Page 56 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

Lady Hasselton did not appear to be put off by the exclusion of information, likely because her busybody pestering was often ignored.

“That last sister of yours will be married by the end of the season,” Lady Hasselton declared. “That’s how it is with sisters when more than one marries in a season. The other always follows. You mark my words. Especially as she is the prettiest of you three.”

She beamed as if she’d just bestowed the kindest of compliments, then swept away to join several friends, nearly hitting Lucy in the face with the feather. Lucy scowled unabashedly at the woman’s retreating back.

“That was interesting,” Jillian mused. “There was no mention of your fiancé.”

Amy blinked and looked to Elizabeth “Why didn’t you⁠—?”

Elizabeth shook her head, eyes welling with unexpected tears. She didn’t want to be here anymore, surrounded by people who were asking where Jasper was, knowing she ought to tell them she was unhappy with him, and being entirely aware that she could not.

“Hannah offered me the use of Spinster’s Sanctuary,” she said instead. “I think I am inclined to accept the opportunity. I need to think, to clear my head. Of him.” Her voice caught and she indicated the room of people with couples dancing and flirting and staring into each other’s eyes. “Of all this.”

“When will you go?” Lucy asked, not seeming at all surprised by Elizabeth’s announcement. Likely Hannah had told the others of her idea before making the offer to Elizabeth.

Now, Elizabeth thought mournfully. But sadly, now was not an option.

“I shall leave in the morning,” she replied instead. “Once I’ve had my bags packed and can speak with Mama about taking one of the maids with me.”

Amy smiled softly and rested a hand on Elizabeth’s forearm. “I hope some time away helps.”

Elizabeth nodded in appreciative agreement, hoping herself that the escape from London truly did help to free her heart from Jasper’s grip.

Jasper took his time reading during breakfast that morning. Elizabeth’s ribbon remained curled around his hand as Hughes set about preparing him for the day, uncharacteristically quiet as if understanding Jasper’s dark mood.

Once impeccably dressed and prepared for the day, Jasper did not leave the ribbon behind as he normally did, but left it curled in his pocket. A foolish attachment to remind him of the woman who had declined his offer of marriage. He reached for the door handle of his bedchamber and his hand shook, a sign of nerves he could not steady.

The scandal pages would be filled with Elizabeth’s self-imposed gossip, spreading word of their ill-suited match.

Part of him was dreading reading those words, to know that whatever had begun to blossom between them was irreparably withering. And yet another part of him—a harder, calloused part—wanted to know the task was complete and be done with the whole business so he could bloody well move on with his life.

Business of the estates would always occupy his time, and he’d put far too much aside in his pursuit of Elizabeth. The time had returned to focus on the Fitzroy estates.

Bess was casually reading the gossip pages when he entered room. He had expected theatrics, tears. At the very least some soul-suffering sighs.

She elicited none.

“Anything of note in the paper?” He hedged.

She lowered the large page. “By paper, I assume you mean my scandal sheets?”

A footman settled a plate of toast points in front of him and Jasper gave a noncommittal hum in reply to Bess’s question. As if his heart was not tethered to the words printed in that blasted newssheet. As if his anxiety was not rendering his nerves raw and ragged.

“There was news about Elizabeth’s sister’s engagement.” Bess put a hand to her chest, her blue eyes sparkling. “Such a lovely couple. There were so many remarks about how happy they looked.”

Jasper tensed, waiting for her to continue.

When she did not, he frowned. “Was nothing else mentioned?”

“Well, it was noted that you were not present.” Bess tossed him a smirk. “You ought to have listened to me when I told you repeatedly you should be in attendance.”

Good God, was Bess toying with him?

His jaw clenched. “And nothing else?”

Bess tilted her head in consideration. “There was rather a nice compliment on the floral arrangements.” She lifted her brow. “Was there supposed to be more?” She sat up a little straighter. “There was a reason you didn’t go last night, wasn’t there? Jasper, what have you done?”

“We didn’t think my attendance would be prudent when we knew we were intending to break the engagement.”