Page 34 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

That very morning had been yet another bouquet—white roses with stems and leaves of the darkest green.

Jillian’s newest unwanted suitor guided her toward Elizabeth, a pompous grin on his face as he glanced about, apparently eager for people to witness them together.

The man had no idea how little Jillian liked his person, not that finding out would deflate his engorged ego.

A glance at the clock indicated the time was very nearly eleven, when the doors to Almack’s would shut, barring any further attendees that evening.

Disappointment flickered in Elizabeth. She had hoped Jasper might make an appearance.

It was likely foolish to harbor such hopes, and yet her gaze wandered toward the door just as a pair of footmen approached to close it to late arrivals.

“I don’t require lemonade, but thank you,” Jillian’s voice pulled Elizabeth’s focus from the door and back to her friend.

Jillian’s dance partner hesitated at the rejection, his mouth opening as if he meant to make another offer, further postponing his departure.

“Good evening, my lord,” Lady Jillian said firmly. “Thank you for the dance.”

He nodded, his smile tight as he spun round and left Jillian in peace.

“That was like trying to scrape something sticky from the bottom of my shoe.” She puffed out a breath of air that sent the delicate curls on either side of her face floating upwards. “Come, let’s procure our own lemonade and hope he sees. It would do him good to know my disinclination had nothing to do with refreshment, and everything to do with him.”

“So much for your father letting you choose your own husband this year.” Elizabeth cast her friend a sympathetic look.

“He said I could choose, but apparently that didn’t mean he wouldn’t continue to send suitors my way.” Jillian’s gaze skimmed the crowd, as if anticipating the next assault of another dance request from yet another suitor. Her eyes caught on something and a smile teased at her lips. “Oh, Elizabeth…” There was a singsong note to her voice, a playful tease, and it pulled Elizabeth’s attention to the doors.

Jasper skirted inside just as the footmen put their hands on brass handles to seal them shut.

Elizabeth’s heart knocked against her ribs. Jasper had come after all.

Jasper was not often in attendance at Almack’s and only went when coerced by friends. But not tonight. Tonight he arrived with purpose, and it had everything to do with Elizabeth.

Ranford approached Jasper as he entered the stuffy establishment, much to the irritation of the footmen attempting to close the great doors.

Jasper gave them an easy smile even as he breathed a sigh of relief at having made it just minutes before eleven, when the doors would close.

“You just made it.” Ranford lifted his dark brows. “I’m surprised to see you here at all.”

Before Jasper could answer, his gaze was already searching the room, seeking Elizabeth.

And locating her immediately. As if he knew where to find her, drawn by intent alone.

Elizabeth chatted with Lady Jillian, each of them frosted in a pastel frock. Elizabeth was in blue, a delicate, pale color that made her skin look like cream in the candlelight.

“Ah, maybe I am not so surprised,” Ranford amended. “Felicitations on your engagement. Lady Elizabeth is one of the kindest women I know.” He took a breath, as though he meant to speak and then thought better of it.

Jasper regarded his friend with the lift of a brow. “What is it you mean to say?”

Ranford glanced at Elizabeth. “I hope your intentions with her are true, my friend. She is a good woman.”

Anger lashed through Jasper at the implication that he might harbor ill will toward Elizabeth. Why did everyone seem to think he intended her harm? “I don’t debauch women. You know that.”

“I also know how you have watched her in the last two years.” Ranford put his hands up, palms open in surrender. “If you say to trust you, I will. Now stop wasting your time with me and go see to your lady.”

Jasper did not need to be told twice. He made his way through the throngs of people to where Elizabeth stood with her friend. As he approached, Lady Jillian nudged Elizabeth with her elbow and Elizabeth turned to face him with her mouth parted in surprise.

“My lord, I did not expect to see you here tonight.”

“I could not stay away knowing you were in attendance.” He grinned at her, and a blush crept over her cheeks. “Would you care to dance?”