Page 43 of Waiting for Love

“Vanessa will not go. She isn’t…it is too painful for her. And for that reason, I think it is better that we not…that it not be something we all do that she will later regret missing.” Jasper coughed. Or perhaps choked. He clenched and unclenched his hands. His composure deserted him for a moment. Then he straightened his shoulders and continued. “I would appreciate it if Reginald, Olivia, and Mother would attend with me. I hope the rest of you understand…” He trailed off.

The room fell silent.

Until the duchess said, “That sounds eminently sensible.”

A jumble of agreement followed. Jasper looked relieved. No, more than relieved. He looked as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Oh, Jasper. On top of everything else, he hadn’t wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Conversation was subdued. Jasper asked Olivia where she had ridden and Alice what she was reading. Mama said she’d had a lovely visit with Miss Jamison and asked Benjamin what he and Hannah had done. Voices were low. It seemed no one listened very carefully to anyone else’s answers. The only question that mattered, no one asked. Was Vanessa all right?

Tea dragged on. Nevertheless, they drew strength from being together and no one wanted to be the one to break the gathering apart. Twice, Benjamin threw more wood onto the fire. The teapot went cold, but there were still sandwiches to finish.

Sleet pattered against the window and the sky darkened. Footmen came in to light the lamps. Jasper cast a slow look around the room, then got to his feet.

Mama said, “Stay, Jasper. I’ll go.”

He shook his head.

And then, there was a clattering sound from outside. Swaying lights appeared in the window, then disappeared.

“Is that a carriage?” Jasper asked. “Who the devil?”

Olivia looked to Benjamin who was looking quizzically at Reg.

Jasper went to the window and peered out, but by the way he bent and turned his head, it was apparent he could see nothing. So they all simply waited.

Several minutes later, Peters came into the room.

“My lord, Viscount Haslet is here. May I bring him up?”

“Haz? Is here?”

The strangest look passed over Jasper’s face. The best Olivia could make out, it was gratefulness.

“Yes, yes. Bring him up,” Jasper said. When Peters left, Jasper turned immediately to Reg. He didn’t say anything, but Reg gave a small nod and Jasper just sighed. It was wonderful.

Hazard walked into the room. With none of his usual insouciance. Olivia was so glad to see him she jumped to her feet and started toward him. But he strode straight to Jasper, ignoring everyone else, and clasped both of his arms.

“You are all right?”

“Yes.”

“And Vanessa is safe? Not in any danger?”

“No. I mean, no danger. She’ll recover, the doctor says.”

Hazard let go of Jasper and wiped a forearm across his brow. He must have been seven straight hours in a carriage and looked it. “Thank God.” He took a step back and started to turn. “Where is she? I take it she shares your bedchamber?”

“Yes, but…” Jasper caught his shoulder. “She doesn’t want visitors. She doesn’t…she isn’t speaking much.”

Hazard’s face crumpled. “Not speaking?”

Olivia’s throat felt tight. She could not picture Vanessa, strong Vanessa, lying in bed too sorrowful to even give voice to her hurt. Dear God. How were women supposed to bear this?

Jasper shook his head. “Haz, I—” His voice broke.

“You,” Hazard said sternly, poking a finger into Jasper’s chest. “Stay here.”

“Don’t—”