“Thank you.” And for want of anything else to do, she poured them each another glass of wine and wondered why he’d kissed her at that moment and whether he would do it again.
“Why did you—?” Before she could ask either question as she intended to do since they seemed to have moved into the realm of intimate familiarity, the drawing room door opened.
“Dinner, miss,” announced Mr. Dawson.
***
THANK GOD FOR THE INTERRUPTION!Jasper had the distinct feeling the bold female before him had been about to ask him something inappropriate. She was already too adorable by half, and he couldn’t help wondering why she was allowing him anywhere near her.
Obviously clever and in possession of all her faculties, why would she dine with an infamous libertine?
As he rose to his feet and took her arm, he couldn’t help feeling blessed by the entire evening. Never to his knowledge had a woman arranged, and so expertly, to be alone with him. And he knew down to his bones she had not told her sister. No family member would allow such an impropriety.
Yet there he was, escorting the lovely Miss Sudbury, who was shimmering in the candlelight in her exquisite silvery gown, looking like a precious jewel.
He wanted simply to stare at her. At the same time, he wanted to remove every stitch of her clothing and worship her with his hands, mouth, and body. Drawing out her chair in the pale puce and cream dining room, he had the distinct notion such a delightful event was in store for them later. And while he’d felt a heavy ache in his loins from the moment he’d discovered her by herself in the drawing room, now, it turned into a persistent throb. Assuredly, the ultimate reward was worth every pain of anticipation.
Seated at one end of the table, across from one another, they were as intimate as one could be in a formal dining room.
“Have you been here before, when Lord Worthington still lived?” she asked as the footman began to serve.
“Never. He wasn’t among my set, nor even my father’s. Perhaps my grandfather’s,” he added with a wry smile.
“He wasn’t that old,” she protested. Then blushed. “Yes, I suppose he was. Regardless, although my sister wasn’t thrilled at the prospect, her marriage turned out well.”
“Because Worthington had a meeting with old Mr. Grim and was put in his eternity box within a fortnight of the vows, if I recall.”
Jasper watched her take a turn at spluttering, as she blew the pottage off her spoon and onto the tablecloth. His words had made her laugh. However, since she recovered quickly and wasn’t choking, he didn’t jump up and attack her back as she had his.
“My sister could hardly have planned on that, sir. I, for one, will be thrilled if she finds her heart’s desire in Lord Denbigh, although I have yet to meet him. I don’t suppose you know any reasons as to why he wouldn’t make her a good match.”
Jasper considered. This was a little too close to tongue-wagging for his liking, but after recovering from the silly notion of one’sheart’s desire, he thought for a moment.
“I know the viscount went to France for a period on behalf of the Prince Regent, and has just returned from Ghent regarding a treaty with America. Other than that and a rumor he occasionally works as a hound for Bow Street, I know very little.”
Was he imagining it or had the girl paled over the information?He didn’t think there was anything in what he’d said that would disqualify Denbigh from being husband material.
In any case, Jasper didn’t want to discuss him any further. While the man had a reputation for being a bit of a buck, it was minor in comparison to his own escapades, as most men’s were. Besides, it was the widow’s worry if the man wasn’t worthy of her.
“And what about you, Miss Sudbury? Any aspirations regarding making a match? After all, you’ve been to a number of soirées, danced with the eligible men of London and probably some not so eligible. Any designs on them?”
“You sound like an old woman with a pot of gossip-water, my lord.”
What!If he did, it was her fault for asking him questions.
Yet in truth, he didn’t know why he’d asked her anything so personal. If she did have designs on some churl, what was it to him?
“You needn’t tell me. After all, I am the one dining with you this evening, so any other man is already the loser.”
She beamed. “That’s very kind of you to say, sir. In any case, I would be more likely to give my heart to a genuine, country Harry than the pack of dandy prats I’ve encountered in Mayfair.”
He set down his spoon with a thump.
“You? Matched with some hobnail, some chaw bacon sporting dirty fingers and patches?” Jasper couldn’t help laughing, given her fine surroundings. “I don’t know your former situation in the country, but I doubt you could wear that gorgeous, glittering gown as the wife of a Johnny-raw. And that, in my opinion, would be a terrible shame and waste of beautiful female flesh.”
Her cheeks pinkened, and he thought she was pleased until she spoke.
“Female flesh, indeed!” Her tone was scathing. “Like a cow or pig at the market, I suppose!”
