Page 18 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

“Good morning, Bess.” He bent around the scandal sheet in her hands and kissed her soft cheek. “I trust you slept well.”

She hummed an agreeable sound.

“Have you read all the news this morning?” He took his seat across from her, grinning in anticipation.

“I have.”

Confusion pulled a frown to his face. Surely Lady Gentry’s ball would have made all the gossip, even before the engagement. Having it not mentioned would be downright impossible.

“Did you read anything of note?” he pressed.

“In fact, I have.” Bess lowered the newspaper to the table, her expression weary. “Your engagement.”

He beamed at her and held out his hands as if he might physically catch her approbation in his palms. “Are you not pleased?”

Bess folded her lips against themselves, then sighed again. “I am not.”

Jasper’s anticipation for her delight gave way to confusion. “Surely you think Lady Elizabeth is a fine enough match for your grandson,” he jested.

“I don’t know her,” Bess replied airily. “And from the conversation I had with her last evening, nor do you.” A bird fluttered to the window, something small and brown-feathered. A basic bird by Jasper’s standards, and yet it pulled Bess’s attention as if heaven sent to frolic about the windowpane simply for her viewing pleasure. She paused to write in her small journal, looking up to note the bird’s attributes before setting it aside.

“It’s a song thrush,” she explained with delight in her eyes. “They sing divinely.”

“I do know Lady Elizabeth,” Jasper protested, bringing Bess back round to the topic at hand.

And he did, in a way. He knew of Lady Elizabeth, how she had a kind smile for every person who approached her, how she was always surrounded by her friends, and the way her reticence fell away in their presence, how readily her cheeks colored with a pretty blush. He knew despite her perceived shyness, her questions were bold, and that he wished he could see himself the way she viewed him.

Bess huffed another sigh. “You could have at least danced with the girl first. I wanted to see you spinning about on the dance floor, besotted with a young woman. Oh, perhaps the waltz!” She looked up in elation at the thought. “Yes, definitely the waltz.”

“You wanted me engaged, and now you have that.”

“But I also wanted you to be happy.”

“I clearly recall the conversation, you wanted great-grandchildren.”

“This is not one of your contracts, Jasper.” She settled her hand on the table. “I am your grandmother, not a businessman. And, I must remind you…I am very much dying.”

“You are not.”

She coughed. A feeble, miserable sound.

Jasper sifted through the newssheet options in front of him.

“Is it so bad I want your happiness too?” Bess asked.

Jasper flipped through the stack one more time before settling on a newssheet detailing investment options for gentlemen. “I am happy.”

“Happiness for you is all I’ve ever wanted.” She tsked. “Yes, and great-grandchildren.”

“And freedom from the ton so you can retire to the estate in Lancaster,” Jasper added.

“Obviously.” She settled back into her chair. “Who can deal with these people for longer than a season?” She exhaled a chortle. “Jasper, I want to meet this Lady Elizabeth Ashbrook. I should like you to invite her to dinner later this week.”

Anxiety threaded through the cords of muscles along his back. “Of course.”

Bess narrowed her eyes, too shrewd for her own good—or Jasper’s in this particular case. “You think I won’t like her.”

“You will adore her,” Jasper replied with absolute certainty.