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“Thank you, Mr. Wickes.”

Once the door closed after him, she sighed heavily, walking to the window, which was open just a crack, to let in a soft spring breeze. The curtains stirred a little, as though by unseen fingers.

For the first time in days, she felt better. She had not stirred from the house until the funeral that morning. Nor had the Duke sent for her to come and meet him—no doubt, busy.

She loved the Duke. But she couldn’t be here when Leah learned that he no longer wanted the wedding to occur. There would have to be time before he could become engaged to her. They could meet again, in London, perhaps, or at Staunton, when her parents returned from Paris.

* * *

The family at Gillingham Hall was sitting down for their dinner. The formal dining room had stone walls and was a little drafty in the winter. It had always been where they ate—Jasper’s father had always insisted upon it. Their voices always echoed as they ate.

“I’m going to invite Lady Selina and Lady Leah for tea,” Mother announced.

Jasper looked at her in surprise. “What for?”

“I want to talk to Lady Selina,” she replied. “It would be rude not to invite your fiancée.”

“Quite right,” Reuben said, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. “Lady Selina is very beautiful.”

Jasper sighed.Not my brother, too. It seemed as though every eligible bachelor in the county was interested in Lady Selina. He couldn’t blame them—he, too, found her to be utterly faultless.

“What’s wrong with you?” Reuben asked. “You’re quite huffy.”

“Lord Sandbourne is enamored of her as well,” he said. “It seems like all of the eligible gentlemen in the county are.”

“Can you blame us?” Reuben asked. “I know that I have no chance with her, of course.”

“Oh, Reuben,” their mother said. “You have so much to offer any lady.”

“What? She’s going to come and live with me in my little lodge?” Reuben laughed. “Not when she could haveSandbourneand a clockwork swan.”

“Lady Selina isn’t that materialistic,” Jasper said. “She’s too good.”

Reuben was squinting at him, studying him very, very closely. Jasper’s mother and brother both had the tendency to read him like a book. It was maddening.

“What?” Jasper demanded, wishing that they both were less observational and more self-absorbed.

Reuben looked at their mother, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Is His Grace in love with Lady Selina?”

“In love?” Mother asked, her eyes wide.

“So, then you’re going to call it off with Lady Leah?” Reuben asked.

Jasper swallowed. He knew that his face was deep crimson and very hot. His brother was about to give him a good teasing over this.

“Have you any idea how jealous Lady Leah is of Lady Selina?” Reuben asked, shaking his head. “Oh, brother. I truly, truly from the bottom of my heart—feel very badly for you.”

“Is Lady Leah jealous of Lady Selina?” their mother asked.

“Yes. Historically speaking,” Reuben said.

“Why has she never told me?” Jasper asked. “And why did she tell you?”

“Because she wants to appear holy in thine eyes, Your Grace,” Reuben replied, shrugging. “I’m just the affable younger brother—I have no power. No one’s trying to impress me. The aristocracy tells me everything.”

Jasper found himself forced to acknowledge several truths. Reuben was more likable than Jasper himself was. Also, when Lady Leah found out that he was choosing Lady Selina over her—there was going to be an uproar.

“How did I not know?” he asked.

“Because everyone dissembles in front of you, Your Grace.”

“Oh, Jasper,” his mother said, shaking her head. She sighed mournfully. “Oh, Jasper.” She looked at him, disappointed.

“You’re the one inviting both of them to our house,” he said.

“It’s the polite thing to do, dear.”

Jasper took a long sip of his wine. He hadn’t known about Lady Leah’s longstanding jealousy of Lady Selina. It made sense, however. It made remarkable sense.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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