Page 23 of Holding Onto Love

He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, wrapped it across his hand, and then took Carleton by the arm, his nose wrinkling with distaste.

“I am afraid if I squeeze too hard, the gin will ooze from his pores,” he explained. “Carleton, if you recall, you promised to stand the next round.”

“Yes, I will, but—”

“I do not hear ‘buts.’” He tutted. “Lead the way.”

It seemed to her Hazard was pushing more than being led, but the two made their way back to the door without incident. Hazard beckoned to Stevenson to follow. He opened the door and ushered them through. Then said after them, “I will meet you downstairs.” He shut the door.

“Honestly, Jasper.” He crumpled the handkerchief and dropped it on the floor. “If I were your mother, I would have barred those two from the house from the moment they sprouted their first chin hairs.”

“They may well find themselves barred.” Jasper lowered his eyes. Then raised them. “Thank you.”

“That was my undeniable pleasure. However, this next is not.” Hazard crossed his arms over his chest. “I take it you are not acquainted with the Marquess of Hilyer.”

Vanessa felt as if the floor dropped away. She braced her feet and tried to keep a neutral look on her face, but she felt she might rather die than live through what would come next.

“I know the name only.” The name alone was enough to bring out Jasper’s scowl. “Why?”

“You are more fortunate than I. He was a friend of my father’s. Or so he claims. My father had many faults, but I would like to think that was not one of them. Still, on the basis of that claim, Hilyer often accosts me when he is in London.”

“You have my sympathy.” Jasper cocked his head. “I presume you did not come here merely to solicit it.”

“No. He is here tonight. He asked for an introduction. Well, for me to bring you to him to be introduced. He is enamored of his own consequence. I said no, of course.”

“Why on earth does he want to know me?”

Vanessa took quick shallow breaths.

Hazard shrugged. “I shudder to imagine. But that was not the end of it. He claimed a prior acquaintance with Miss Cul—” He caught himself. She could tell by the way his eye twitched that the slip had not been intentional. “With Mrs. Wardrip. He said she would introduce him if I would not, so it was no matter. To shorten this unpleasant account, he, too, is awaiting me downstairs, because I told him that, in that case, I would come to find you so we could meet him there. I expect he will shortly realize I lied.”

“Are you suggesting we leave?” Jasper gave a disbelieving huff of laughter.

“No. I am insisting that you leave.” He turned to her. “The highwayman is, in fact, Lord Thistlerood. And that pretty coachman is his sister in disguise.”

“Hazard!” Jasper complained. “You’ve spoiled the play!”

“Obviously, that was my intention, so you have no reason to stay. Hilyer gave me a preview of the conversation he wishes to have. As I have no desire to serve as your second—I’ve seen you shoot—I ask you to withdraw.”

Jasper turned from him to Vanessa, then back again. His face was tight, as if angry. But his anger did not appear directed at her, despite the revelation that Hilyer claimed to know her, or at Hazard, whose serious tone did not match his joking words. Jasper’s voice dropped to a frightening calm. “What did Hilyer say?”

“Nothing that is any of my business. And nothing I will repeat.” Hazard redirected his appeal. “Mrs. Wardrip, will you add your entreaties to mine?”

“My lord,” she said to Jasper, unable to control the quaver in her voice, “Viscount Haslet’s concerns may have some validity. The marquess is…an unpleasant man.” She was only stating what they already knew, but Jasper would want to know how she knew. How could this soldier’s widow possibly be acquainted with a marquess? She’d have no choice but to explain. But she could not let Hilyer confront Jasper. Not here, publicly. Not ever. “Please, my lord, we should go.”

Jasper’s expression darkened further. He didn’t speak, but he lifted her wrap from the back of her chair and draped it over her shoulders. He took her elbow, his grip unnecessarily strong, and guided her to the door. Then he gritted his teeth and turned back to his friend.

“I am again in your debt.”

“Oh, probably,” Hazard drawled. “But don’t thank me yet.”

Chapter Eight

Jasper was not a coward, but neither was he a fool. Any confrontation involving Vanessa would sink her.

He called for his carriage, and they waited in silence. Although her fingertips were light upon his arm, he felt her trembling. When his carriage drew up before them, one of the footmen opened the door and Jasper handed her up. Then he mounted the block and directed the driver.

“The Bleeker Street house. The long way. Through the park.”