Page 43 of Love and Other Disasters

He inclined his head. “A fine idea. Mrs. Radcliffe is welcome to join us, but tell me truthfully, have you ever managed to change her mind once it’s fixed a certain way?”

“I’m sure you could be very persuasive if you wanted to be,” Ruby teased, fluttering her lashes at him.

Sophie discreetly poked her friend in the ribs, and Ruby pouted.

Lord Jasper only laughed though. “Ladies, there are servants waiting to show you to your guest room. Until the dinner hour.”

Ruby, Persephone, and Eleanor hurried away, giggling, and whispering and smirking over their shoulders as they glanced back at Sophie.

Sophie waited until they were gone before she met Lord Jasper’s gaze. “I hope you do not mind my friends arriving unannounced.”

“Not at all. A remarkably friendly trio, and Madam Clover is a delight. It is also nice to see you looking so happy. Actually, I was just seeking you out.”

“You were?”

“Indeed, I was, partner.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “You cannot leave me alone with those women. I know they are your good friends, but I honestly fear for my virtue around them,” he warned, and then a shy smile broke over his face. “I like them…but not the way they might hope for.”

An odd sort of relief flooded her to hear it. “They are good women.”

“Together, they’re more than I could ever endure,” he teased.

She laughed at his statement. “Perhaps just the one, then?”

“No. I shall leave that privilege to those who attend our orgy.” He grinned. “Madam has already decided in our favor, by the way. Seems she’s eager to do anything you suggest.”

“If only I had the same influence over young Thomas,” Sophie muttered darkly.

“If he gives you trouble, I’ll deal with him. We’re in this together now,” he promised.

Sophie worried her lip. “If I’m to join you all for dinner, who will look after the children tonight?”

“The matter has been taken entirely out of my hands and Seymour will not budge on his decision to watch over the children himself. I think he’s become smitten with Isabelle.”

“And what of her reluctant father?”

“If I am her father, it is a safe bet to say I might feel an even greater attachment to her one day soon.”

“Might Madam Clover be allowed to know of Isabelle’s existence?” she asked carefully. “I don’t keep secrets from her, and she has always sensed when I’m hiding something.”

He smiled. “Then tell her everything, including how you took charge of a delicate situation by flinging the child at me.”

“I did not fling her at you,” she chided.

“Indeed, you did,” he protested. He drew closer and lowered his voice to continue, “You’re very bossy, and I don’t seem to mind that about you anymore. Now, I need to know what you think—it has been an age, and I wonder if you’ve given any thought to being kissed again?”

Sophie’s heart pounded in her chest as she regarded him. “It’s only been a few days.”

He glanced at his pocket watch. “So many hours. I did not want to assume you liked it, but when I heard your friend mention you had needs not being met, I decided I’ve neglected discussing the matter long enough. I’m here and willing, madam.”

She looked away from him. Confused by her own excitement at the prospect of being sought after. The courtesans in Madam Clover’s employ were surely much more to his taste. But Jasper’s fingers curled under her chin and gently drew her back to face him.

“Sophie,” he murmured. “Yes or no.”

Oh, she might just murder her friends for putting ideas about her needs in her head, and in his, too. This was going to end badly. She knew it. He was a rake and surely had no designs on making an honest woman of anyone. But she could not deny she enjoyed the thrill of being pursued by him. Of being tempted by a worldly and handsome gentleman. He was not offering her forever, and she did not expect it either. And he was waiting for an answer so patiently.

“Yes, my lord. Please.”

His hands landed on her hips. Warm, firm, and her breath caught as she was overtaken by memories and sensations she’d thought never to feel again.