Not wasting a moment, he held it up and read it. His gut sank as he read the list again. For several seconds, he forgot how to breathe.
I’m not on it.
Had he fallen that far out of favor without even knowing it? And he had one nagging question.
What do the stars mean?
Chapter Nine
As Jasmine entered the drawing room, the group of ladies surrounding Mother raised their fans and used her arrival as an excuse to find their way to the dining room. Lady Stretton and her mother, Lady Penrose, were the only two brave enough to remain—though brave was a generous description of Lady Stretton, who looked ready to bolt from the room.
“Ah, there she is. Right on time for dinner,” Mother said. “Lady Stretton was just discussing how much she missed you.”
“What do you mean?” Jasmine asked innocently. “We met earlier today in Hyde Park.”
“I don’t recall,” Lady Stretton said through her teeth, forcing a smile.
“Truly? I called out to you, but you didn’t respond,” Jasmine said. “Perhaps you hadn’t heard me?”
“Hyde Park is always loud on a Saturday,” Lady Penrose replied diplomatically, then took Lady Stretton by the elbow. “We shall see our way to the dining room. Come darling, let us find our husbands.”
Once they walked away, Mother brought Jasmine to her side and hissed, “You’re late.”
“Whatever do you mean, Mother?” Jasmine smiled. “You just said I’m right on time.”
Mother examined her. “Where are your pearls?”
Jasmine flushed at the thought of Matthew’s hands on her. His calloused hands had caressed her neckexactlywhere he had kissed herbefore. She could feel the ghost of his breath across her skin, but it wasn’t enough.She had been tempted to turn around and kiss him. In that perfect moment, under flickering candlelight—in her own bed—she might have let him do anything.
She swallowed hard and banished the thought.
“The pearls were too tight. I couldn’t breathe.”
“I hope you’re finished with your tantrum,” Mother said. “Now, Don Lorenzo will accompany you to the dining room. Be nice, and give him a chance.”
Conde Lorenzo de Morales flashed her a bright smile as he approached. His black hair shimmered under the light. With a square jaw, sharp cheekbones, and eyelashes that put most women to shame, he sauntered to her as if he had already won her hand.
Admittedly, she had once considered giving it to him—until he opened his mouth. In Spain, Don Lorenzo had openly pursued her, thinking her empty-headed. Rejection only increased his interest. As a trophy hunter, he appreciated a challenge, and the allure of a diamond was too strong to resist.
He bowed to her and kissed her hand. In a crisp Castilian accent, he said, “Señorita, será un placer escoltarla al comedor.”
“The pleasure is all yours, I can assure you.” Jasmine curtsied. “And we speak English in London, Don Lorenzo.”
Mother shot her an annoyed glance that Jasmine promptly ignored.
Not wishing to cause a scene, Jasmine swallowed her pride and placed her hand on his elbow. His clove-scented cologne wafted from him, unpleasantly permeating the fabric of her clothing.
“Allow me to try again.” He carefully enunciated his words. “It is a pleasure to have you on my arm, Lady Jasmine.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Lucís más bella aquí, en Inglaterra.Beautiful gown.” His gaze trailed over her, inspecting more than her dress.
Jasmine scoffed. “My mother made me wear it.”
Above them, crystal chandeliers formed a halo of light illuminating a white table spanning the length of the dining room. Perfectly placed china plates lined the edges. Centerpieces of Spanish irises and English roses allowed for enough space for conversation between the guests.
Her father was at the front of the table with Earl Bolderwood, the Secretary at War, and Don Esteban Ortiz, a general in the Spanish Army. Both men sat upright, with firm shoulders and salt-and-pepper hair, but the lines around General Ortiz’s eyes were softer. All men were deep in conversation with Mr. Sanderson and Seth.
Matthew had yet to arrive.
Don Lorenzo pulled out Jasmine’s chair for her. After she sat down, he held on to the back and hovered over her.
