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“Yes,” she said, leaning toward him to whisper. “Whenever there was mention of the crimes, he would get a bit…twitchy. Not a whole lot, mind you. But…just a little.” She showed him what she meant, twitching her hand, like the Duca’s would, when he got agitated.
“Ah,” he said, turning his gaze toward those gathered. “So, if I started a conversation with someone about the crimes…and then watched them closely…”
“Perhaps, they’d be…” she trailed off meaningfully.
“Twitchy,” he finished, nodding.
“Indeed.”
“Hmmm,” he mused. They were both silent for a moment, observing the crowd. “Has anyone asked you for the first dance?”
“No. Only the second,” she replied.
“My brother?”
“Yes,” she said, grateful that she had her fan because she blushed at the mere mention of him.
“He told me, about you,” he said.
“Did he?” She didn’t know how to feel about that. They hadn’t agreed to keep it a particular secret. While she had Faith to bare her soul to, she supposed Lord Munro was that person for Jasper.
“A tricky situation,” he mused.
“To put it delicately,” she replied, glancing sideways at him. He was smiling at her warmly.
“I’m all for it,” he told her in a low voice. “I want to see him happy. And he has been, of late. Happier than he had been. I didn’t realize why until he said.”
They both shared a warm gaze. He nodded, and she could tell that he was genuinely happy for his brother.
“I’m going to make a round,” he said, bowing to her. “May I collect you for the first dance, then, My Lady?”
“Of course,” she said, curtsying. She watched Lord Munro move off, through the crowd.
There were very few people, of all of Selina’s wide acquaintance, who were as content as Lord Munro. She realized that they’d soon be brother and sister, a thought, which she found pleasant. She smiled to herself. If tonight went as Jasper hoped, then soon all would be settled.
* * *
Once the inward flow of guests was done, Jasper entered the Great Hall. He made a slow, circuitous lap around, making his way through the crowd. He pretended that he was looking for someone. Meanwhile, he studied everyone.
They were all smiles, having a good time. Punch and wine were being served, and there was a late afternoon supper planned. His mother had taken care of all the preparations on her own—she’d spared no expense. It was as lavish as any other party that had been thrown at Gillingham Manor. No one would be any wiser.
He listened to conversations, then went out onto the terrace that overlooked the gardens, where he ran into his brother, who was just coming in from the path, carrying a glass of wine.
“Anything?” he asked in a low voice.
“Nothing,” Reuben confirmed, taking a sip of his drink.
Jasper was disappointed, but he knew that the culprits would likely be watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity. And when they did, he would be ready.
“They’re likely going to try something while they’re all on their way home,” Reuben pointed out. “I doubt they’d do anything while here. It’s crowded, after all.”
“You’re probably right,” he said.
Reuben patted him on the back. “Never fear. We’ll catch them out.”
He nodded. The band started the opening tune, signaling that the dancing was to begin.
Jasper sighed. It was time for him to go and find Lady Leah. He and Reuben turned toward the Great Hall, and the crowd inside of it. He spotted Lady Leah—she was headed right for him.
