“Please, Gwendolyn, think hard before you make this decision. Love is too fragile and fleeting to discard in such haste.” He blinked the emotion from his eyes only to find the pain in hers. “Marry me.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Even now, you dare to insult me.”
“Insult you? I have offered you a sincere and forthright proposal of marriage.”
Her head dropped, hiding her face from view. “I could never trust you. Therefore, there can be no marriage between us.”
“Stop acting like a fool,” he said with a harshness he regretted. Her strong mistrust worried him. He continued in a softer tone, without recriminations. “Can you not see that I love you, Gwendolyn?”
She jolted, her head coming up. “I see only that you lied to me, sir. I see only that I cannot trust you or believe you.”
“These past weeks have been a joy to me and I would have that joy continue forever. Marry me.”
She remained silent for a long time. Anger clouded her eyes, then they cleared as she brought herself under control. Jason’s palms began to sweat.
“’Tis too late for us, Jason.” Her voice was thick with emotion but he could not distinguish the source. It could have easily been anger or grief. “I beg you, do not speak of it again.”
“You cannot simply—”
“I said do not speak of it!”
Jason fell silent. Blood beat at his temples as he tried to find the words that would somehow stop this nightmare, would prevent his whole world from shattering around him.
Gwendolyn’s foot slipped as she started to mount her horse. Jason stepped forward automatically to offer her assistance. At first she tried to push him away and do it herself, but it was impossible. He felt her stiffen when his hand touched her boot, but she said nothing as he hoisted her into the saddle.
She adjusted her seat and gave him a final cold glare, inclining her head gracefully. Then she turned the horse north. He hesitated, on the verge of grabbing for the reins, all the while knowing that physically preventing her from leaving would not change things at this point.
“Gwendolyn—”
“Good-bye, sir,” she said, abruptly dismissing him, shutting him out.
His emotions in turmoil, Jason stood in the empty courtyard and watched her ride away, without once looking back.
Chapter Sixteen
Slowly Jason returned to the house, going into the drawing room just as his brother was coming out. The brothers saw each other at the same moment and there was an awkward pause. “I was going to look for you, to see if I could help in some way,” Jasper said.
Jason shook his head. “Too late. She’s gone.”
“No need to ask how it went. Your expression tells all.”
Jason shoved a dangling lock of hair out of his eyes, more shaken than he cared to admit. “I need a drink.”
He proceeded into the drawing room, headed straight for the whiskey decanter and poured himself a full glass.
But after one sip, he put it down in disgust.
“Doesn’t help much, does it?”
He turned and watched as his twin settled into the armchair beside the unlit fireplace, an expression of sympathy shining from his eyes.
“Why are women such stubborn, emotional creatures?” Jason asked, crossing to the fireplace, leaving his glass behind.
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Jasper shrugged. “’Tis part of their nature, part of their charm and allure.”
“I do not find it in the least bit charming,” Jason grumbled.
“Does that mean you intend to give up on her?”
“Hell, no!” Jason felt the already heated blood in his veins rise. “When have you ever known me to let a female get the better of me?”
Jasper considered the question, his gaze thoughtfully focused on his brother’s face. “For the most part your affairs have gone as you anticipated, yet there have been a few times I suspect the results were unplanned. I can recall one delicate ballet dancer who walked away from your relationship with an emerald and diamond necklace and the tiara to match what must have cost your entire quarterly allowance. And there was that Ruben-esque, opera singer—”
“I was speaking metaphorically.” Jason grimaced at his brother, taking the chair opposite him.
“What about Elizabeth?”
Jason paused, stretching out his long legs toward the empty fire grate. “I was twenty-two, Jasper. A boy flush with his first love: brash, confident, arrogant. I was too absorbed in my own feelings, my own wants and needs to realize that Elizabeth did not return my deep regard.
I fully admit that I handled her rejection badly and in the subsequent years used that hurt to justify my reckless, scandalous behavior.”
“And now?”
Jason stared at his brother, but his gaze turned inward.
“I made the decision to change the direction of my life before I came here, before I met Gwendolyn. I’m not sure why—perhaps it was seeing you and Claire so happy together that gave me the push I needed to reform, to mature, to finally start acting responsibly.
“ ’Tis odd, but previously my solitude had never disturbed me and then suddenly I knew that I wanted more from my life. Yet I was not exactly sure what more I truly wanted until I met Gwendolyn. With her, it became very clear.”
He did want more from his life. He was a gentleman by birth, but had hardly acted that way for several years.
He had loved Elizabeth, been hurt by her rejection and had refused to love again. He had refused to be vulnerable or dependant or trusting. He had adopted the attitude of protecting himself, doing what he pleased, and when he pleased, and damn the consequences.
Jasper narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Does Gwendolyn return your affection?”
