“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?”
“I know I am not a repulsive creature, but neither am I fending off compliments,” she went on, ignoring his attempt at an apology. “My beauty is complex. It lacks simplicity. The Duke of Bradford is the kind of gentleman who admires complexity, and so he admires me.”
“That is no reason to—”
“I told you I longed for the thrill of London society—I believe the Duke holds the key to that world. At his side, we shall both endure the whispers of those around us and feel their sting halved,” she interjected. “I believe we are both cut of the same cloth, he and I. And besides, the decision is made. You cannot change it.”
“Adelaide…” He did not know what else to say.
“Not unless you can provide an alternative? Do you have a charming Duke hidden away who might be suitable? A prince, perhaps?” A nervous laugh rippled from her throat. He could see she was fighting to regain her composure. Truthfully, he hated to see her like this. In all their years of friendship, he had seen her cry a handful of times. Each occurrence had rendered him helpless and bemused.
“I cannot.”
“Then, we have nothing more to say on the matter.” Her dark eyes turned to meet his, her expression solemn. “I know what kind of beast he is, Jasper. I have seen glimmers of what lurks beneath the suave exterior.”
“I do not understand.”
“I saw what he did to you,” she replied quietly. “I heard the warning he gave you, though I am pleased to see you did not heed it.”
“Then… why risk so much?”
“For the same reason that anyone risks anything, Jasper—because there is much to gain.”
Jasper felt his throat constrict. Her words twisted in a vise of guilt, with his thoughts turning to Adelaide’s father. Ephraim had risked so much and gained nothing. Success was never guaranteed. And yet, he could not use it as a cautionary tale. Not without giving away her father’s awful secret.
“And much to lose,” was all he said in reply.
“Perhaps, but I am learning of his whims and intrigues. Soon, I believe I may be in a position to rein in his more outlandish qualities. He finds me compelling, you see. Besides, my parents do not know of his less palatable history, and they seem to like him well enough. He is of good name and fortune, and he cares for me.” She flashed a shy smile. “And just remember, all beasts may be tamed.”
Oh Adelaide, I pray the attempt does not cost you dearly. He could not say the words out loud, but he felt them keenly for his friend. Reuben Fletcher was nothing but trouble. Adelaide appeared to think herself the lion-tamer, but she was walking straight into his slavering jaws.
Chapter 4
Adelaide sat back in the carriage and fussed with the neckline of her amethyst gown. The silk skirt rustled as she attempted to get comfortable. Miss Leah Green sat opposite, whilst Lady Francesca and her mother, the Countess of Gaumont, took up the other seats. Jasper had mentioned that he might accompany them later and would make his own way to the Assembly Rooms if he chose to do so.
Ever since their brief discussion that afternoon, Adelaide had felt unsettled. Up until the moment that Reuben had declared his intention to announce the engagement, she had been quite happy with the situation. But now… nagging doubt whispered words of warning in the back of her mind. Perhaps, she was making a grave mistake.
“Are you quite well, Lady Adelaide?” Lady Francesca asked. She was an exotic creature with olive skin and chestnut hair that shone with flecks of auburn. Her eyes were a similar shade of brown, though they often held a haughty distance that unnerved Adelaide. Indeed, Lady Francesca could shift from frosty to warm in a split-second.
Adelaide smiled sweetly. “Oh yes, Lady Francesca. I am a little anxious, that is all.”
“Whatever for?” the Countess interjected tersely.
“News of the engagement,” Adelaide replied, wishing her cheeks would not blush so furiously. There was no reason to be embarrassed.
“Why should you be anxious, then?” the Countess chided. “It is an excellent match. You shall be the envy of all the young ladies in town. Nerves serve little purpose. You would do well to ignore them.”
“Of course, Lady Gaumont. No doubt I am being foolish.”
“No doubt,” the Countess conceded. “Your mother is certainly the envy of all of us ladies with unattached daughters. She moved rather quickly, did she not? Striking before anyone else could. Had I known the Duke of Bradford was in the market for a wife, I might have endeavored to match him to my dear Francesca. Alas, I shall have to wait for another suitable gentleman to make himself known.”
Adelaide flashed a sympathetic look at Lady Francesca, but her friend appeared to have lost all interest in the conversation. Her face was turned out towards the window, watching the streets of Belgravia move past them.
“Well, I think it must be terribly exciting,” Leah chimed in, filling the awkward silence.
“I do not recall anyone asking for your opinion, Miss Green,” the Countess shot back. Adelaide had invited Leah along at the last moment, and it was evident that Countess Gaumont did not approve of the new guest.
Miss Green looked mortified. “I… I simply meant that I was thrilled for my dear friend. I desired to offer congratulations, not offence.”
The Countess said nothing.
“Thank you for your kind words,” Adelaide said softly.
“You are most welcome, Lady Adelaide.” A strangled note lingered in Leah’s voice. The Countess had wounded her pride. Despite their tumultuous friendship, Adelaide felt sorry for the poor girl. Whilst the Colbornes welcomed her with open arms, that was not the case with the rest of high society.
