several entertainments during the Season.
This was her fault. She’d mentioned what he’d missed due to being absent in the evenings, but she had hoped that he would join her, not the others. He hadn’t even blinked an eye, frowned or anything when she stood talking to Mr. Percer. It was because of Crisp that she hadn’t taken a turn about the room because it was likely Crisp wouldn’t even notice.
Vanessa frowned. Would he now return to Society? Was he ready to wed? His brother hadn’t so Crisp may feel it was his duty to produce a son so that the line could continue.
Her heart started hammering and it became difficult to breathe.
She didn’t want him to marry anyone else. She had always wanted Crisp for herself. It had always been Crisp and every gentleman she’d met after he left paled in comparison.
Vanessa set her teacup aside, politely excused herself and stepped out onto the terrace.
