Page 46 of Dare it all for Love

Florence shrugged. “Then perhaps they’ll stop. Look, I’m not suggesting we snoop about people’s houses or listen at keyholes. I only mean to ask a few questions about stories that must be common knowledge in the area. I can be subtle.”

It was Grace’s turn to raise an eyebrow at that. Florence huffed, putting up her chin.

“I can!” she insisted. “Just you wait and see.”

“Henry!” Jasper greeted him with a warm grin and Henry experience a surge of relief. He felt as if he’d been wrung out and left to dry after his time with Pippin and Mrs Dharani. His utter disbelief in witchcraft had not been diminished, but some of the things they had said, things they had known about him, his family, and the house had unsettled him beyond bearing. “I see your time with Montagu, Pippin, and Mrs Dharani has left you a broken shell of a man. I’m hardly surprised. That combination is enough to destroy anyone’s composure.”

Jasper gave him a cheerful grin and steered him towards his study.

Henry allowed himself to be steered, giving a snort of laughter as he saw the full-sized stuffed grizzly bear was still in the same place it had always been. It wore a top hat at a rakish angle and a garish waistcoat Henry vaguely recognised.

“I can’t believe you still have that thing,” Henry said, shaking his head at the bear.

“What, George? Good Lord, yes. He’s part of the family, couldn’t part with him now.”

Henry laughed and flopped down in the chair the earl indicated, silently accepting the drink Jasper poured for him.

“So, did they come up with anything?”

Henry shrugged, taking a swallow of brandy, and enjoying the warmth that bloomed as it slid down his throat. “Apparently, some female is set on vengeance, but whether against me specifically, the Stanhope men or the family at large is yet unknown.”

Jasper pursed his lips. “Interesting.”

“How so?”

“Well, it appears your Miss Knight has come to a similar conclusion.”

“She’s not my Miss Knight,” Henry muttered, frowning into his drink, even though his guts strongly protested the lie. She was his, and he was going to do everything in his power to make it official.

“Oh, give over, Henry. Really, it’s as clear as the nose on your face that you’ve feelings for her and she’s hardly hidden her interest in you. Surely, you’ve arranged to speak to Gabriel by now, for if he finds out before you’ve….”

“I wrote to him this morning!” Henry interrupted, irritated at having his personal affairs discussed in this manner. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

Jasper’s expression shuttered and Henry cursed, realising he’d offended his oldest friend.

“I beg your pardon,” Jasper said, his tone cool.

“Hell!” Henry retorted. He downed the rest of the brandy in one large swallow and surged to his feet, intent on refilling the glass. “I’m sorry, Jasper. I just… I just hate being discussed.”

Jasper’s taut expression eased. “I’m your friend, Henry, or at least I thought I was. I’m not some malicious busybody picking over your affairs for fun.”

“I know!” Henry took a breath and let it out slowly, trying to moderate his seething emotions. “I know,” he said again, calmer now.

“Do you?”

Henry shrugged. “You do not know what it’s like, Jasper, to see details of your life in the scandal sheets, to know everyone is discussing you over breakfast.”

“Oh, ho, haven’t I indeed!” Jasper retorted, snorting with amusement.

Henry sighed, remembering how notorious Jasper had been as a young man. He’d been happily married and respectable for so long it was easy to forget his rather colourful past. The earl had been one of the handsomest men of the ton and women had—and still did—throw themselves at him wherever he went. Jasper had quickly gained a reputation as a rake and had often been in the scandal sheets for some dreadful behaviour or other. In reality, his reputation had been exaggerated out of all proportion, but it hadn’t stopped the gossips turning a little indiscretion into something dreadful and licentious.

“Perhaps, but the difference is, the stories never humiliated you and made you look a damned fool,” Henry said wearily. “I just want to keep my private life private, is that too much to ask?”

“Of course not, but surely your friends and family don’t count? We only want the best for you. You might remember I encouraged your suit with Miss Knight. I think she’s perfect for you, and you for her, come to that.”

“You truly don’t think me too old?” Henry asked, sceptical and too aware of the anxiety in his question.

Jasper shrugged. “All I know is I’ve seen some of the men sniffing about her and I’ve been glad I never had a daughter. I’d have been hard pressed not to start killing people, and I know Gabriel feels the same.”