Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,33

dashed off, leaving Jasper prey to such a fierce anger that for several minutes he remained rooted to the spot. An engagement. It had to be. It was the only thing that could account for Gerald’s odd speech, and the happiness he had seen in both their faces earlier. Clutching his cane, Jasper strode angrily back to York House. She had tricked him. Why should he be surprised? She had told him her actions were no concern of his, but Gerald was his concern. Damnation, he was head of the family. How dare she make Gerald act in this underhand manner!

* * *

By the time Charles Camerton arrived for dinner Jasper’s rage was contained. Outwardly he was smiling, urbane, but it still burned, a steady, simmering fury inside him. Years of training came to his aid, allowing him to converse with seeming normality during the meal, but he tasted nothing of the dishes set before him and allowed his glass to be refilled more than normal.

Only when the covers were removed and the servants had withdrawn did he allow himself to think back over his day.

‘I looked for you at the White Hart today, Charles, and you were not in the Pump Room. Did you go out of town?’

‘Yes. It was such a fine day I took Mrs Logan for a drive.’

‘Really?’

Charles shrugged. ‘Just being friendly, you know.’

‘I hope you are not developing a tendre there, Charles. I shall require you to be on winning form again at the Crescent tonight.’

Charles refilled his brandy glass.

‘I am more than happy to accompany you there, Markham, but I am not sure your plan is necessary. I have been watching your cousin. He does not seem in any danger of making a cake of himself over La Prentess.

At least, no more than any of the other young bucks who are fashionably in love with her.’

‘I wish I could agree with you.’ Jasper pushed back his chair. ‘I plan to leave Bath soon, but before I do I want to make sure Gerald is in no danger.’

‘Very well then.’ Charles rose and followed him to the door. ‘Let us to the Crescent, by all means.’

Jasper escorted him out of the hotel. During the meal he had convinced himself that there was only one way to protect Gerald from that scheming woman: he would have to seduce her.

* * *

Susannah gazed about her with satisfaction. The drawing room looked very welcoming, the curtains were pulled against the darkness and the cheerful fire kept the icy weather at bay so effectively that she did not need to wear a shawl over the flowing creation Odesse had fashioned for her. The apricot silk was embroidered at the neck and sleeves with a pattern of vine leaves, the detail cleverly picked out in silver thread to catch the candlelight. She heard the distant rumble of voices. The first guests were arriving. Almost upon the thought Mrs Wilby hurried in.

‘Is everything ready, my love? Tables set, new packs of cards... I have told Gatley to have plenty of mulled wine available for our guests as it is such a cold night.’ She looked about her. ‘Where is Mrs Logan?’

‘She sent me word she might be a little late. She went out driving this afternoon.’

‘Oh, with whom?’

‘She did not say.’ It was true, but Susannah suspected she had been in the company of Mr Camerton. She had seen them talking together after the Sunday service at the Abbey, and although Kate would tell her nothing, her smile had been very self-satisfied. She wondered if the widow had formed an attachment, then quickly dismissed the idea. Kate might smile and flirt with the men she encountered but Susannah knew it was a charade. Kate had often voiced her opinion of the male sex. They were at best deceivers, selfish brutes who cared for nothing but their own pleasure. It was much more likely that she was, to use Kate’s own phrase, keeping Mr Camerton sweet in the hopes of winning his money from him this evening.

‘Well, I hope she will not be too long,’ muttered Mrs Wilby. ‘We need her to run one of the tables.’

There was no time for more. General and Mrs Sanstead were announced and after that there was a steady stream of arrivals. Susannah organised four guests at a whist table, found a partner to play picquet with Major Crommelly, explaining to him that she was unable to do so as she had to help her aunt