Leah came from a good family without title, who had made a humble fortune through the merchant trade. They were by no means wealthy, but they also lacked for nothing. Still, class prejudice remained a barb in her side. No matter how pleasant her dress or how refined she appeared, her lack of peerage would always work against her. Adelaide did not think it fair. Nor did she agree with the Countess’ treatment of her.
“How did you two come to be acquainted, anyway?” the Countess wondered.
Leah put on a defiant face. “My father had some business with the Earl of Leeds, who had shown great interest in investing in the East India Trading Company. I accompanied several of his visits to the Earl’s home, and Lady Adelaide and I became good friends as a result.”
Adelaide did not wish to correct her. Although they spent a considerable amount of time in one another’s company, she would never have referred to Leah as a ‘good friend’. She did not think Leah would have referred to her as such, either. Even the invitation that evening had been little more than a peace offering, to make amends for their dispute the previous day. This was purely for the Countess’ benefit.
“Remarkable, what this world is coming to,” the Countess muttered. “At least the Duke of Bradford will steer you into more suitable company, Lady Adelaide. He is a frequent visitor to court, if rumor is to be believed.”
Adelaide remained silent, whilst thoughts of Reuben played on her mind. In truth, the whole situation was getting rather confusing.
More suitable company? If Jasper is telling the truth, then I highly doubt Reuben may steer me into anything but trouble. Then again, if Jasper is not telling me the truth, then perhaps Countess Gaumont is right—I may end up frequenting court, too. Although Jasper has no reason to fabricate tales about Reuben. He has nothing to lose by me marrying the Duke. He wishes to protect me, that
is all. Oh goodness, what shall come of this?
Her turmoil was interrupted by the carriage arriving in front of the Assembly Rooms. A welcome distraction. One of the stewards hurried up to the door, opening it wide so the party of four could emerge. Other carriages waited in a long line behind them, hooves stomping on the cobbles as the horses whinnied their annoyance.
Enjoy yourself, Adelaide chided. This is the London you love. Make the most of it whilst you still can.
Plastering on a smile, she stepped out of the carriage and followed the Countess and Lady Francesca up the small steps. Her amethyst skirt trailed behind her in a waterfall of deep purple. Ahead, two doormen stood either side of the imposing entrance. Their gloved hands reached for the golden handles, opening the door to reveal the revelry beyond. A glimpse, no more. Leah hurried after them, as though she feared being left behind.
A bombardment of laughter and merriment hit the party as they entered the Assembly Rooms. All of the wondrous creatures of London were assembled here. Down the long hallway, shimmering beneath the spotlight of the chandelier, ladies fluttered around like gaudy butterflies, each one delicate and unique.
The gentlemen were no less impressive. Dressed in their finery, they stood at the edges of the rooms and halls like proud birds. They’d ruffle a little as a beautiful lady passed by. Perhaps, they’d offer a sharp look to competitors across the way. Keeping to the periphery of the action, they could better view the delightful ladies who smiled and giggled with oblivious abandon.
Yes, this is the London I adore, Adelaide mused. No dark thoughts could dampen the smile that had fixed itself upon her face. Not tonight.
“Shall we go through to the ballroom?” Lady Francesca asked eagerly.
“Indeed, I should like that very much,” Adelaide replied.
“A splendid idea,” the Countess agreed. “News of your engagement will already have found its way amongst polite society. I would anticipate a flurry of congratulations, if I were you.”
“I shall, Countess.”
They moved through the throng of people, weaving a path towards the ballroom at the far end of the main hall. A few sections of the corridor had bottlenecked with conversing revelers. Indeed, the heat within the building had become rather overwhelming. By the time they reached their destination, Adelaide could feel a trickle of perspiration meandering down the back of her neck. Her lungs felt too tight, although she had a feeling her nerves were responsible for her shortness of breath.
It was cooler here in the ballroom, however, despite the exertions of the dancers. Adelaide soon forgot any troubling thoughts as she took a seat on the outer edge of the dancefloor. The orchestra played a jaunty tune that she liked very much. The livelier dances were always her favorite.
“You do not mind my being here, do you?” Leah whispered suddenly. Lady Francesca and her mother had taken up seats a fair distance away, far enough to be out of earshot.
Adelaide frowned. “No, certainly not. Why should I?”
“You have not done this to embarrass me, after what I said to you yesterday?”
“I would never do such a thing,” Adelaide replied defensively.
“Did you know of Countess Gaumont’s feelings towards me?”
“How could I have known?” Adelaide muttered. “The Countess does not know you, so how could I have anticipated her response?”
Leah narrowed her eyes. “You know her, do you not?”
“Yes, but—”
“So you must have known what she might say,” Leah accused. “You wished to mortify me, I am certain of it.”
“I did not, Leah,” Adelaide insisted. “I invited you to attend with us because I thought you might enjoy the distraction. You often seem to enjoy the Assembly Rooms. I did not think I was doing you a disservice in inviting you along.”
“I am humiliated.”
“Why should you be? The Countess has not repeated her words to anyone here. Your reputation is unharmed.” Adelaide paused for a moment. “Is something else troubling you, dear Leah?”
