Jasper watched her graceful strides for a moment. Every fiber of his being cried out to follow. If he left now, how could he ever expect a second chance with her?
A buzz filled his ears, resolving into the murmurs of the other guests. The only thing that would cause more talk than the scene he’d already created was running after her. He squared his shoulders and went to Clementine.
Again, his former peers stepped out of his way. Heaven forbid, so much as a hem should come within feet of him. His ostracization might be contagious.
He reached the doorway and glanced at the two footmen, their outstretched arms barring his exit. Ignoring the amusement dancing in Clementine’s eyes, Jasper looked back and forth between the two. “Gentlemen, is something amiss here?”
They exchanged a glance. One cleared his throat. “We, ah, were told not to permit this…this lady in, sir.”
“Hm,” Jasper murmured. “Then why don’t you permit me out, and I shall escort Miss White away?”
The footmen dropped their arms. “Thank you, sir.”
“No need to thank me. I consider it a privilege to have Miss White on my arm.” Jasper offered the appendage to her.
Clementine placed a light hand on his sleeve. He started them away from the ballroom and down the wide corridor to the entrance hall. They walked in silence. Jasper preferred not to discuss his business where it could be overheard.
“Who was that delicate flower with whom you danced?” Clementine murmured. “You seemed loath to give her up.”
Jasper mustered a snort. “Greydrake’s younger sister. I only hope he doesn’t revoke his promise of funds for my dropping her mid set.”
“So, you secured a donation from the marquess? Excellent.”
Jasper cast her a quelling glance. They neared the butler, who stood ready with their outerwear. Before they could reach him, Clementine halted. Jasper turned to her with a questioning look.
“I’m happy to hear that dance was simply part of a business deal.” She slid her arms about his neck. “Even at a glance, I could tell that’s not the sort of woman with whom you want to become entangled. Too little fun and far, far too much obligation.”
“Unlike you?” Jasper said, wondering what Clementine had seen, or thought she saw, in his attention to Madelina to cause this demonstration of affection. Obviously, she didn’t wish to depart without an assertion of ownership. Not that she’d anything to worry about. No matter how tolerant Greydrake had been of Jasper dancing with his sister, Madelina was too far beyond reach for hope.
“Exactly.” Long fingers trailed along Jasper’s jawline. “I’m all fun.”
“And I’d love to explore that further, but you must have come here for a reason.” She’d best have, after ruining what was likely the only dances, and only chance to dine with, Lady Madelina that Jasper would ever be permitted. Not to mention… “I did just risk alienating Greydrake to hear your news.”
Clementine slid her arm back around his neck. “Always working.”
“I try.”
“And I try to distract you, for your own good.” She layered her body against his. Her lips formed a plush pout.
How many times had they played this game? Always before, that look enflamed him. Any other time, he would have taken her in his arms and kissed her so soundly that the heat of their embrace would have radiated back into the ballroom and seared the goggling butler’s eyes.
Jasper captured Clementine’s wrists and returned her arms to her sides. “Shall we? I’m positive that whoever had the foresight to send for my coat and hat also called for the carriage.”
Her eyes narrowed. Jasper braced for a scene. Clementine could become unreasonable when she didn’t get what she wanted.
Her gaze shifted to sultry once more, to his relief. “That was me, on both counts.” She patted his cheek with enough force to sting. “That’s how magnificent I am.” With a whirl of auburn locks, she spun, then sauntered away from him to collect her wrap.
Usually, the sway of those lush hips would captivate him. Instead, it took all his will not to look back at the ballroom in the vein hope of sighting Madelina again. Jasper ordered his legs to carry him first to the butler and then out the door into the night.
The air held a chill he hadn’t noticed when he’d arrived. Trailing Clementine, who continued to swing her hips in a way that seemed almost garish after Madelina’s contained demeanor, Jasper crossed to his waiting carriage. The black lacquered door displayed the carved and gilded symbol of The Black Aspen rather than the familial crests boasted by those who could claim such adornment. One of Jasper’s men, riding tiger, hopped down to pull open the door as Clementine approached. Jasper climbed in after her.
The moment the carriage door closed, Clementine shifted to the other bench, all business as the conveyance rolled into motion.
“While I hope we didn’t lose Greydrake’s commitment, the matter is indeed urgent,” she said. “I have reports that Madam Dequenne has taken two more girls—sisters. She’s auctioning them off tonight, along with others, in a warehouse by the docks.” Clementine raised worried eyes to meet his. “The younger of the two is only thirteen.”
Jasper cursed. “That’s the second time in as many weeks. She’s growing more brazen.”
Clementine nodded. “Why wouldn’t she? We’re no nearer to catching her than we’ve ever been.”
