Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,78

asked Charles he said he had mentioned it to Mrs Bulstrode, although thankfully he said nothing about the connection with Odesse. I know I should have told you immediately, but I did not want you to be cross with Charles. I hoped it might soon be forgotten. I beg your pardon, Susannah. Can you ever forgive me?’

So Jasper had not betrayed her. A dozen disjointed thoughts raced through her brain. If she had not been so quick to condemn him they might still be friends—more than friends. No. He roused in her such uncontrollable passions that friendship was not possible. She was engaged to Gerald now. Safe, dependable Gerald. That was what she wanted. She summoned up a smile.

‘Of course I can forgive you, Kate. In fact, it has all turned out very well. If it had remained a secret then Lady Gisburne would not have learned of it and wanted to become our patroness. What I find it harder to understand is your sudden decision to marry.’

Kate’s mouth twisted into a rueful smile.

‘I was very strident, was I not, in my condemnation of all men? It comes from my years married to one who...’

Susannah squeezed her arm.

‘You do not need to tell me, Kate. I knew you then, I saw what you went through, even though I was very young and everyone did their best to keep these things from the children. Infidelity was rife in Gibraltar. Even my own father was not above taking advantage of the camp followers.’

‘How do you know that?’ asked Kate quickly. ‘I do not believe he would tell you such a thing, nor your mother.’

‘I heard them arguing one night.’ Susannah blushed at the memory. ‘He said if Mama would not let him into her bed then he had to relieve his—his passions elsewhere.’

‘Oh my dear, I am so sorry.’ Kate squeezed her arm. ‘Your mother had become very religious, had she not?’

‘Yes, like her sister, although not quite such a zealot.’ Susannah shivered. ‘But that does not excuse his behaviour.’

‘Do not be too hard on your father, my dear. He was a good man, in his way. Certainly not vicious, like Logan.’

‘That is why I was so shocked when you told me about you and Charles Camerton.’

Kate sighed.

‘I did not mean to fall in love with him, but I could not help it.’ She laughed suddenly. ‘I have broken all the rules I set for myself, have I not? I have listened to my heart, and not my head. But you must have done the same, my dear. Why else would you have decided to marry— Susannah, why do you look like that?

Susannah shook her head, suddenly tears were crowding her eyes.

‘Oh, Kate,’ she whispered. ‘I think I have made a terrible mistake.’

* * *

‘Dom.’ Jasper touched his brother’s shoulder. ‘I was told I would find you in the Pump Room, but I didn’t believe it.’

Dominic turned, grinning. It was like looking into a mirror, thought Jasper. He still felt it, despite the livid scar that stretched across his twin’s cheek.

‘My godmother must drink the waters and my wife wants to gossip.’ Dominic gripped his hand. ‘How are you, Brother?’

‘Well enough, thank you. I received your note yesterday, but I thought you would need the evening to recover.’

‘Aye, after a whole day on the road the children were fractious and Zelah and I too tired to be good company.’

‘I am pleased I did not take up your invitation to join you for dinner then! What brings you to Bath?’

Dominic’s hard eyes flickered towards Lady Gisburne.

‘Summoned. She told us you have been here for some time.’

‘I came here after visiting Gloriana. She was afraid Gerald had fallen into the clutches of some harpy.’

‘And had he?’

‘Not at all.’ Jasper spotted a speck of dust on his sleeve and flicked it away. ‘The lady is an heiress. Considerably richer than Gerald, I believe.’

A soft voice called his name. Zelah was beside him, holding out her hands.

‘Welcome to Bath, Sister.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘What brings you here? Your glowing looks tell me it is not for your health.’

‘No, of course not.’ She tucked her arm in his. ‘Take me for a promenade about the room, Jasper.’

He glanced at Dominic, who nodded his approval.

‘Aye, off you go, but don’t keep her too long. I won’t spend all day here.’

‘Surly as ever,’ commented Jasper as he led his sister-in-law away.

She laughed. ‘No, no, he is much better now. When I met him he would not have dreamed