Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 3

  “How can I be certain?” He eyed Reuben intently.

  “Listen to the young lady,” Reuben replied frostily. “You are beginning to grow tiresome.”

  Adelaide sighed and turned her attention to Jasper. “This is the Duke of Bradford—the two of you have met in passing on several occasions, I am certain,” she explained slowly. “You see… I am engaged to the Duke.”

  Jasper’s eyes flew wide. “You are… what? How can that be?”

  “It has been arranged, Jasper.”

  “Yes, Jasper, it has been arranged,” Reuben smiled triumphantly. He was not a petty sort of man, but he didn’t like the way Jasper was looking at his future wife. The young man clearly felt some kind of possessiveness towards Adelaide. Reuben was only too happy to knock that feeling on its side.

  “Do your mother and father know?” Jasper asked, ignoring Reuben entirely.

  Adelaide nodded. “Of course, they do.”

  “How can it be that you are engaged but there has been no announcement?”

  “There will be one very soon,” Reuben interjected. “I shall see to it myself.”

  Adelaide looked at Reuben curiously. He smiled back, hoping to reassure her of his sincerity. The arrival of Jasper had caused a slight hiccup in his plans. He had hoped to wed Adelaide without much fuss, so that he might continue a leisurely sort of lifestyle once they were married. A mistress or two, perhaps. After all, other gentlemen enjoyed similarly discreet situations. Now, he would have to announce the engagement publicly. As soon as it was common knowledge, he would have greater trouble indulging in secret flirtations in the future.

  At least I will have her dowry to console myself with, he thought. That shall have to be enough to comfort me.

  “You will announce it?” she asked.

  “How does tomorrow suit you, my darling?”

  A broad grin spread across her face. “I should like that very much.”

  “Then, tomorrow it shall be.”

  “Lady Adelaide, I really think you ought to reconsider this,” Jasper murmured, evidently attempting to do so out of Reuben’s earshot. “A man who would seek to corner you in an alleyway is no gentleman, surely?”

  Reuben cleared his throat. “Anything you wish to say to her, you may say to me.”

  “All is well, Jasper, I assure you,” Adelaide insisted.

  “You go on ahead, my sweet,” Reuben gestured towards the end of the alleyway. “I shall have a word or two with your friend here, to ensure he understands that I mean you no harm. It was a childish game, gone slightly awry, that is all.”

  Adelaide paused. “I do not know if that is a good idea.”

  “I promise, I need only a moment to explain myself.”

  “Very well, but do not be long,” Adelaide relented. “If you are to make an official announcement, my parents will be most delighted to hear so from you.”

  Casting a glance back at the two men, Adelaide turned on her heel and walked out of the alley. Reuben watched her retreat. Ordinarily, he would have admired the shape and movement of her, but he could feel no pleasure in her departure. Instead, he felt anger boil within his veins. All of his carefully-laid plans had been ruined, and there was only one person to blame.

  As soon as Adelaide had disappeared around the corner, Reuben lunged for Jasper. With strong arms, he pinned the younger man against the wall of the alleyway. Jasper tried to struggle free, but it was no good. Reuben was a fiercely powerful man, in all things.

  “I shall say this only once, so be sure to hear me,” he hissed. “Lady Adelaide is going to be my wife. I do not know what history you have shared with one another as acquaintances, but I would advise you to forget any affection you feel. She is not for you.”

  “I do not feel—”

  Reuben tightened his grip. “Do not interrupt me, boy. Just listen.” He stood nose-to-nose with Jasper. “Lady Adelaide is not for you. She is not your friend. She is not your thing to protect. If you so much as look at her or me in a way I do not like, you shall feel the full wrath of my displeasure. I am a patient man. I do not rise to temper easily. But, if you do not obey, I will make an exception. Do you understand my meaning?”

  “I have no feelings for her beyond friendship,” Jasper murmured.

  “Regardless, do not think to harbor even those kinds of affections.”

  “We are neighbors. I cannot stop our paths from crossing.”

  Reuben shoved Jasper hard against the brickwork. “I do not like your insolence, boy. Avoid her wherever you can or endure the consequences. That is all there is to it.”

  “I understand, Duke,” Jasper said, after a brief pause.

  “Good.”

  Leaving Jasper slumped against the wall, Reuben stalked out of the alleyway. Walking fast, he almost ran straight into Lady Adelaide. She was barely past the entrance. Her dark eyes observed him with a scrutiny he’d never seen before. Had she seen what he had done? Had she heard the words he had spoken to Jasper? Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise if she had. For now she would know what he was capable of, too.

  Chapter 3

  Jasper paced the grounds of the park opposite his home, hoping for a glimpse of Adelaide emerging next-door. After his altercation with Reuben, he desperately wanted to speak with her, if only to attempt to dissuade her from the match. He did not know how much she truly knew about the Duke of Bradford. Jasper had heard many unsavory things about the gentleman, lewd and chilling facts that he did not like one bit. If it was true that they were set to announce the engagement, then time was running out to change her mind.

