Page 72 of Love and Other Disasters

Glancing at her face, he saw tears standing in her eyes now. He looked away lest she become embarrassed and waited patiently while she composed herself. It occurred to him that Sophie was very much like Nash in that one small way. She hadn’t ever been at ease revealing her emotions or her desires to him. It would be his greatest delight to draw her out in the future.

Today, however, he just hoped to hear a response of any sort. He wasn’t a truly patient man when he saw something he wanted, and that was Sophie and only Sophie would do for him now. “Jasper, there’s something I have to tell you about my past first.”

“No, there is not,” he said quickly, wishing to spare her the painful confession.

She looked up at him, and her smile slowly slipped from her face. “You know. Nash told you.”

“You were ill,” he said, and pulled her a little tighter against him. “What did you name the babe?”

“My boy,” she whispered. “Alexander.”

“I like it,” he whispered. Jasper dropped a kiss to her brow. “I’d like to hear everything about him one day if you will tell me yourself.”

A sob tore from her throat, and he stopped to let her bury her face in his shoulder. Her tears were brief and then she made an effort to compose herself for the children’s sake. “I will. One day. I promise you.”

Jasper nodded and handed her his handkerchief. “In your own time, as always, my dear.”

Sophie sniffed. “Do you think the duke would mind very much if we returned to London as soon as Laura has settled into the palace? I should love to live there again. I miss the city.”

Jasper laughed and put his arm about her shoulders, holding her close. “So do I. Ravenswood cannot hold us here if we want to go.”

“Will you not miss them? Your family?” Sophie asked.

“My family is you. I never want to be without you,” he promised. “I will always have my brother’s.”

Sophie suddenly stretched up and pressed her lips to his. “That was the most perfect proposal I’ve ever heard of. I love you, Jasper.”

“And I love you more,” he countered.

He kissed her properly, little caring that the children were staring and starting to snicker into their hands now. He had no need to hide his feeling for Sophie anymore. Everyone was going to know that the governess had stolen his heart by the end of today. This was only the beginning of their new and scandalous life together he suspected. He’d found the perfect bride and she actually returned his feelings in equal measure. “Later, we’ll sneak away together and plan our great escape. I’m not going to wait until we’re married to be alone with you by the way. Nash can look after his own children for a change at night.”

“Or Laura will.” Sophie frowned. “Look. Is that her?”

“Yes.”

Sophie strode ahead of their little group without waiting as Laura emerged from the trees on foot now. Sophie went straight to her and dipped into a deep, respectful curtsy. “My lady, welcome home.”

“You must be the governess I’ve heard so much about,” Laura murmured, though she was scowling at him over Sophie’s head. But then her gaze dipped to take in her sons and he saw her eyes fill with tears.

“Yes, my lady,” Sophie said as she rose and stepped back. “It is an honor to finally meet you. Children, come and greet your mother.”

Jasper stopped at Sophie’s side. Thomas’ eyes had grown wide, but he kept a distance from Laura for the moment. Liam did not remember her at all and hugged Sophie about the legs, but peeking at Laura shyly.

Sophie patted the boy’s shoulder and winced. “He’s too young to remember your face, I’m afraid. But Isabelle surely is no stranger to you.”

Sophie took the child from his arms suddenly and thrust the girl at Laura.

Laura’s arms went about the little girl, and both mother and child uttered a sob of relief.

Jasper grinned. “Sophie did the same when she believed me the girl’s father by mistake. But that was not the sound I made.”

“I think it was more of a screech of ‘help’?” Sophie teased. Yet a single tear rolled down her cheek. He put his arms about her waist and held her close as mother, sons and daughter stared at each other. “I love families reunited,” she whispered to him.

“Wait until their father hears about this,” he warned.

“Never mind him now. This is all that matters to me.” Sophie wiped her face clear of tears and smiled at Laura again. “They are wonderful children, my lady. I am so proud to have had the privilege of looking after them while you were away. But they need more than I could ever give them. They need their mother again. You must come home, because I am leaving Ravenswood and I don’t want them to be lonely.”

Jasper was so proud of the way she spoke to Laura with such kindness and compassion and respect. Sophie had known loss and trouble in her life and could understand and sympathize with Laura’s situation in a way he could not.