Page 38 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

And it felt wonderful.

Freeing and effervescent. Intoxicating.

He winked. “Everyone is sure to believe us when you look at me like that.”

In that one sentence, the glow in her chest snuffed out, extinguished by the reality of their situation. He was an actor and every interaction they had was just another scene.

She would do well to remember, to keep from losing her heart. Playing at this game was dangerous, and she made a vow to avoid Jasper as much as possible, despite his determination otherwise.

Elizabeth managed to put off Jasper over the course of the next several days, citing a feigned illness that had Mama in a tizzy. Even still, he managed to make his presence known, his claim staked for all to see. Delicate pink roses followed the ball.

The following day, however, was her favorite. Rather than a bouquet of hothouse flowers, there had been a paper-wrapped parcel, revealing the full three-volume set of Sense and Sensibility, the novel first released several years prior by the same author who had written Pride and Prejudice, known only as ‘a lady.’ A note accompanied the very generous gift:

I have it on good authority reading helps improve one’s constitution. I pray your health improves soon. I miss you.

Jasper

He missed her? Did he truly, or had he written that for the sake of any prying eyes which might read the missive?

She could not deny her pulse had raced at that one small line that stuck with her through the day.

His gift had also brought with it a wave of guilt at having lied to him about being unwell. Not that it had saved her from his affection. This note, this gift—ideal for a book lover—was so deeply personal, it was nearly as intimate as the conversation they’d had with their waltz. Only this time instead of appealing to her body, he’d gone straight for her heart.

On the morning of their engagement party, three dozen crimson red roses were delivered, the fragrance scenting her room with their heady perfume.

Unavoidable—just like the man who sent them.

Grace and Kitty burst into Elizabeth’s room.

“We’re here to prepare you for your engagement party,” Grace announced, a grin on her face.

“No matter what you say,” Kitty added, her lips pursed in a mock show of determination.

“So, I can’t simply wear my favorite comfortable gown?” Elizabeth nodded toward the blue silk dress she genuinely had considered. It was a year out of fashion, yes, but it was the least restricting of all her gowns. And it did suit her coloring nicely.

But Kitty scowled. “Do tell me you’re bamming me.”

Grace slid her a sardonic look. “You know she is not.”

“But Mama had a new gown made just for tonight.” Kitty marched over to where the gown still lay in its box and pulled the ribbon off without ceremony. She lifted the top and sucked in a breath of sheer delight. “Oh, Elizabeth, it’s lovely. Truly.”

“What should I wear to my own engagement party, do you think?” Grace wondered aloud, then slid a conspiratorial look at her sisters.

“Do you mean…?” Elizabeth asked.

Grace beamed and nodded. “Harold knows we have to wait until after your engagement party before we can formally announce our betrothal, but he was too eager to put it off for a moment longer.”

What was left politely unsaid was how very long Grace had been forced to wait for her engagement because of Elizabeth’s inability to get married.

“Mama has already begun preparing my engagement party, which will likely be in one week.” Grace squealed and clapped her hands. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling with joy.

With love.

And even as Elizabeth’s heart soared for her sister, it sank for herself.

This was how a soon-to-be bride was supposed to act on the night of her engagement party. Not with dread to see her fiancé, as Elizabeth now felt.

But there was more to the sinking sensation in Elizabeth’s stomach. Once Grace’s official engagement had been secured with the public party, there was no longer a need for Elizabeth and Jasper to continue with the façade of their engagement.