  In truth, he did not know the Duke on a personal level at all. Everything he knew of Reuben was hearsay. However, nose-to-nose, a memory had flickered into being. Stories being told of a dark and dangerous man with particular appetites. A man who took pleasure in hurting women. Jasper didn’t know how legitimate the rumors were, but he could not risk Adelaide being the one to find out.

  Unless she is in love with him? he thought as he swiped his cane at a patch of skeletal shrubs. The autumn chill had already stolen the blooms away. No. Surely, she cannot be in love with such a man. I have barely seen her in his company.

  Jasper tried to think back to any occasions he might have missed where they had been together. As a rule, he was not fond of society gatherings and loathed the Assembly Rooms. Dancing was not his forte, prompting him to avoid it where possible. However, he often attended, regardless. Usually, at the behest of Adelaide and her family. Racking his memories for any moment that Adelaide might have spent in Reuben’s company, he found himself coming up empty.

  So, how can it be that they are to be wed? How has this come to pass? Has she allowed herself to be entrapped by such a man—is that how this has occurred? I thought her altogether more sensible than that. A tremor of guilt bristled through him. Or perhaps, she merely wishes to secure her future with a fortuitous match. She would not be the first young lady to do so. And, given the circumstances of the Colborne family, maybe her actions are more prudent than she may even know.

  In all honesty, he was uncertain how much Adelaide was aware of, especially when it came to her father’s finances. Ephraim was a shrewd man in many ways, but investments were a dangerous game to play. Even the shrewdest, most careful of men could find themselves on the losing side. Indeed, several of the Earl’s speculations had gone awry in recent years. And now, he was paying the price.

  Surely, Adelaide cannot know the truth? It seemed impossible to Jasper that her father would have said a word about it. He was a proud man. He would not want his family to worry.

  Truly, Jasper wasn’t even sure he had all the details. No, perhaps it is simply fortunate timing. A well-made engagement that has come at the ideal moment. He just wished she might have chosen a different gentleman—one whose name did not strike discord into the heart of a great many people.

  “We are delighted that you have decided on tomorrow to formally announce the engagement,” the Countess of Leeds’ swe
et voice drifted across the street. Jasper’s head snapped up as he darted behind a trimmed conifer. The last thing he wanted to do was draw the attention of Reuben.

  “It is my deepest pleasure, Lady Leeds,” Reuben purred in reply. He took her hand and kissed it gently. “It is an honor to be welcomed into your family, and I trust that we may enjoy a long and happy acquaintance.”

  The Countess smiled from ear to ear. “Tell your mother that she must come for tea this week, so we may discuss wedding plans. There is no time to waste, Duke, as I am sure you will agree.”

  “Indeed not. I shall have her write as soon as I return home.”

  “Splendid.”

  Placing his top hat on his head, Reuben dipped into a casual bow before swaggering down the steps to a waiting carriage. Jasper watched the scene intently, though Adelaide was nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, he skirted closer. It was unlike Adelaide to shy away from a farewell.

  “You and I must arrange a meeting this week, also, to discuss the matter of my daughter’s dowry,” Ephraim urged in a low voice, as he approached the carriage window. Jasper could just make out the words.

  “There is no need for haste, Leeds,” Reuben replied. “We shall speak of it whenever you are ready.”

  Ephraim cleared his throat anxiously. “I shall send word after the announcement has been made tomorrow.”

  “Very well. I look forward to it.”

  “Yes… as do I.”

  With that, Reuben instructed the driver to move off. Ephraim stepped back onto the pavement as the carriage rattled away. For a man who had just received good news, he did not look too pleased. A worried frown corrugated his forehead.

  Jasper had a feeling he knew why, though he did not feel it was his place to interfere. Where Lord Leeds was concerned, Jasper did as he was told. A favor here and there for a family friend. No more, no less.

  As soon as the carriage had disappeared around the corner, Jasper hurried across the road and leapt up the front steps to the Colborne residence. He caught Ephraim before the door closed.

  “Jasper?” Ephraim looked even more puzzled. “Did we have a meeting arranged?”

  “No, nothing of the sort, My Lord. I thought I might call upon Lady Adelaide if she is home?” He stumbled over his attempt at nonchalance. “Only, I had the good fortune to hear about her excellent news, and I wish to congratulate her. One friend to another.”

  Ephraim’s features softened. “Oh… then you will find her in the gardens.”

  “Thank you, My Lord.” He made to move past the Earl and head in the direction of the townhouse gardens, when the Earl reached out suddenly. He snatched for Jasper’s wrist, pulling him back.

  “Speaking of our meetings, might you find yourself available tomorrow afternoon? Around three o’clock, if it is of no trouble to you? There are several things that I wish to discuss. Things that will likely require your discreet assistance.”

  Jasper offered a comforting smile. “Of course, My Lord. I shall avail myself to you whenever you require. Three o’clock should be just fine.”