She looked taken aback. “No… of course not. What else would be troubling me?”
“A certain Jasper?”
“A ridiculous notion.”
Adelaide arched a knowing eyebrow. “Has something occurred? You do not seem to be yourself, Leah.”
“You will only repeat what I say to Jasper.”
“I will not. You may be assured of my utmost discretion.”
Leah did not seem to know what to think. “Very well.” She took a shaky breath. “Were I to feel any sort of affection towards Jasper, which I am neither confirming nor denying… it has come to my attention that I may be unsuitable for him. The Countess has only solidified my fears, by speaking so harshly to me this evening.”
“Jasper does not care for such things,” Adelaide assured. “He finds the constraints on our society to be a foolish dogma, especially where marriage is concerned. He does not abide by it, nor does he give it much credence. He told me as much today, when he learned of my engagement—he suggested I dispense with the propriety of my agreement and choose another man.”
Leah’s expression turned cold. “You spoke with him today?”
“He sought me out,” Adelaide replied. “I believe he wished to dissuade me from marrying the Duke of Bradford. Naturally, I told him I could not, and would not.”
“You spoke alone?”
“He is an old friend, Leah. We often speak alone. He had my father’s permission, if that is what concerns you?”
“That is not what concerns me, Lady Adelaide,” Leah retorted, her voice dripping venom. “I thought we had discussed this yesterday? Did we not reach an agreement that you would cease this unnatural acquaintance?”
“No, we did not.” Adelaide held her ground.
“You would seek to ruin any chance I may have with Jasper.”
Adelaide stared at Leah, aghast. “I would do no such thing. He and I are naught but friends. We have been so since we were children. My affections towards him have never leant towards the romantic, and they never shall.”
“So, you admit it—you feel affection towards him?”
Adelaide fought the urge to roll her eyes. “He is a dear friend of the family. I feel affection for all of the Fitzwilliams, in equal measure. Are you suggesting I have romantic inclinations towards his father?”
“Now you are being ridiculous.”
“No, Leah, you are being ridiculous,” she insisted. “I have positively urged Jasper to call upon you.”
Leah frowned. “You have?”
“Of course. You and he are both my friends—why should I not delight in a union between you?”
Leah’s expression darkened. “Then why has he not sought me out?”
“That, I cannot answer. You would have to ask him yourself.”
“Perhaps his affections towards you are not platonic.”
“They are, I assure you.” People were starting to stare. In a last-ditch effort to preserve some dignity, Adelaide turned Leah inwards and lifted her finger to her lips. To her relief, Leah seemed to understand. Still, she would not be silenced on the matter entirely.
“Why else would he seek to dissuade you if he did not feel romantic affections for you?”
Adelaide sighed. “He does not think the Duke of Bradford is suitable. I happen to think otherwise.”
“Yes, but why would he interfere?”
“He has a protective streak, I suppose,” Adelaide admitted. “It is one of the qualities that you should admire about him, instead of resenting it. Truly, he feels nothing for me but friendship. I have seen the way he behaves around you, Leah. You leave him utterly tongue-tied and enraptured. It is you he adores. He finds me to be a nuisance.” She forced a nervous laugh, conscious of many eyes upon her.
“Really?” Leah’s voice softened.
“Really.”
“You have given me a great deal to think about,” Leah mused. “Perhaps, you may send a message to Jasper f
or me?”
Adelaide shook her head. “I am afraid I cannot be your go-between. You must allow the postal service to do that for you.”
“Why not?” The defensive tone returned with increased ferocity.
“I would not have you accuse me of tampering or altering any message he may send in reply. No, this is best settled between the pair of you, without my interference.”
“I would not accuse you of such a disgraceful thing.”
Adelaide offered a dry smile. “Even so, I do not wish to take on the responsibility.”
“Very well,” Leah muttered.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I must visit the powder room.” Adelaide stood before Leah could respond and made her way to the next table. There, she paused to explain to Lady Francesca and the Countess where she was going. They offered to accompany her, but she refused. Truthfully, she needed a moment alone to collect her flustered thoughts. Leah and her anxieties had taken a great deal out of her.
Making her way out of the ballroom, she struggled to ignore the whispers that susurrated all around. Down every hallway, all she could hear was, “the Duke of Bradford,” and several unkind remarks about her appearance. She heard one or two crass mutterings about his reputation, too. It seemed everyone knew of his checkered past, aside from her. Not that it mattered. He was the most eligible bachelor she was ever likely to entice, and she was not about to let go of the security he offered. People could say what they liked.
Halfway down the main hall, she froze. Jasper stood in an alcove with two other gentlemen. One of them had his back to her, but the other was a fellow she vaguely recognized, Gordon Wealdstone, Baron Rowntree, a shadowy individual who was well-known in London for his unsavory dealings. There had even been a murder trial some years ago, with Lord Rowntree at the center of it. Naturally, he had managed to purchase his way out of a sentence and returned to the streets soon after. As rumor had it, the court and the government were too scared to strip him of his title, for fear of what his retribution might be.
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