Even overflowing with people on a sunny day, Hyde Park retained its natural beauty and charm. They walked under the branches of elms and oaks, where robins and blackbirds sang their songs. With each step, the crunch of gravel under their feet filled the awkward silence in their group. They kept to their side of the path to allow enough respectable space from others strolling along.
In front, Caroline and Mr. Langford walked side by side. Cassandra remained an appropriate distance behind them, as a proper chaperone—at least to one of her siblings. Arm-in-arm Jasmine and Matthew trailed behind Cassandra.
All the while, Jasmine’s heart hammered.
Matthew’s closeness had overpowered her senses. He smelled of gunpowder and ink. Every place his body touched hers tingled. His deep laugh rumbled against her as he spoke to Caroline, volleying insults back and forth over Cassandra’s head.
Mr. Langford kept eyeing their surroundings cautiously. It took some time before Jasmine realized why. As they walked, heads turned, and noses tipped upward. Her mother’s friends, people she met at balls, gentlemen who previously asked her to dance—nonemet her gaze. She looked at every face that passed by, even waving at a few, yet no one acknowledged her.
“It’s like we’re invisible,” Jasmine marveled.
“This is nothing,” Caroline assured her. “If anything, your presence does our family a great favor. They’re nice today.”
“Truly?”
Cassandra sighed. “It’s true. We are receiving better treatment with you here.”
“I’m surprised no one is rushing forward to save you from us,” Matthew grumbled under his breath. “Cowards.”
It was bizarre. Nobody was bothering her or stopping her for conversation.
“You know, I think I like this,” she said with a skip in her step. “I feel like I can do whatever I want.”
“Careful with that, it can get addicting.” A corner of Matthew’s lip lifted. “We might be on the bottom rung of the social ladder, but they can’t kick us off. None of them are brave enough for confrontation, but they do like to talk. Keep that in mind.”
“What do they say?” Jasmine asked.
Cassandra bristled. “Nonsense.”
“They call Matthew a demon,” Caroline replied casually. “That he kills people for sport and can destroy a lady’s virtue with a glance. He doesn’t have a soul. And on the full moon, he sacrifices goats to the devil.”
“Thank you, sister, for that beautiful summary,” Matthew drawled. “You forgot the part where I found you in a rubbish bin.”
Jasmine laughed. “Is any of it true?”
“I have never sacrificed a goat,” Matthew said flippantly. He raised his voice and spoke over Cassandra. “Mr.Langford, was it? Are you a second, or third son?”
“Third, my lord,” the man whispered.
Matthew whistled. “Third.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if he’s a third son or a tenth, only that his estate isfar away.”
“Oh, in that case, you may marry tomorrow.” Matthew waved his arm at the man crudely. “Come now, sister. Don’t pretend like you’reinterested in him. Everyone knows the only gentleman you want is—”
“Matthew!” Caroline’s face distorted, her skin crinkled at the top of her nose. “Stop.”
Matthew laughed.
Caroline blushed.
“Who?” Jasmine asked.
“The only man who doesn’t want her.”
“I’m smothering you in your sleep, Matthew!”
“Iamstill on this walk,” Mr. Langford pointed out.
