“I was saying,” Lord Morton said, then cast his eyes toward the group from Kirby Hall. He smirked at Jasper knowingly. “Ah. I see. Your Lady arrives.” He laughed good-naturedly, then bowed to him. “It’s good to see you so taken, Your Grace.”
Jasper smiled, bowing back. “Thank you, My Lord.” Luckily, Lady Leah was standing beside Selina. Lord Morton was none the wiser.
Lord and Lady Kirby were the first of the party to approach. He greeted them warmly, keeping his eyes on them. He then greeted Lady Leah, bowing to her. He complimented her, as was right. She placed her hand in his, and he pressed it, promising her the first dance. He was so aware of Selina’s presence. It was like attempting to ignore a brilliantly glowing light—absolutely impossible.
When he finally turned to her, and their eyes met, he paused, taking her in. “You look lovely, My Lady,” he said, feeling almost as if he was out of breath.
She curtsied. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
He didn’t want to let go of her hand, didn’t want her to go anywhere. “I must beg you for the second dance, My Lady,” he said.
“I’m all yours, Your Grace,” she replied with a smile. His mouth went dry at the sentence.
God, that I should be so lucky.
It took all that he had in him to let go of her hand. He could feel the space in between them growing as she walked away. He couldn’t bear the distance, not for much longer.
He was sure that after tonight, there would be nothing stopping him from ending his engagement, and then he would have the freedom to pursue the lady that he loved with every fiber of his being.
He pictured Selina, dressed in white, like an angel, walking down the aisle, toward him. He had to force himself not to go any further than that. The next arrivals stepped toward him and he had to put her out of his mind and focus.
* * *
Selina moved through the crowd. Even though the gentlemen hadn’t asked for her assistance, she still planned on keeping an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously. So, she walked around the edges of the room, fan open, and in front of her face as she fanned herself lightly.
It was very warm—the whole County’s nobles had turned up, and then some. The room was filled with the low hum of conversation. Everywhere she looked, candlelight illuminated soft, colorful silks and the glint of diamonds.
Her own dress was soft, the silk fabric lightweight. Her skirts swished around her legs. Her little dancing slippers pinched her toes. They were fashionable, not meant for comfort.
That was where Lord Munro found her.
“Lady Selina!” he called out, bowing to her.
She curtsied. “Lord Munro.”
They stood, side by side, looking out at the crowd. “I take it you’re having a look about?” he asked, lowering his voice.
“Indeed,” she said, holding her fan in front of her face, to hide their conversation. “No one would suspect that I’ve my eye out for anyone out of the ordinary. It merely looks as though I’m taking a look at the ladies’ dresses and for any potential dance partners.”
“That’s very smart,” he said. “His Grace tells me that you knew of an Italian Duke?”
“Yes, I did.”
“You knew him personally?” Lord Munro folded his hands behind his back, standing straight, and letting his gaze travel the room.
“Yes, actually.”
“Did he show any signs that he might be…” he trailed off, giving her a meaningful quirk of the eyebrow.
“Yes,” she said, leaning toward him to whisper. “Whenever there was mention of the crimes, he would get a bit…twitchy. Not a whole lot, mind you. But…just a little.” She showed him what she meant, twitching her hand, like the Duca’s would, when he got agitated.
“Ah,” he said, turning his gaze toward those gathered. “So, if I started a conversation with someone about the crimes…and then watched them closely…”
“Perhaps, they’d be…” she trailed off meaningfully.
“Twitchy,” he finished, nodding.
“Indeed.”
“Hmmm,” he mused. They were both silent for a moment, observing the crowd. “Has anyone asked you for the first dance?”
“No. Only the second,” she replied.
“My brother?”
“Yes,” she said, grateful that she had her fan because she blushed at the mere mention of him.
“He told me, about you,” he said.
“Did he?” She didn’t know how to feel about that. They hadn’t agreed to keep it a particular secret. While she had Faith to bare her soul to, she supposed Lord Munro was that person for Jasper.
“A tricky situation,” he mused.
“To put it delicately,” she replied, glancing sideways at him. He was smiling at her warmly.
“I’m all for it,” he told her in a low voice. “I want to see him happy. And he has been, of late. Happier than he had been. I didn’t realize why until he said.”
They both shared a warm gaze. He nodded, and she could tell that he was genuinely happy for his brother.
“I’m going to make a round,” he said, bowing to her. “May I collect you for the first dance, then, My Lady?”
“Of course,” she said, curtsying. She watched Lord Munro move off, through the crowd.
There were very few people, of all of Selina’s wide acquaintance, who were as content as Lord Munro. She realized that they’d soon be brother and sister, a thought, which she found pleasant. She smiled to herself. If tonight went as Jasper hoped, then soon all would be settled.
