Page 42 of The Rake’s Convenient Bride

“We aren’t one for conventional or appropriate conversations,” Elizabeth rushed, worried he might stop speaking. “Please do go on.”

The corner of his lip quirked up and he gave a subtle nod. “I grabbed the whip from his hand and found he’d cut poor Devil right on the chest. I released the stable master, replacing him with someone else, who I knew to have a gentle hand. That slice of the whip left a scar on his chest, the only mar to his pristine coat. Even with the new stable master, I took the remainder of Devil’s training on myself. You’d never know he was such a beast to handle with how gentle he is with me now. He even runs to me from the field when he hears my voice.”

Elizabeth could imagine a massive horse trotting to the stable like a puppy and chuckled. “He sounds like the most delightful devil I’ve ever heard of.”

“More so than me?” Jasper lifted his brows suggestively.

Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laugh.

He opened his mouth to say something else when Lord and Lady Gentry approached. Lady Gentry’s dress was tufted in wispy feathers that fluttered about her person as she effused her felicitations at their engagement and touted her own efforts in helping to spread the word of their love.

Behind Lord and Lady Gentry, the wallflowers waiting in line with their parents to offer their heartfelt affection and well-wishes. But as Lady Gentry was speaking, it did not escape Elizabeth’s notice that Jasper’s grandmother stopped by the wallflowers, gathering them around her as they all spoke in low tones.

What were they on about?

Before Elizabeth could think on it, Lord and Lady Gentry took their leave and Jillian’s father, the Duke of Harting, strode forward to take their place with Jillian in tow.

“I should hope my own daughter will be lucky enough to find a beau with whom she is so compatible, sooner rather than later.” The duke’s words were meant more as a barb to his own daughter than a positive statement for Elizabeth and Jasper.

Jillian, who was entirely used to her father’s biting comments on her lack of matrimonial interest, hugged Elizabeth and then gazed between her and Jasper. “You truly are such a handsome couple. I imagine your children will be quite stunning.”

Elizabeth’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets.

What would possess Jillian to say such a thing when she knew the truth of their pretend engagement?

Mr. and Mrs. Honeyfield came next with Amy between them. Mrs. Honeyfield had the same golden hair and warm brown eyes as her daughter, her expression just as loving and kind, as she wished Elizabeth and Jasper happiness in their union.

“I cannot wait to see you married,” Amy added eagerly after her mother spoke. “Elizabeth will be an exquisite bride.”

Jasper smiled at Elizabeth, admiration shining in his eyes. “That she will.”

Truly, he was far too good at this acting business.

And what on earth had gotten into Amy to say such a thing?

Next came Lucy with her parents. The Beauchamps offered similar praise as the Honeyfields, only this time Elizabeth found herself tensing when it came time for Lucy to say something about the engagement.

“Do you have a date set yet?” Lucy asked. “I’ve heard it rumored you’re keen on a springtime wedding, which would mean we only have a month or so to plan.”

Elizabeth’s mouth fell open.

“I believe that is what my grandmother and Lady Langston are conspiring to achieve,” Jasper replied easily.

Elizabeth trained her features to keep from showing how appalled she was at her friends’ bizarre statements.

On and on the line of people went, ready to congratulate Elizabeth and Jasper on their engagement. Through every new felicitation, Jasper remained the consummate actor, playing the lovestruck earl who had been so taken by his esteem for her that he had not been able to help his spur-of-the-moment proposal.

It was a romantic tale to be sure. One Elizabeth would have swooned over to have read in a book.

One she might have even secretly wished for herself had she not been party to it now, and knowing it to be nothing more than a scheme.

When, finally, the crowd of well-wishers dwindled and the last few people offered their affection, Jasper turned to Elizabeth. “Would you like to take some air, my darling?”

The idea of going outside, away from the press of people, free from the prying gazes, made her want to sigh in relief. “I would absolutely love that.”

He offered her his arm. “I assumed as much.”

Perhaps that was what was hardest for her about the ruse. His attention to her was so exact, he knew what she needed, sometimes before even she did. Such a level of care was far too difficult to brush away as merely acting.