Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,20

Bulstrode.’ She gave a gurgle of laughter. ‘And her friend, Mrs Farthing. When my aunt told them you were expected they were exceedingly put out. They have sent their girls to dancing class today, you see. But it is no matter. Now they can claim acquaintance they will make their daughters known to you at the first opportunity. But you need not be alarmed,’ she added kindly. ‘They are very well-mannered girls, albeit inclined to giggle.’

‘Nothing wrong with that,’ remarked Gerald nobly. ‘They are very pleasant, cheerful young ladies.’

‘And one of their pleasant, cheerful mothers is approaching,’ muttered Jasper. ‘I shall retreat to that corner, where I see my old friend General Sanstead and his wife. I must pay my respects, you know.’

Susannah’s eyes were brim full of mirth and she mouthed the word ‘coward’ at him before turning to greet Mrs Bulstrode. Jasper made good his escape, but behind him he heard the matron’s carrying voice.

‘If there is more tea, Miss Prentess, I would be happy to refill my cup. So refreshing, is it not? I do not believe those who say it does you no good. Why, they have only to look at you. A picture of health, if I may say so.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Bulstrode. This is a particularly pleasant blend...’

He smiled to himself, appreciating the way she dealt with the overpowering matron. Enjoying, too, that warm, laughing note in her voice.

‘And you are a wonderful advocate for the benefits of tea drinking,’ continued Mrs Bulstrode. ‘You have so much energy, always out and about, like this morning, for example. I saw your carriage at the Borough Walls—’

Jasper halted, under the pretence of removing a speck of dirt from his coat. Perhaps now he might find out what she was doing so early in the day.

‘No, no, ma’am, you are mistaken. I have not been abroad today.’

He turned. Susannah was smiling serenely as she poured more tea for the matron.

‘No? But I made sure it was your carriage...’

‘Very likely,’ returned Susannah, handing her the cup. ‘I believe my aunt sent Edwards to collect some purchases for her. Is that not right, Aunt?’

‘What’s that, dear? Oh, oh, yes—yes, that’s it.’

Mrs Wilby’s flustered response was in itself suspicious, yet if he had not seen Susannah in the carriage with his own eyes Jasper would be as ready as Mrs Bulstrode to believe her story.

Schooling himself, he continued towards General Sanstead. It was clearly not the time to question Miss Prentess, but he would get to the bottom of this. Later.

* * *

The General, an old friend, was delighted to see Jasper and kept him talking for some time, asking after the family. The viscount responded suitably and once he had fetched more tea for Mrs Sanstead, he sat down and engaged them in conversation for the next half-hour while he observed the company.

Jasper realised this was a very different gathering from the discreet little card party he had attended. Gerald was staying close to Susannah and Jasper couldn’t blame him, they were by far the youngest people in the room. Apart from Gerald, Jasper could see he was the only

unmarried man present and for the most part the visitors were older matrons, who moved about the room, forming groups to gossip and disperse again.

Jasper played his part and was much sought out by the other guests, who were all eager to claim acquaintance with a viscount. No one could have faulted his manners, but he was all the time watching Susannah, and when at last he found her alone beside the tea-table he moved across to join her.

‘No, thank you.’ He put up his hand as she offered him tea. ‘Are your rooms never empty, Miss Prentess?’

‘My aunt enjoys entertaining.’

‘And you?

‘Of course.’

He looked about the room.

‘But this company is not worthy of you, madam.’ She looked at him, her hazel eyes puzzled and he continued. ‘Apart from Barnabus and myself it is all matrons and married couples’

‘This is my aunt’s party, sir.’

‘Perhaps your milieu is the cardroom.’

She looked down, smiling.

‘No, I do not think so.’

Jasper hesitated, wondering if he should mention seeing her on the bridge that morning and into the lull came Mrs Sanstead’s voice as she moved across to join the other married ladies.

‘We are missing Mrs Anstruther today, Mrs Wilby. Is she not well?’

Immediately Miss Prentess was on the alert. Jasper could not fail to notice the way she grew still, nor the wary look in her eye. There was some coughing and shuffling and from