* * *
Once the inward flow of guests was done, Jasper entered the Great Hall. He made a slow, circuitous lap around, making his way through the crowd. He pretended that he was looking for someone. Meanwhile, he studied everyone.
They were all smiles, having a good time. Punch and wine were being served, and there was a late afternoon supper planned. His mother had taken care of all the preparations on her own—she’d spared no expense. It was as lavish as any other party that had been thrown at Gillingham Manor. No one would be any wiser.
He listened to conversations, then went out onto the terrace that overlooked the gardens, where he ran into his brother, who was just coming in from the path, carrying a glass of wine.
“Anything?” he asked in a low voice.
“Nothing,” Reuben confirmed, taking a sip of his drink.
Jasper was disappointed, but he knew that the culprits would likely be watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity. And when they did, he would be ready.
“They’re likely going to try something while they’re all on their way home,” Reuben pointed out. “I doubt they’d do anything while here. It’s crowded, after all.”
“You’re probably right,” he said.
Reuben patted him on the back. “Never fear. We’ll catch them out.”
He nodded. The band started the opening tune, signaling that the dancing was to begin.
Jasper sighed. It was time for him to go and find Lady Leah. He and Reuben turned toward the Great Hall, and the crowd inside of it. He spotted Lady Leah—she was headed right for him.
She smiled at him, curtsying. He bowed to her, offering his arm. They both walked out and into the middle of the floor, where they took their spot as the first couple. As they waited for the music to begin, he looked around at the crowd.
“Have you seen anything yet?” Lady Leah asked. The music started—a joyful tune.
“Not a thing,” he replied as they began to move.
“They’ll show up,” she said, confidently. “And then, you’ll catch them.”
“Thank you for your trust in my abilities, My Lady.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said, beaming. “I hope you know how much I support you.”
“I do, My Lady. It is much appreciated,” he said. When he looked at her, he felt guilty. He’d put it off for far too long. He’d led her on, allowing her to plan for and expect a marriage. And for what? To avoid an uncomfor
table end to an alliance with Kirby Hall?
* * *
As the first dance ended, she curtsied to Lord Munro. He leaned in, to tell her in a low voice, “You go find him, now.” He winked at her, then disappeared into the crowd.
She looked for him, and their eyes met. Her skin tingled pleasantly, as a warm feeling welled up inside of her chest. Jasper looked so well, dressed in his good forest-green jacket, his hair combed neatly. He strode toward her, holding out his hand to her.
“My Lady,” he said. She placed her hand in his. As he placed his hand on her lower back, drawing her in close to him, desire curled in her belly, like a contented kitten. The music for the waltz began.
She looked up into his eyes as she placed her hand on his shoulder. They fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle. They moved in perfect unison. It was like everyone gathered had vanished, and it was just the two of them.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked.
“I’ve been keeping an eye out,” she said. “Although I’m enjoying this.”
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured softly.
“No one ever told me that it would be like this,” she said.
“What?”
“How wanting you makes me feel like I’m a candle flame, burning brightly, and how it feels as though it’s growing bigger, whenever you’re near.”
He smiled at her, and she couldn’t help but look at his lips. At the edges of her consciousness, she could feel that they were in a crowded room, but he was the only person who mattered.
He leaned in, to whisper in her ear and she could smell the scent of his skin, and his cologne—of spice and leather. “The dance is about to end. Go into the hallway. Wait for me there.”
She blinked at him. He raised an eyebrow, smiling at her wickedly. She nodded.
They parted as the music ended. She almost forgot to curtsy. She laughed, bending her knees. Their eyes met, for one last searing glance as they parted ways.
She glanced around as she tried to catch her breath. The red-coated soldiers from Colonel Fitz’s regiment were all busy. No one’s eyes met hers. No one was watching her. She waved her fan, in a vain attempt to cool her flushed face.
Slipping out, into the hallway, it was much cooler. No one was out here. If Jasper hadn’t promised to find her, she would have been concerned for her safety.
He came out, into the hallway, only a moment later. Her pulse raced. He beamed at her, offering her his arm. “Come with me.” His voice was low. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow.
He led her down the hall. There was a little alcove in it. He glanced behind them as he maneuvered her into it. Her back was pressed up to it, the stone of the wall deliciously cool after the warmth of the Great Hall.
She looked up to him, smiling at her. He kissed her, and she felt her whole body blooming at his kiss. His hands gripped at the fabric of her dress. She moaned, as they kissed, open mouthed.
* * *
Jasper’s pulse was roaring in his ears. He was under the spell of Selina’s soft moans. He didn’t even hear Stephen coming until he was already behind them.
