He offered her a glass. “A toast?”
She glanced down at the glass, then stepped back, shaking her head.
“No, thank you,” she said primly. “I’m not thirsty.”
“Hm.” He pursed his lips and lowered the champagne. “I trust you are fully recovered from your sudden illness at the Jewel Ball?”
“I assure you, I’m fine.” She plastered on a smile. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m married to a man I love, and no longer need to suffer your acquaintance.”
“You always wound me. I’m glad to hear you’re well. You see…” He lowered his voice. “I saw youfall illnext to Duke Kendall.” A cold tension shivered down her spine when he whispered, “¿Se harecuperado del ataque?”
She stifled the tremor in her hands by clasping them together.
“I’ve recovered from myillnesswith no lasting effects.” She swallowed hard and fought the urge to slap him. “Why didn’t you do anything?”
“I did what I could.” He shifted his gaze to Lord Blackmoor then back to her. “Are there no legal consequences in England forillnesseslike yours?”
“No.” She inhaled deeply and straightened her spine. “Not when you fall ill at a duke’s ball.”
“Lady Lincolnshire, if there isanythingI can do—”
“You can’t. You’ll make it worse.” She shook her head. “Thank you for your concern. If you’ll excuse me, I need to find my husband. Have a safe voyage back to Spain, Don Lorenzo.”
“I believe I’ll extend my stay in London,” he said, bowing to her. “Tell your husband I wish to speak with him.”
“Tell him yourself,” she snapped.
She pivoted and took steady steps to the door, leaving him far behind. Calming her racing heart, she assured herself she was safe now, with a husband who would protect her in a crisis. A man who would take action instead of merely alerting the authorities.As she stepped outside, she inhaled the fragrance of fresh-cut grass and the spicy scent of cigar smoke. Matthew turned to her, and his smile widened. He put out his cigar on a silver ashtray and offered her his arm.
She leaned into his embrace and gently met his gaze.
“I missed you,” she whispered.
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I missedyou.”
Seth cleared his throat. She shifted her attention to him—and a furiously blushing Mr. Sanderson. Both gunsmiths bowed to her, butMr. Sanderson kept his eyes glued to the ground after he rose.
Seth came forward to wrap one arm around her shoulders. “Welcome to the family, Jasmine.” He shot Matthew a smirk. “Finally.”
As Matthew and Seth huddled over her, Mr. Sanderson kept his eyes averted.
“Are you well, Mr. Sanderson?” Jasmine asked. “You’re flushed.”
“Felicitations, Lady Lincolnshire. I’m… well—I’m f-fine.” He spoke to his shoes. “You make a lovely bride. Welcome to the family. I attend breakfast every Saturday, and would very much like to continue, if it pleases—my goodness—if it’sall rightwith you, my lady.”
“It’s your breakfast table as much as it is mine.” She laughed. “You needn’t be frightened of me, Mr. Sanderson. I won’t bite.”
“No, I know you won’t biteme.” He coughed. “But you know? I believe I hear someone calling my name. I should go.” Mr. Sanderson bowed once more and bolted into the house. Seth laughed, then followed him inside.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow at Matthew. “What was that about?”
Matthew’s blush matched Mr. Sanderson’s.
“Zeke was there that night,” he said slowly.
Jasmine frowned. “He was where, which night?”
“At the factory,” he trailed off, then his voice pitched. “In the room right next to mine.”
