Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,84

women as nothing but playthings for his pleasure.’

‘And then?’ demanded Jasper, his temper rising. ‘Surely Middlemass took action against this man?’

‘No, I never told him of it. My uncle had a weak heart. I was afraid if he knew, it would make him ill.’

* * *

Susannah looked back over the years. It was all such a long time ago. She had never spoken of it, not even to Kate, but somehow, telling Jasper was a relief. Now perhaps he would understand her panic. Suddenly, walking with him here in Sydney Gardens with the spring sunshine warm on their backs, the past did not seem quite so horrific. She stole a glance at Jasper. He was scowling as he digested all she had told him. He, a man of fashion with a reputation as a breaker of hearts, was part of that set that she despised, but somehow he did not quite fit. Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps not all men were the same.

He turned his head suddenly, his blue-grey eyes locking with hers and she was aware of that familiar breathlessness, but the panic she had felt before did not engulf her. Instead she was relieved that he was beside her. She was comfortable in his company. Thinking back, she realised it had been the same when they had been together at Florence House. Perhaps...

‘I am honoured by your confidences, Miss Prentess, but I think we should catch up with the others. Mrs Logan will be anxious about you.’

How formal he was, how polite. He lengthened his stride and she was obliged to quicken her own step to keep up with him.

‘I am quite capable of looking after myself, my lord.’ She uttered the words almost as a challenge, hoping he would contradict her. When he did not, she tried again. ‘I think you were correct, sir, when you surmised that Mrs Logan and your sister-in-law engineered this meeting to throw us together.’

‘Yes, but you need have no fear, madam. I have no intention of importuning you.’

‘Oh.’

Susannah’s spirits swooped even further. He threw her a quick smile.

‘I am well aware of your low opinion of me, madam. My actions in the past have only reinforced that, but I do not intend to repeat them.’

Susannah swallowed her disappointment. They had caught up with the others so there was no time to reply. Jasper offered his arm to Zelah as they approached the secluded grotto and did not address Susannah again until the two parties split up. Then he took her hand and saluted it before walking off with his sister-in-law on his arm.

‘Well?’ Kate waited only until the viscount was out of earshot before turning to Susannah, an eager question in her eyes. Susannah merely returned her look and Kate almost stamped her foot. ‘What did he say to you?’

Susannah gave an exaggerated shiver.

‘The wind is growing a little chill. Perhaps, Mr Camerton, you would escort us back to town now?’

‘Susannah!’

Mr Camerton chuckled as he offered both ladies an arm.

‘You had best tell her, Miss Prentess. She can be extraordinarily tenacious.’

‘There is nothing to tell.’

‘You mean he did not make you an offer?’

Susannah shook her head.

‘No. He behaved like a perfect gentleman.’

* * *

Zelah was less complimentary about her brother-in-law.

‘You are a complete nodcock,’ she told him bluntly as they strolled back through the gardens. ‘We gave you every opportunity to put things right with Susannah Prentess—’

‘There is nothing to put right,’ he argued. ‘And I am shocked that you and the lady’s so-called friends should design to place her into such a position, alone with a man and unchaperoned.’

‘The lady was clearly not averse to your company,’ she observed. ‘You had your heads together for most of the time you were together.’

‘She confided in me. I understand perfectly now why she does not wish to marry.’

‘Why not, when she is clearly in love with you?’

‘Do you think so?’

Zelah laughed.

‘Of course. Why, her eyes followed you from the moment we met. Dear heavens, Jasper, you have never doubted your attraction before!’

It was true, but it had never mattered so much to him before. The knowledge that he was in love with Susannah Prentess had shaken him badly. Until he had actually uttered the words at Lady Gisburne’s party he had not realised it.

And for once in his life he was not sure how to proceed.

‘She has been hurt,’ he said at last. ‘Frightened very badly. I must go gently, give her time to recover. Besides...’ another objection reared its head ‘...I