Page 28 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

God, how he wanted to kiss her. To sample the lushness of her mouth, to bury himself in her beauty, her sweetness.

But she was not meant for him.

The engagement would soon be called off and her innocence would need to remain fully intact.

He would not put her at risk of true ruin.

Damn it, this was why he’d only dallied with widows in the past.

“And that’s how we ended up with such a monstrosity,” Bess’s voice sounded down the hall, followed by a laugh with a volume deliberately meant for him to hear.

Jasper leaned back from Elizabeth. The lightheaded passion she elicited in him did not abate, even when freed from the draw of her proximity.

Elizabeth scarcely spoke as Lady Langston thanked them profusely for their hospitality at dinner.

“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Lady Langston said as she pulled on her gloves.

“More wedding planning?” Jasper asked dryly.

Bess sniffed. “We need an engagement party first.”

Elizabeth’s face paled somewhat. “I beg your pardon?”

“Do you really think I’d allow my eldest daughter to be engaged and not throw a party to celebrate?” Lady Langston clasped her hands in front of her.

“And I only have this one grandchild.” Bess meant the reminder to be endearing, but it nudged against his heart like a burr.

After all, it was his fault he was her only grandchild.

Elizabeth gave Jasper a desperate look, but who was he to stop a proud mother and meddling grandmother?

With one last silent, helpless entreaty from Elizabeth, she and her mother swept out into the chilly February wind and to their waiting carriage.

No sooner had their front door closed, than Bess turned to Jasper. “Well,” she sighed.

Jasper waved his hand, expecting Bess’s critique of why he ought to have a proper go at a woman he’d known longer, and whatever else the impending miserable conversation entailed. “Let’s have it.”

“I dare say dinner was a success, though I don’t know that our laundress will agree.” Bess looked pointedly at his stained cravat, but even as she did so, a smile blossomed on her lips. “And I commend myself for having a discussion with your chef to do better or find himself a new employer.”

“The meal was surprisingly delicious,” he conceded.

“I could not stand by a moment longer while that man failed at his job.” Bess put her hands on her hips. “Mind you stay on him when I leave.”

“And what of Lady Elizabeth?” Jasper asked, unable to stop himself.

“Lady Elizabeth is a delight,” she effused, as delighted now as she had been irate only a moment before. “An absolute delight.” Her lashes lowered as she considered the gravy stain on Jasper’s cravat once more. “But you already know that.” A smile split Bess’s face. “I can see why you love her.”

Love.

Jasper almost blanched. Because love was what engaged couples should feel for one another, yet aside from Bess, there hadn’t been anyone in this world he loved. No one he intended to soften his heart enough to let in.

Bess narrowed her eyes, her expression going shrewd in that way it did when she saw more than he’d like her to. “Don’t ballock this up, Jasper.”

“Bess, I…” he hesitated.

“What is it, my boy?” She put her free hand on his forearm, concern in her dark gaze.

“She’s too good for me,” Jasper said simply.