Jason’s mouth took on a grim line. “Stop looking so damn worried. I have learned a thing or two about women since Elizabeth. Gwendolyn has very strong feelings towards me.”
A wry grin curved Jasper’s lips. “Yes, I saw for myself precisely how she feels about you.”
“She was upset at learning the truth,” Jason insisted defensively. “I know she cares deeply for me. She is a wonderful woman, kind, generous, loving and above all moral. She must love me or else she would not have—”
Jason stopped suddenly, realizing he was revealing far too much. There was a short and very pointed silence.
He hoped the moment had passed safely, yet one look at his brother’s stormy face and he knew Jasper had caught his meaning.
“Do not tell me that you have bedded this woman?
Not while masquerading as me, the recently married Lord Fairhurst?”
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“I refuse to answer that vulgar question,” Jason retorted, the guilt rising within him as he stood up. “A lady’s reputation is at stake.”
“If my wife ever suffers one moment of humiliation due to your actions, I will strangle you,” Jasper declared in a menacing tone.
“This will never involve Claire.” Jason sat back down with a sigh. “I understand your need to protect your wife, but the rest is all meaningless. You have always cared far too much about your all-too-proper reputation and what others think of you, Jasper. ’Tis damn annoying.”
“And you care too little,” Jasper shot back, his eyes bright, his mouth turned down at the corners with deep disapproval.
They each brooded for a moment, then slowly the tension in the room simmered down a degree. “Whoever said that twins think and act alike was a complete moron,” Jason said, attempting a nonchalant tone.
Jasper peered at him. “Indeed.”
Jason fidgeted restlessly. He felt irritable and defensive and none too proud of his actions. “I love Gwendolyn.
And I will have her, no matter what it takes.”
“She looked none too happy when she stormed out of here. You could be in for a long siege.”
“I know.” Try as he might, Jason could not kee
p the edge of disappointment from his voice.
Suddenly, a broad grin skimmed Jasper’s lips. “I confess, it brings me great pleasure to see you act this way.”
“What way? Oh, you mean like a besotted fool?”
“No, like a man with a purpose, a man with a goal he will push himself to achieve, despite the odds.”
Jason allowed himself a shallow smile. “You are supposed to boost my confidence, brother. Not force me to see the grim reality.”
Jasper looked wry. “If I were a betting man, my coin would be on you.”
“Thank you.” Jason inclined his head, glad that they were back to a civilized tone. He always hated being at odds with his brother, an unfortunate state that was too often the case in the past.
“Let’s move to another subject for the moment,”
Jasper suggested. “Tell me what has been going on here.
Besides impersonating me and ruining my reputation with the community and my good standing among my servants.”
“Aside from the one incident, which I will not discuss, everything has gone well. Though I have not yet achieved the results we wanted regarding the missing funds.”
Jasper’s lips twitched. “Your impersonation was far from successful. Snowden knew who I was the moment he opened the door.”
“Of course he knew who you were,” Jason said with a snicker. “We are identical twins.”
Jasper was shaking his head. “He clearly knew that I was not the same man who had been in residence these past few weeks. He knew that I was the real viscount, and that you, the man who had claimed to be me, were not.”
“I don’t believe you. He has treated me with the utmost respect and deference since my arrival. He believed I was Lord Fairhurst.”
Jasper looked offended at the ver y idea. “Granted, Snowden was not aware that he had been duped until he saw me. Without the comparison he was fooled. But no longer.”
Jason gave a disbelieving snort. “I still do not believe that Snowden knew the truth. Hell, there are times that Mother still gets us confused.”
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trained butler.” Jasper’s face set. “The next time you see Snowden, I fully expect you to apologize to him and explain that I was unaware of your little stunt and upon learning about it, fully disapprove.”
Jason waved a dismissive hand. “He’s a butler.”
“Precisely. And as such should be afforded the respect he is due.” Jasper met his eyes very directly. “I stole him away from Lord Devonshire, at a considerable cost, and the man has more than proven his worth.”
As if on cue, the butler entered the room, pushing a tea cart laden with savory indulgences. He never hesitated for an instant, coming to place the cart in front of Jasper. The true lord of the manor.
“He most likely remembered what you were wearing,”
Jason grumbled beneath his breath, still finding it difficult to accept that the butler had been able to unmask the deception.
“Snowden, my brother has something to say to you,”
Jasper announced.
Feeling ridiculous, yet knowing on some level that he was wrong, Jason stood on his feet. “As you obviously are aware, for personal reasons, I assumed my brother’s identity when I arrived at the manor. Lord Fairhurst was unaware of my deception and has just informed me that he is scandalized by my behavior. I therefore feel compelled to offer my apologies to you.”
“That is most gracious of you, sir.” The butler’s face suffused with color. “Since you have brought it up, I will say that there were several occasions these past few weeks when I did puzzle over your behavior, for it was most out of the viscount’s character. But you remained a gentleman throughout and the staff held you in the highest esteem and regard.”
