Page 49 of Love and Other Disasters

“From what?”

She pointed to the lighted grove some distance away. “From enjoying yourself with them.”

“Who says I’m not enjoying myself now?” he murmured.

She raised a brow at his remark but kept her eyes on the distant glow of light, where a dozen rakes were being entertained by equally enthusiastic women under the stars. Sophie wished she did not understand what drove her friends to seek pleasure with unsuitable men, besides the money, of course. Lord Jasper’s acquaintances were much like him. Seeking short-term passion with no thought for any consequences. “They mentioned a hope you might join the fun.”

“Which one?”

“All of them at one point or another,” she replied, although there was no telling if they might still have the energy for another man at this late hour. It was an orgy taking place over there, after all.

“Not to my taste,” Jasper announced.

“Oh,” she said, frowning. Lord Jasper had been so keen on the idea of an orgy, at least once he’d gotten over the shock of Sophie suggesting it. She’d expected, assumed, he would change his mind and become a participant during the night. “There were others left behind in London who might interest you more next time.”

“Not interested in those either,” he said.

Sophie turned to look at him, utterly confused. “But I thought a rake…”

In the dark, the white of his teeth appeared as he smiled at her. “I know what you thought, and you were wrong about me.”

“But you’ve gone to so much trouble to…”

“For the money,” he assured her. “Not in search of pleasure for myself, madam.”

“I see.”

“I’m not sure that you do.” He drew closer and his hand settled low on her back. “I’m glad I could surprise you. I wouldn’t want to be like all the other rakes you’ve known. You and I are not done. Not by a long way.”

Although that shouldn’t please her, Sophie had trouble keeping the smile off her face. “I’m…glad.”

“Only glad?” he teased. “I had hoped for more enthusiasm for my company than that by now. But then you really don’t know the first thing about me or what I want, either.”

But she was starting to get an idea of him now. Lord Jasper was not quite the heartless rake she’d first assumed he’d be. He was wicked and ambitious, yes, but there was a reason for that. He wanted to increase his fortune, and this was the only way he thought he was qualified. Hosting parties for a fee. Courting scandal.

Yet, he knew the land, the demands of the estate, she’d noticed. He wasn’t quite the useless younger brother everyone had made him out to be.

But he was impatient, hence his enthusiasm to make money through scandalous evenings such as this. She’d also detected his appreciation for the ladies from London, too. They were beautiful and graceful, skilled at bringing a man pleasure. Accomplished in ways Sophie would never have a chance to be. “What do you want in a woman, Jasper?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know yet. But for now, you’ll do.”

She sputtered at his offhand compliment. “Well, thank you so very much.”

“See, I knew that last bit would get a rise out of you.” He laughed and his arm curled around her back to pull her closer. Sophie was compelled to laugh along with him. She rather enjoyed their banter. He was more at ease around her now and much, much friendlier outside of the bedchamber, as well.

The man who had dismissed her at first as just another insignificant servant, then with growing suspicion and outright scorn, had been looking at her the last few days as if she was interesting to him. Such consideration had gone to her head. Making her wish things could stay this way between them forever.

But it was not a good idea to think too far ahead. Not for her. Not again. She wouldn’t mistake the excitement of a new lover with the beginnings of a true friendship or even something deeper. Lasting. She’d made that mistake before. And when Lord Nash returned? She’d have to become proper again to keep her position.

If she still wanted that now. She was worried enough about Madam Clover’s health to consider returning to London, too. But that would mean leaving the children, and Jasper. A man she might have grown too fond of already.

Sophie shifted her weight to one foot, subtly preparing to step away from him. She would not impose her impossible longing upon him, nor mistake his kind words for more than they really were. Sophie was not like the women she had brought to the estate for the pleasure of his friends, who could pass from man to man with ease.

Jasper released her and rubbed his hands together briskly. “Yes, indeed. The funds from tonight have more than exceeded my expectations for our partnership. I thought you were mad to suggest such a scandalous event. Your friends’ attendance, beauty, and warm welcome to my friends, has ensured a night those men will never forget. They’ll be clamoring for the next scandalous evening we arrange.”

Sophie wet her lips. “When might that be?”

“Madam Clover and I are yet to have that discussion on the subject, but she was clearly interested in a second event. It would have to be somewhere else, though. Somewhere I can guarantee His Grace could be far away from for the planning but close enough that you can be involved.”