Last Dance in London (Rakes on the Run #1) - Sydney Jane Baily Page 0,131

have her ring back, but having it returned to her by Jasper was even more special. Somehow, it linked the love she felt for her mother with the love she felt for her husband.

Her mother’s ring formed the base of the new creation, with the modest-sized ruby in the center. Cleverly crafted, two new gold rings had been attached, one to either side, and each of these held a semi-circle of perfect circular diamonds. All together, they encircled her ruby and looked to be one piece, creating the illusion of a thick, three-fold band.

“It’s perfect,” she told him.

“You’re perfect,” he said unexpectedly, and her gaze found his.

Those chocolate brown eyes were her downfall from start to finish.

“I love you, Lady Marshfield.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d declared the words, but each time he did, she experienced a tickling thrill of delight. And gratitude. She no longer needed to guard her heart.

“I love you, Jasper Ashton, Earl of Marshfield.”

He stroked his gentle finger down her cheek, leaned in close and kissed her. When he drew back, he had a mischievous look in his eye.

“Let me give you my second gift,” he said.

Before he could give it to her, she made a clucking sound.

“You see, that’s what’s wrong with your class. This ring is exquisite, but if you give me anything else, such as a matching necklace or bracelet, you will have been far too extravagant. It will dilute the perfection of the former.”

He shook his head. “I know your thoughts on my class, which is now yours, too, by the way. However, I think you will like this gift very much.”

“Oh,” she said, imagining he was speaking of another ardent tupping. Smiling up at him, she put her arms around his neck.

“No, not that either,” he said. “Although we certainly shall do that in a minute.” He pressed another kiss to her lips. “I can hardly think when you’re in my arms.”

She released him and settled back onto the mattress. “Please, go on.”

“Right now, the next gift is merely words,” he explained. “But it will become tangible. You said your sister returned from the Great Oakley Twelvetide party ready to marry that Denbigh fellow and is leaving her house on Hanover Square to you. Since you no longer need it, I think we should turn the Worthington house into a home for the poor.” He grinned. “Right in the heart of Mayfair.”

“In the heart of Mayfair,” she repeated, scarcely able to breathe.

Sarah had, in fact, come home with the extraordinary news of being engaged to Lord Denbigh. Her sister had been shocked when Julia had topped it with the announcement she was already married to Lord Marshfield.

But right then, all she could ponder was Jasper’s brilliant idea.

“Perhaps for orphans?” she wondered.

“Maybe not of both sexes in one place,” he said. “Children grow up so quickly and I was already thinking of females when I was—”

She gave his chest a slap to stop him, not particularly wanting to know what age his virility started.

“I take your point and can hardly match you since you know exactly when my first experience with men occurred.”

He took her hand and raised it to his lips, turning it so he could kiss her palm. Shivers ran down her spine.

“I’m thrilled and honored you waited for me. Let’s endeavor to get you caught up in the acts of amorous congress, as long as it is with me and only me.”

Slowly, he slipped the banyan off her shoulders.

Julia slid her hands behind his neck and threaded her fingers into his soft brown hair. She was going to like being the Countess of Marshfield very much.

Epilogue

“I knew the Prince Regent would like her,” Jasper said to his new sister-in-law in the Worthington dining room over a dinner for four. “My wife charmed him until he was practically ready to imprison anyone who so much as looked at her crossly. Bow Street will bother her no more.”

Sarah smiled but sent a wary glance toward Lord Denbigh. “I’m both relieved and grateful that awful misunderstanding was sorted out.”

Jasper supposed that was as good a way to put it as any. Regardless, he gave Denbigh a particularly hard stare, as he knew the man had ties to the bloodhounds working for the Bow Street magistrate’s office, as well as to Prinny.

“His Highness wore three rings and had a gold necklace over his cravat, as well as a massive bejeweled cravat pin,” Julia commented while idly stirring her pottage with her spoon and

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