Page 40 of Adeline

Adeline shouldn’t insist he stay, she was well aware of his past and his lack of interest in town life. It was completely possible Jasper had never attended a ball before. He had said as much. But that did not stop her from longing for him to remain in London and close to her.

“There are fine tailors on Bond Street,” Adeline urged. “They can have an entire wardrobe prepared for you by tomorrow night.”

“Unfortunately, I can attest to that fact and my sister’s firsthand knowledge of such matters. If it is a proper coat and trousers you lack, they can be commissioned without much fuss.” Her brother scrubbed his face, likely remembering Adeline’s selfish trip to Bond Street after their return to London for her first Season. She’d had nine gowns commissioned without her brother’s approval. Little had she known the financial consequences of her petty actions, and all to try and punish her brother for keeping such a close watch on her. “And, if need be, I can have a room prepared for you here. We are a bit cramped. However, with Arabella and Ainsley away at school, a room can be readied.”

“Of course,” Theo nodded, her brown curls bouncing about her shoulders. “I will send for the housekeeper immediately.”

Jasper held up his hand to halt her, and Adeline feared he’d decline their offer in favor of journeying back to the country where he was more comfortable. She should encourage him to return to Faversham—his people needed him at the Abbey and at Home Works. Any reason she had for wishing him to remain in London was not for his benefit but solely for her own pleasure.

“I have my own townhouse on St. James. I was planning to make a stop there before departing London.” Jasper turned toward Adeline, and she knew his resistance was quickly slipping away. He had never mentioned a property in town; though it was not surprising as most of society maintained a residence in London even if it went largely unused. “I can remain in London for two nights, at least, in order to attend the party. I was unaware your day of birth was close, Miss Adeline. I would be honored to attend your celebration.”

“We are grateful to have you, Lord Ailesbury,” Theo all but crowed, her smile so wide it was a wonder her face did not crack under the strain. “I will retrieve the tailor’s card for you at once.”

Theo glanced about the room as if having forgotten they were in the study, before spotting her lap desk and hurrying over. Everyone in the room watched in silence as she lifted the top and riffled through the contents before returning with a card in hand.

“Only last week, we had my husband and his younger brother fitted for their celebration finery.” She held the card out to Lord Ailesbury. If she noticed the scars on his neck, Theo was polite enough not to let her eyes linger on them. “If you prefer, the tailor will gladly journey to your townhouse for fittings.”

Adeline watched in muted silence as Theo took over as hostess, her rightful duty as Viscountess Melton. At some point over the last year, Adeline’s dear friend had changed until she was barely recognizable as the shy, quiet girl she’d once been.

Yet, the same was true of Adeline, wasn’t it?

Those around her might not notice, but she certainly did.

“The dinner and ball will be held here on the morrow. Eight o’clock sharp,” Adeline heard Theo say. “My husband and I are pleased you will attend.”

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you,” Jasper contended. “Now, I will take my leave.”

“Thank you for seeing my sister home safely.” Alistair moved to the front of his desk as Jasper nodded and turned to depart.

“I will see you out, my lord.” Adeline was not about to give the man time to say his farewells to her, as well. She purposefully faced away from Theo and her brother, not wanting to see their reactions nor show them hers. “I must needs make certain all my things have been removed to the house.”

Chapter 16

Jasper had little other option but to match Miss Adeline’s stride as they walked side by side back toward the foyer. He’d thought to give his farewells and slip from the house without further commotion; however, given what he knew of Adeline thus far, she was not one to make things simple…in any way.

“Are you truly going to come to the celebration tomorrow night?”

Her question was the exact same as the one bouncing about in his head.

A question he hadn’t the answer for yet; nonetheless, he heard himself reply, “It would be impolite to turn down Lord and Lady Melton’s invitation, would it not?”

“Perhaps,” she sighed, setting her hand on his arm in an attempt to slow his pace. “However, I understand you are needed in Kent. Please, do not stay in London on my account. There are repairs to be made at the plant, Grovedale to check on, your estate to maintain—“

He halted suddenly, Adeline wobbling to a stop next to him. “If you are unhappy with my acceptance of your brother’s invitation, I will give my regrets and depart.” The last place Jasper wanted to be was somewhere he wasn’t wanted. And never would he willingly force himself to dress like a London dandy and attend a ball where he knew nearly no one and was unaware of the social protocols involved. He’d never attended a dinner party, let alone a soirée for such a grand occasion. The possibility that he might embarrass Adeline and her family was not at all easy to ignore.

Adeline’s eyes widened. “I am the opposite of unhappy at your acceptance, it is only that I do not wish to cause you unease. You were very open about your lack of interest in town life, and I would never force you into a situation not of your choosing.”

“Very noble of you, Adeline,” he said, realizing his mistake quickly and glancing about to make certain no one had overheard him call her by her given name. “You should know, however, I am not one to accept an invitation if I am not willing to fulfill the obligation.”

“That is exactly it,” she grumbled, also keeping her voice low. “I do not seek to be an obligation to you. Mayhap I was during my time at Faversham Abbey, but now I am home and no longer your responsibility.”

Jasper blew out a raspy breath. “Do consolidate your thoughts, Miss Adeline. Either you wish my attendance at your celebration, or you do not. Which is it?”

“Of course, I want you there,” she huffed.

“Then it is settled,” Jasper said with a curt nod. “I will contact your brother’s tailor as soon as I arrive at my townhouse, and I will see you at dusk tomorrow evening.”

It seemed an eternity away, hours that would be spent in an unfamiliar house, in a strange city, and surrounded by unknown servants. He’d had no plan to visit his London residence. If he remembered correctly, his man of business in London kept a staff of five in the townhome at all times to maintain the property and keep vandals at bay. It certainly was not because they expected their master could arrive unannounced at any time.