“So I didn’t muck it up too badly?” Jason asked.
“Not at all.” The butler’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. Jason decided this was a sign of approval. “I am certain that I am the only member of the staff to uncover the truth.”
“I would be most obliged if you kept it that way,” Jasper cut in.
The butler bowed graciously. “You can always count on my discretion, my lord.”
“I know. Thank you.”
Jason resumed his seat while the butler departed. The tea remained untouched, though Jasper munched on a small sandwich. As the viscount ate, Jason told him what he had uncovered about the estate finance and the missing items.
“Did you find out anything from the London antique dealer?” Jason asked as he concluded his tale. “Did he possess any other items that belonged to you?”
“I don’t believe so.” Jasper finished his sandwich and reached for another. “I made the mistake of bringing Father with me and compounded it by not telling him the reason I wanted to visit the shop. I feared he would create a scene.”
“He does get rather passionate about his antiquities.”
“Too passionate.” Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “It all started fine; Father enjoyed browsing among the various items, but then he spotted two vases he swore were fakes and demanded to see the owner.”
“Oh, no.”
“A rather heated argument ensued, several harsh words were exchanged, followed by insults, and then we were asked to leave the premises.”
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businessman would toss an earl and a viscount from his establishment.
“Father saved that bit of information to lend weight to his parting remarks. By then, the damage had been done and we had lost the opportunity to uncover any possible information.”
“’Tis unlikely you would have learned anything substantial,” Jason replied.
Jasper shrugged. “We will never know.”
“How do you wish to proceed?” Jason asked.
“I appreciate all you have done here, but ’tis obvious that you have hit a wall in your investigation. You know how important it was to me to keep this inquiry a private, family matter and I thank you for your efforts.”
“My failing efforts.”
Jasper’s expression hardened. “Hardly. You have determined that Ardley is the logical suspect and I agree.
He had the access and the means to accomplish the theft of my funds and my property.”
Jason leaned for ward in his chair, warmed by his brother’s sincere words of praise. Yet he still felt disappointed that he had not been able to neatly solve the problem. “There are inconsistences in the estate ledgers that Ardley has already explained. As for the items taken and replaced with fakes, I have no solid proof that he was involved.”
“We don’t need it,” Jasper said, without rancor. “I am his employer. He is answerable to me for his actions and activities concerning my estate. I will confront him; he will answer.”
“What if he lies? Denies all knowledge? We might never recover the items that were stolen.”
“That is a risk I am willing to take. They are only things, Jason, objects. They can be replaced.”
Jason jerked a little straighter in his chair. “Don’t ever let Father hear you say that about his vases.”
Jasper smiled and nodded his head. “I will concede that some of these antiques are considered irreplace-able, but no matter. What if a maid accidentally knocked one over while dusting? Or a rambunctious child pulled it to the floor? It would be gone just as completely.”
“Are you telling me you place no value on them?”
“Of course they have a value, but I will not put that above the human element,” Jasper said, rubbing at his chin. “Ardley has been an excellent steward these past years. I’m sure you don’t remember, but his predecessor truly was stealing us blind. The tenant farms were in dis-repair, the manor house practically falling down around my ears.”
“That was Father’s fault. The prope
rty had not yet passed to you.”
Jasper nodded. “Father was an absentee landlord for decades and therefore must assume part of the responsibility for the sad state of the manor and lands. It was the main reason he was eager to give me the property when I came of age. He admitted he had done a dismal job and hoped that I could do better.”
“But it was the influx of your money that has made all the difference, that made the estate profitable. I would think you would take it as a personal insult to discover that someone has been stealing from you.”
“I did take offense. That’s why I asked you to come and investigate.”
“If Ardley is the culprit, he must be punished,” Jason said gently.
“Naturally.” Jasper shifted uncomfortable in his seat.
“But his fate shall be my concern and mine alone. Ardley is a good man. He has worked hard for me for many 280
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years. Under his direction, we have nearly tripled the output of these lands. The last thing I want to believe is that he is false and treacherous. That was one of the reasons I needed you to address this matter for me. I knew I would have difficulty being objective.”
“Has that changed?”
“I’m unsure. As you say, there is no direct proof.”
Jasper looked beyond his brother’s shoulder for a moment before returning his gaze. “If Ardley is involved, as we suspect, I believe there is an underlying reason.
And I fully intend to give the man the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to explain it to me in person.”
“That is your right,” Jason concurred.
Jasper nodded. “Shall we summon Ardley now or wait until this evening?”
Jason sighed. “It will have to wait until tomorrow morning. Ardley is gone from the estate; he told me earlier he was traveling to the next county to inspect a bull he was considering for purchase. He will not return until tomorrow morning. If I had known you were coming, I would have requested that he wait and attend to this livestock business next week.”
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