“Oh,” Stephen said.
Jasper turned away from Selina, who was wide-eyed, blushing furiously, to see Stephen, who looked equally as embarrassed, blinking. “I—” He cleared his throat. Jasper stood in between Lady Selina and Lord Sandbourne.
“I can explain,” Jasper said.
Stephen looked hurt. He smiled, even though his eyes didn’t. His mouth fell. “I’m sure you can, Jasper. I’m sure you can.” He sighed, glancing down the hallway. “Does Lady Leah know?”
“No.”
Stephen nodded, clearing his throat. “All right. Well, if you’ll excuse me.” He bowed, then turned and walked briskly back down the hallway.
Jasper turned to Selina. She exhaled slowly. “Does he have feelings…for me?”
“I—I believe so.”
She nodded, covering her face with one hand. “I wish you’d warned me.”
“From now on, you’ll know everything that I do,” he said. “I promise.”
“We should return,” she said and moved past him. He laced his fingers through hers and pulled her to a stop. She glared at him sassily. “Not together.”
He kissed her, chastely, on the forehead. “You first.”
He listened to the sounds of her footsteps, moving down the hallway. His heart was still pounding, and there was the matter of his arousal. He took deep, calming breaths, turning back toward the alcove. He’d often thought it would be a romantic place.
As it turned out, he was right.
Chapter Twenty-One
Selina held her fan up, in front of her face, as she re-entered the ball. She was still blushing furiously. Looking around, she didn’t see Lord Sandbourne anywhere.
Had he left? She’d known that he was interested, but not that interested in her. He’d been kind to her, and she hadn’t seen the depth of his affections. She’d only considered how she wasn’t in danger of affections.
She felt bad for Lord Sandbourne. He’d clearly been hurt.
When she glanced toward the door, Jasper was standing beside it, his eyes on her. Behind the fan, she smiled, her cheeks blushing a furious crimson.
Suddenly, there was an outburst—a lady screamed, and there was a flurry of excitement. Selina froze, turning to look.
“My necklace has been stolen!” the Dowager Duchess exclaimed. “In my own home!”
Both of her sons ran to her. Selina watched in horror, her hand going to her neck, where her pearl necklace remained safe.
“Right off of my neck,” the Dowager Duchess was saying, her hand on her throat. “I know that I latched it properly.”
There was another exclamation. “Mine has been stolen, too!”
Selina watched in horror as two more ladies found that their necklaces had been removed from their necks, without them noticing.
“A talented pickpocket,” she mused underneath her breath. “How brazen.” Their culprits had, in fact, come to the ball. Despite all of those who knew to be looking, they had still gotten away with pulling off another heist.
“Close the doors!” Jasper yelled. “No one leaves without turning out their pockets.”
Colonel Fitz and his soldiers moved to the doors. Everyone was all talking, checking their valuables to make sure that they were there. And then, everyone was placed in a long line.
She wondered who it could be. She frowned as she looked around at the crowd. She counted as many people as she knew—the Mortons, the Langleys, the Quimbys. Her Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. Lord Munro. With a sudden chill, like a cold finger down her spine, she realized that the one person who was missing was Lord Sandbourne.
* * *
Jasper was on high alert. He watched the crowd, even as he stood beside his mother, who was in tears. As he stood there, Selina walked up to him.
“Are you all right, My Lady?” he asked, suddenly worried that she’d been robbed, too. Her brow was furrowed in concern.
“May I speak to you for a moment?” she asked.
“Of course, My Lady.” They both walked a little way away from the others. “What is it?”
“Who’s missing?” she asked pointedly. He looked around, his eyes scanning the room. Suddenly, his heart started pounding as he realized.
“Stephen,” he said, shaking his head. “It can’t be.”
“It might be, Your Grace,” she said, biting her lip.
“What am I supposed to do?” He couldn’t imagine showing up at Sandbourne, with the regiment, to arrest Stephen.
“Maybe go over, with just a few men?” she asked. “If you don’t find anything here...”
“Yes, yes of course,” he said, suddenly knowing that he wasn’t going to find anything on anyone who was currently in attendance. Whoever had done it had snuck the jewelry away, long before it was noticed missing.
She was looking at him sadly. “I’m so sorry.”
“
Me too.”
He turned away from her and began to steel himself for what had to be done. His mind swam—Stephen? A thief and murderer? He would have never suspected him.
But, he supposed, that would have been the best cover—to have been the Duke’s best friend, and then to help with the investigation. He tried to recall if Stephen had intentionally led him in the wrong direction. Jasper could barely think.
Sins 0f An Intoxicating Duchess (Steamy Historical Regency Romance) Page 19