Page 30 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

The expression on Jasper’s face softened from concern to consideration. “I’ll be by your side the whole night.”

Elizabeth gave a humorless laugh. “For every trip and spill?”

“I’ll catch you if you fall and we’ll insist on only foods that will not stain.”

“I do not think such a thing exists.” But even as she spoke, a smile touched her lips.

He grinned back in a way that warmed her heart more than it should. “Then we will match once more if you do spill something.”

“I told you last night, you don’t need to protect me.” The last thing she wanted was Jasper being burdened with responsibility for her actions. She could not even mind her own actions, let alone knowing she was dragging someone else down with her.

“I assure you, we will be the happiest couple.” Jasper gazed down at her as if he could not stop keep his eyes off her.

And though she wanted to lose herself in those fathomless dark eyes, she understood his actions for what they were—a façade.

She had not realized what an actor he was until that moment. Suddenly, it all made sense. The way he called her dearest and darling, the way he looked at her like she was the only person to ever exist in the world, even how he had studied her mouth as if he meant to kiss her.

None of it held any true meaning. He was simply playing the role she had forced him into. And she would do well to remember that.

“I imagine it is difficult of you to take time out of your day to attend the engagement party planning,” Elizabeth said. “At least we will not see one another until our engagement party.”

The statement was meant to be one of consolation. What man wished to burden his schedule with a woman he did not mean to marry?

But his jaw seemed to go tight under his grand smile. “Indeed.” Then he offered her his arm and led her toward the sofa where tea had been set out and the engagement party planning was already underway.

Jasper sat at Elizabeth’s side as Bess and Lady Langston discussed the courses of a grand feast, the hothouse flower arrangements, and argued over which orchestra would be the perfect fit for such an event.

In the end, Bess won, and Lady Langston learned Jasper’s grandmother was a true force to be reckoned with. Bess was not one to lose. Ever.

Through it all, Elizabeth remained agreeable. Yes, purple hyacinths and white orchids would be lovely. Yes, the fish course would be a nice addition. Yes, the order of the songs was perfect.

But Jasper knew she wanted none of it, that she merely went along to please her mother and Bess.

There was a great kindness to Elizabeth. She was truly a good person, wanting only to bring joy to others.

Which made him only want to protect her even more.

Perhaps after so many years, that need to shelter someone weaker than himself was inherent. If the engagement party was to continue, he would ensure he did remain at her side, to shield her from any wayward comments, and keep her solidly on her feet.

In truth, he had been looking forward to seeing her before their engagement party, to get to know the woman who appeared so shy from a distance, but up close was bold and open with her assessments. But her claiming they need not waste time on one another until the engagement party was a stark reminder that this was all just for show. A play with an end.

But in that moment, as she nodded in a sweet, agreeable nature to an event she wanted no part of, he wanted to be the kind of man who deserved to be engaged to her. Even if it all was an act.

But whatever his good intentions had been, they were dashed the next morning with the delivery of the scandal sheets.

Bess gave a chagrined sigh as Jasper sat down to breakfast the following morning. “I understand your haste.”

“And here I thought I was late to breakfast,” he jested.

“I’m referring to Lady Elizabeth.” She settled the paper in front of him.

There, in black-and-white print, was the story of how just moments before the engagement that stunned London society, Jasper had been found in the study alone with Elizabeth. Already a scandalous thing, but especially when paired with his notorious reputation.

The article went on to justify their placement in the study for his wanting privacy to propose, but the damage was likely already done.

“It’s a good thing you love her,” Bess said. “Or that girl’s reputation would be in shreds.”

Jasper set the paper down. “Especially with my reputation,” he muttered.