Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,45
of the lady’s affections before offering her his hand.
Zelah had taught him a salutary lesson and Jasper had been content to leave his heart behind when he returned to town to continue his bachelor lifestyle. The women in London were as eager as ever for his attentions, but somehow the attraction of such a carefree life had palled. Perhaps it was seeing his twin so happily married, but for the past three years Jasper had felt a curious restlessness. He had hidden it well, continued to flirt with all the prettiest ladies, was the most obliging guest at any party, but knowing his heart to be safe at Rooks Tower with his sister-in-law he had never felt the least inclination to offer marriage to any one of the beautiful débutantes paraded before him, much to the
chagrin of their hopeful parents. Not one of them had made any impression upon him, had stirred him to make the least effort. Yet here he was, risking his precious team on snow-covered roads to pursue a woman who had made it abundantly clear that she did not want his attentions.
But this was nothing to do with the fact that she was a woman, and a very beautiful one at that. She had got the better of him, and that rankled. Lord, what an arrogant fool he had become!
‘Beggin’ yer pardon, m’lord, I don’t see there’s much to laugh at,’ grumbled Morton, sinking his chin deeper into his muffler.
‘I am laughing at myself,’ Jasper told him, still grinning.
‘You’ll be laughing yerself into the parson’s mousetrap if you ain’t very careful.’
‘What?’ Jasper’s head whipped round and he stared at his groom. ‘I have no interest in the woman in that way. Marriage to such a virago? Good God, I can think of nothing worse.’
‘Seems to me you are putting yerself out a great deal over her.’
‘Fustian! It’s just that there is something smoky about Miss Prentess, and I am determined to find out what it is.’
Jasper gave his attention to his driving. Perhaps he was being foolish. He could have paid someone to find out everything about the woman and saved himself the trouble.
‘Turning’s up here, sir,’ said the groom. ‘On the right.’
And if this outing did not solve the mystery that is what he would do, he decided as he turned into a narrow lane,
The snow lay inches deep and unbroken through the lane. Jasper proceeded cautiously. There could be deep ruts beneath the snow, waiting to catch the unwary. The track was descending into a wooded valley and the groom pointed out their destination on the far side. Jasper slowed and peered through the trees at the collection of buildings.
‘It looks like a gentleman’s house, my lord. What will they say to us turning up uninvited?’
‘I shall use the weather as my excuse.’ Jasper gave a little flick of the whip to move the team on.
* * *
Ten minutes later they drew up in front of the house. No one came out to greet them and apart from the smoke spiralling up from a couple of the chimneys there was no sign of life. Jasper jumped down and went to the door. The weathered oak panels shook as he forcefully applied the knocker. A biting wind had sprung up and when a flustered housemaid opened the door he immediately stepped into the hall.
‘Good day,’ he said pleasantly. ‘Pray tell your master or mistress that—’
He got no further. Standing in a doorway at the far end of the hall, and holding a baby in her arms, was Susannah.
Chapter Nine
‘Miss Prentess. Good day to you.’
Jasper made his bow, his brain reeling. Whatever he had expected, it was not this. He had seen Susannah’s horrified look when he had appeared, but she recovered quickly.
‘Lord Markham.’ She hesitated and glanced down at the sleeping baby. ‘Will you not come in, sir?’
He could see behind her a comfortable parlour with a cheerful fire.
‘I would be delighted, madam, but first I must look after the horses, I do not like to leave them standing in this weather.’
He let the words hang and watched her expression carefully. She would like to send him to the rightabout but she knew he would not go quietly. Her gaze shifted to the housemaid still hovering by the door.
‘Bessie, direct my lord’s groom to the stables, if you please.’
‘Thank you.’ Jasper followed her into the parlour and shut the door.