  “Thank you, Jasper. You cannot understand how grateful I am for your continued assistance.”

  “You are as family to me. You may always rely on my aid.”

  “Thank you again…” Ephraim trailed off, a sad note to his voice. Jasper did not envy the position that the Earl of Leeds had found himself in, but he was determined to do all he could to help. After all, they had always been generous with his family. Be it money or material means, the Colbornes had always offered help when asked. He was simply returning the favor.

  Wishing he had something more comforting to say, Jasper turned and headed for the gardens. His heart felt far heavier than it had a moment ago.

  Letting himself out through the French doors at the back of the main drawing room, Jasper paused on the steps leading down to the immaculate lawn. The length and breadth of the grounds was identical to his own, neighboring home. However, the Colbornes had done far more with their gardens than the Fitzwilliams ever planned to. His mother thought it a waste of time, considering they only spent a few months of the year there. Still, he enjoyed the delicate blooms of winter flora that sprouted in the flower beds, and the hanging fronds of the willow tree at the farthest end.

  It was here, beneath the shade of the willow, that he knew he’d find Lady Adelaide. It had always been her favorite spot. In her younger years, after particularly tempestuous arguments, she’d hide away beneath the fronds. He didn’t see the appeal, personally, but he knew he’d discover her there. Pulling his collar higher to keep out the frosty breeze, he made his way across the grass. The blades crunched beneath his boots, each one dusted with a thin layer of ice.

  “I was wondering when you might appear,” Adelaide remarked tartly, as Jasper parted the curtain of foliage and stepped into the secret world within.

  “Then you must know why I have come,” he replied. She sat on a wrought-iron bench by the gnarled tree trunk. It looked as though she’d been crying.

  “To taunt me, perhaps?”

  He shook his head. “I have come only in the pursuit of your happiness, Adelaide. You see, I cannot believe that a man like the Duke of Bradford is the sort you ought to be marrying.” He dispensed with formality, as they often did when alone.

  “He is a Duke, is he not? He is of good standing and good name. He owns many excellent properties and he has a considerable annual income. Why should he not be as suitable as any other man, if not more so?”

  “I believe you already know why,” Jasper said softly, sitting beside her. “He is a rogue. He can bring you nothing but fear and misery. I am certain that you know it to be true, deep in your heart.”

  “I do not know what you mean,” she replied defiantly. “I find him intriguing. He does not scare me. What others might see as roguish behavior, I see as an exciting prospect. He is not like other gentlemen, as I am not like other ladies.”

  “Adelaide, there is a stark difference between you two. You might be mischievous and peculiar, and often troublesome, but he is… well, he is cruel and lecherous.” Jasper sighed, not knowing how much he ought to say. “There are tales of him, my dear friend. I would not see you associated with such a man.”

  “Tales?” A tremor shivered through Adelaide’s voice.

  “Tales too dark and terrible for me to utter aloud.”

  “Perhaps, his ways have changed.”

  “Maybe, but his tastes will not.”

  “You think he may be disloyal?” she scoffed. “Disloyalty is a small price to pay for security.”

  Jasper sighed in exasperation. “I think it is unlikely he knows how to be anything other than disloyal. He is the sort of gentleman who lives life by the beat of his own drum. He will never be brought to heel, and he will never submit to true fidelity.”

  She smiled unexpectedly. “You think I am unaware of this?”

  “You are not?”

  “I am no fool, Jasper, but I am a lady in this world,” she explained. “I wish to live within the means that I am accustomed to and secure a good life for myself and my family. Is that not a daughter’s duty?”

  Jasper grimaced in exasperation. “I suppose it must be, dear Adelaide, but I hate to see you place so little regard on loyalty. Surely, there must be another gentleman. Any other gentleman might be better than the Duke. You often use your feminine wiles to taunt me—why not use those wiles to entice a kinder man? A sweeter one, who will not show you cruelty. Perhaps, you may even discover love if you thought to try a little harder.”

  Adelaide snorted coldly. “Now who is the one seeking a fantasy?”

  “Love is no fantasy, Adelaide.”

  “You are a gentleman, Jasper. Your choices are less limited than my own. You may seek love, where I am duty bound to make an excellent match—with or without the luxury of true affection.”

  “Then find a good match with a better man, as I have said.”

  “It may have escaped your notice, Jasper, but I
am often overlooked. Those peculiarities that you spoke of are the very attributes that see gentlemen turn away in derision. They are polite to my face, of course, but I know what they say when my back is turned.”

  “That cannot be true.”

  “Do not play coy with me, Jasper. You know it to be true. You have undoubtedly spoken such words yourself, once you thought my back was turned.” Adelaide sighed and turned her face away. “I have endured a lifetime of it.”

  Jasper caught the faint glint of a tear as it rolled down her cheek. A twist of remorse turned in his stomach. “I did not mean to offend by calling you peculiar and troublesome. Is that not the nature of our friendship, to tease one another?”