Page 40 of A Gifted Earl

“Are you well? That was not well done of Lord Jasper.”

She walked on beside him, and responded, in a whisper even softer than his had been.

“Nothing Lord Jasper does could be regarded as well done, unless you regard a talent for losing money when gambling as a skill.”

Morgan took a deeper breath, swallowing his shock at her words. He was beginning to think that Lord Jasper would be better off anywhere but here. Managing his behaviour for the next week might be more of a challenge than Morgan had expected.

They reached another group of people, and Morgan performed introductions to those Lady Hardenwell did not know, then left them there, and went to greet another new arrival. But all the while, his mind was on Lady Venetia, and that moment when she had seemed almost afraid.

*****

When she had seen Jasper, standing there, looking as arrogant as usual, Venetia had wanted nothing more than to run from the room and hide. This couldn’t be happening, just couldn’t! This house party was her chance, and now, with Jasper here, not only would she have to be careful to avoid being trapped by him at all times, but he would most likely poison the attitudes of all of the other men against her.

But, just as she had been about to pull her mother away, and escape the room, Lord Templewick had come to greet them, and she had been left with no choice but to stay, to smile, and to behave as if finding her cousin here was not disturbing. Her brave face had, of course, been pointless, for Jasper had immediately embarrassed her, and her mother, in front of everyone.

And then her mother had shocked Venetia completely her words had been barely polite, and very pointed, but far more proper than Lord Jasper’s, and everyone around them had seemed to be more sympathetic to them, than to Jasper. That might have made her feel a little better, had Jasper then not made that remark about liking some of his relatives more than others – all the while leering at her in a rather improper manner.

That remark had brought a sharp flood of memories to her mind, of Jasper trapping her, of his body against hers, and his expectation that she would simply accept his advances. Those memories came with fear – and overwhelming anger. She had thought that fear behind her when they had left London, but now, to find it here! She had felt herself shaking, and it was only the gentle touch of Lord Templewick’s hand which had drawn her back to full awareness of where she was.

She met his eyes, and what she saw there filled her with warmth, with hope – even with Jasper here, perhaps this house party might not be a complete disaster after all.

*****

The morning dawned cold and clear, with a light frost on the ground. Venetia sat at the window of her room, sipping the hot chocolate the kitchen had sent up, and staring out across the gardens to the fields beyond. The desire to ride across those fields was strong, and she wished that she had been able to bring her favourite horse with her.

It was a desire made stronger by the surprisingly good conversations of the previous evening. At dinner, she had been seated beside Lady Merringbar – she who had been Miss Amelia Hanson, when they had met in London only three months before. They had spoken more during that dinner than Venetia thought they had for the entire time she had been in London.

It turned out that Amelia, as she insisted Venetia address her, was also a keen and competent rider, and was most happy to have retired to their country estate with her new husband. It was good to know that there was someone at this house party with whom she had interests in common, although nothing could remove the shiver of fear that ran through her, whenever she thought about the fact that Jasper was here.

What would she do if he tried to trap her alone? She would fight him, of course, but he was stronger than she was, and, now that he knew from past experience that she would fight – and aim for his most vulnerable parts – he would no doubt be more clever about it. She would just have to make sure that she was never alone – there was nothing else she could think of, which might help.

Sighing, her pleasure in the morning spoilt by the thought of Jasper, she set the cup back on the tray, and stood, calling for Molly to help her dress. It was time to go down and break her fast, and discover what entertainments had been arranged for the day.

Breakfast, she discovered, when she went down with Lady Hardenwell beside her, was in a lovely light filled room with windows overlooking the gardens at the rear of the house. A sumptuous repast was laid out on a sideboard, and two footmen hovered, ready to assist. Soon, with a loaded plate, she settled at the table beside Amelia, who appeared to have an appetite to match her own.

“Good morning! Did you sleep well, Venetia?”

“I did – the bed was most comfortable.”

“Mine was too. I think I’m going to enjoy this party – it’s interesting that most of the people here are the wallflowers and the quieter girls, with none of the acknowledged beauties – it makes me feel so much more comfortable when I am not continually attempting to look as beautiful as they do.”

“It is interesting – but you have no need to try to look any way different from how you are – you are beautiful, Amelia, and obviously Lord Merringbar was clever enough to see that.”

Amelia blushed.

“Thank you for saying so.” Amelia paused, as if considering her next words carefully. “And… you are beautiful too, Venetia. The scar doesn’t change your face, and now that it’s fading, I hope that people will stop being so silly about it.”

Venetia felt a sudden urge to tears, which she sternly repressed.

“That’s very kind of you, Amelia. Dealing with people’s attitude to it has been very challenging, and I appreciate your courtesy.”

Amelia looked a little abashed.

“Thank you! I know that when I first met you, I wasn’t… very nice… - until I saw what sort of person you were, and stopped worrying about the scar. I’m sorry for that, if you can forgive me?”

“Of course I can – I would be honoured to have you as a friend, if you would permit it?”

“That would be wonderful! You should come to visit us, and we can ride about our estate together. It’s a pity that we don’t have our horses here – I wonder if Lord Templewick has some horses we could borrow?”