Page 32 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

Elizabeth looked at the ermine muff encasing her hands and nodded. “I did. This invitation was a good idea. Papa was…not pleased.”

“I imagine he was not.” A muscle worked in Jasper’s jaw as he steered his matching chestnut bays toward the park where people had already begun to congregate, some on horseback, others walking. “I’m afraid my reputation has made the rumor all the more scandalous.”

Ever since Elizabeth first heard of Lord Darington, she knew he had a reputation. But she also didn’t entirely know in what capacity he’d earned that reputation, or why. After all, someone like Jillian had been rumored to run away from marriage due to a lack of commitment, when really her finicky approach toward potential grooms had more to do with her father insisting on who she marry.

Elizabeth’s hands were sweating in the muff and she pulled them out to let the cold air wash over her damp palms. “What is it you’ve done?”

Jasper snapped a look of shock at her. “I beg your pardon?”

This was not a polite conversation, she knew. However, her name was tied to this man until the engagement could be broken.

She cleared her throat. “If I’m to be the subject of gossip, I should like to be privy to the things you’ve done, to better arm myself against the rumors.”

This time when he looked at her, there was something appraising in his expression, as if in appreciation of the logic she presented.

He nodded. “Very well, though I caution this is not an appropriate conversation to be having with a lady.”

Elizabeth squared her shoulders, preparing herself for whatever depravity he might throw her way. “I might be clumsy, but I’m not fragile.”

He hesitated, and that is when Elizabeth’s imagination took flight. There had been bits and pieces of gossip she’d heard throughout the years of scandalous couplings by others. They all flooded back now. Affairs done out of doors where the couple could be seen, lacy attire that showed more than it hid, mouths going where they had no place being.

Despite everything in her upbringing reminding her that she ought to be repulsed by such things, a delicious heat hummed between her legs, creating an intriguing throb that made her want to rub her thighs together.

“You are warned that as a reader, I have an overactive imagination and your silence only feeds a vast array of possibilities…” She arched her eyebrow at him in a similar expression he so often gave her.

Jasper guided the carriage onto the path with the others, and joined the slow procession of nobility showcasing their grand carriages, prize horses, and elegant clothing. Those strolling by gazed up at the carriage, witnessing Jasper and Elizabeth making their very public appearance.

He looked at her and smiled at the quirk of her brow. “Very well, but I’ll not be accused of corrupting your innocence.” His voice was quiet as he spoke, keeping their conversation private.

“You needn’t worry about me, my lord.” Elizabeth smiled. “I am well aware of society’s gossip.”

Jasper shifted in the seat, no longer feeling the chill of the early March wind against his cheeks.

In truth, he was not concerned about shattering Elizabeth’s innocence by telling her of his past. As she stated, she was aware of the ton’s propensity toward salacious gossip, and surely that was more sordid than anything he’d done.

No, his hesitation came from a place of fear, that she might see for herself that he was a disappointment. But she was staring at him with expectation, silence filling the space between them as she waited for his reply.

He cleared his throat. “When I went on my grand tour, I had an exceptional number of lovers.”

She lifted her brows. “Is that all?”

He mirrored her shock. “You aren’t scandalized by my debauchery?”

“Don’t all men do that?”

“Not to the extent I did.”

“Were your lovers truly so great in number that you’re still referred to as a rake?”

He looked away, not wanting to see her reaction. “Enough to warrant the attention of others, and news of my exploits made its way back to England’s shores.”

“Were they…”

She hesitated, and he glanced at her in time to see her press her lips together. “Were the women innocents?”

He frowned, hating that she would even think such a thing of him.

“Never,” he replied firmly. “They were widows and women for whom marriage was not their intention. I would never…” he shook his head. “I’ve vowed to never touch an innocent woman.”