The earl’s wicked grin came to mind, along with his sparkling eyes. Even then, her stomach did a delightful twinge, imagining him touching her again.
She sighed loudly.
“Don’t worry,” Sarah said, mistaking Julia’s emotions. “I won’t do it. I would miss your company too much. And I would worry you’d never find a husband. But you must behave yourself.”
Julia opened her mouth to argue, then closed it. She would tell Sarah of her burgeoning notion of independence another day. Tomorrow, she had to meet Lady Chandron and discover her fate.
***
JASPER WAS SHOWN INTOLady Chandron’s sitting room without delay. The missive requesting his presence had been short and mysterious, saying only it would be to his benefit to come. No matter. He’d been sent enigmatic notes from women before, and even though he had no further romantic interest in this particular one, his curiosity was piqued.
As long as she wasn’t going to beg him to rekindle their association, he didn’t mind a brief detour in his day. Also, if some good brandy was offered or at least some tawny port.
“A drink, my good man,” he asked the Chandrons’ butler before the man could disappear and leave Jasper alone to wait. “Brandy, if you have some decent stuff. Nothing homemade, mind you.”
“Yes, my lord.” And the butler disappeared. His answer told Jasper nothing about whether he would receive something potable and if so, when.
The door opened again two minutes later, and the butler entered with a silver tray containing a glass of amber liquid. All expectation of a soothing drink was instantly shoved from Jasper’s mind when Miss Julia Sudbury followed the man into the room.
The mystery had deepened tremendously.
She stopped and stared, her mouth forming a beautifulO. Clearly, she was as surprised by his presence as she was his.
He bowed to her, then took the brandy from the tray.
“Perhaps you wish to order a beverage.” He sipped the drink. “The Chandrons’ brandy is good.”
“No,” she said. “Thank you.” Then she looked to the butler. “Are more ... guests expected tonight?”
“I wouldn’t know, miss.” And then he left them alone.
“We meet again,” Jasper said, then offered Julia the glass, which she accepted without looking at it, keeping her gaze on his. Her cheeks had already developed a healthy rosy color. Not surprising as his own thoughts of her were decidedly blush-worthy.
Taking a small sip, she coughed, took another, then returned the glass to him.
“Brandy is as helpful as tea for such situations,” she remarked.
He nodded. “Whatisthe situation, as you see it?”
She blinked. “I received a strongly worded invitation. I assume you received one as well, and I also assume it has to do with our entanglement here the night of the ball.”
He supposed she had the right of it, and the mystery was starting to make sense.
“I was summoned because she found my reticule in her chamber.” Julia hesitated, and Jasper had a sickening feeling the reticule contained something belonging to the viscountess.
Julia looked as nervous as a fox at a hunt. “I must have lost it when her husband attacked me. Why were you brought here?”
“I have no idea.” Downing the last sip, he set the glass on a round table inlaid with heavily polished leather. Unable to fight the impulse to get nearer to Julia again, he closed the distance until he could detect her pleasant fragrance of flowers and orange oil.
Could he take her in his arms?He glanced behind her, but the door was ajar. Too risky!
Still, he could at least steal a kiss. Leaning forward, while her eyes widened in surprise, he claimed her lips with a quick but firm kiss, tugging on her lower lip as he drew away.
Looking a little dazed, she put a gloved hand to her mouth.
He couldn’t help tracing a finger along her jawline, wishing he could do so with his tongue and then lick the rest of her.
“I was told something of particular interest to me would be taking place. I came from sheer curiosity,” he confessed. “I didn’t really think I’d beensummoned.”
