Page 37 of To Follow her Heart

“Good boy. That’s all I ask,” she said with a smile, and Jasper smothered a sigh of despair.

By the time he’d returned to the castle, it seemed high time to gather everyone up for the return journey. Jasper looked around and wondered why his mother so enjoyed entertaining large groups of people.

Mr Burton had his head bent towards Miss Hunt, his expression intent and somewhat possessive and Miss Hunt’s smile seemed just a little strained. Miss Connolly had clearly done something she ought not, as Harriet had hauled her off to one side and appeared to be in the middle of a lecture. The young woman appeared to be bearing it stoically enough. Lady Frances and Mrs Drake were cross as crabs, no doubt something to do with the lecture, and Luke was giving everyone a wide berth and staying deep in conversation with the guide.

Then, there was his wretched brother.

“Oh, Lord,” Jasper muttered.

He’d noted Jerome and Bonnie Campbell together at Green Park. She was not at all Jerome’s type, as he went for the fragile, blonde beauties, and Jasper well knew the fool was only being his usual amiable self.

Jerome was far too familiar, however, and did not distinguish as carefully as he ought to between the less than respectable ladies he adored spending time with, and those gently bred virgins of the ton. Not that there was anything very gentle about Miss Campbell, but nonetheless she was a lady. The fool would find himself leg-shackled to someone entirely unsuitable if he wasn’t very careful.

Miss Campbell was exactly the excitable, hoydenish type of creature that would lead his brother gaily into ruin and scandal. He didn’t doubt they’d have a marvellous time on the way, but they’d no doubt expect Jasper to pick up the blasted pieces and bail them out.

He groaned as Miss Campbell gave a squeal and stole Jerome’s hat. His lackwit brother tore after her with a bark of laughter, chasing her in and out of the other guests.

“Devil take it,” Jasper said in an undertone, but his mother only laughed.

“They’re just having a bit of fun, Jasper,” she said, thoroughly enjoying their antics.

Jasper snagged his brother’s arm as he tore past in pursuit of his quarry. “Pack it in,” he growled, at which Jerome just stared at him, burst out laughing, and carried on his merry way.

Miss Hunt met his gaze, complete understanding in her expression. She gave a helpless shrug and smiled. Jasper smiled back, and then discovered Mr Burton watching him with a frown and looked hastily away.

***

Luke turned his head as Lord St Clair rode up.

“Have you enjoyed the day?” Jasper asked.

Luke had been lagging a long way behind the others, lost in thought and barely noticed St Clair turning his horse riding back to meet him until he was by his side.

“Certainly,” Luke replied with a smile, not about to voice the anxious thoughts clogging his poor demented brain. “The castle is wonderfully atmospheric and the company charming,” he said politely. “Though I ought not have eaten so much, but it was impossible not to. I think old Zeus here is sulking about the extra weight.”

He patted his mount’s neck and St Clair laughed.

“Lady Frances looks like she swallowed a wasp,” Jasper added companionably.

Luke started, a little surprised, but Jasper had taken him into his confidence about Miss Stanhope, and he could hardly pretend he didn’t understand the comment.

He grimaced, knowing he’d been a bloody fool to take such a risk. “She nearly caught Kitty and I alone together. If not for Miss Hunt and Miss Stanhope, we should have been in quite a pickle. Oh, and you were there too,” he added with a rush of guilt at involving the man. “Miss Hunt added your name, as it appears her own is—”

Jasper nodded his understanding and waved away Luke’s obvious concerns.

“Where was I?”

“Up in the south tower.”

“Well, that explains a great deal about the atmosphere I returned to,” Jasper replied with a chuckle.

“I don’t know what to do,” Luke said, the weight of responsibility weighing him down. It was all well and good for Kitty to say she’d face anything for him, but what if she became the centre of some terrible scandal because of him? Mr Derby would punish him for his disobedience and he’d use Kitty to do it.

“Tell me.”

Luke sighed with relief and did just that. He told Jasper of Mr Derby’s threats, the week he had given him, and about the scene with Lady Frances.

“They could ruin Kitty with such ease, and the wretched girl will help them do it, if today is anything to go on.” Not that he was in any way blameless. He needed to force her to behave, not run merrily behind her as she ruined herself. Yet the aching desire to be alone with her, to kiss her… well, it had addled his brain, clearly.