Page 9 of Love and Other Disasters

Jasper gasped softly. “Is that likely?”

“Who knows what Laura will do, but I hope we will see her again. Make certain she knows she is welcome,” Ravenswood insisted. “We cannot afford another scandal in the family this year.”

“It’s the same scandal as ever,” Jasper reminded the duke. Nash’s wife had abandoned the marriage years ago and gossip about her desertion refused to fade.

The duke pursed his lips, eyes glancing up at the facade of Ravenswood briefly. “I mean the fresh scandal that looms over us.”

Jasper frowned. “What scandal?”

“You saw it last night. I gather you’ve suspected for some time.”

“Saw what?”

The duke glanced at the carriage. “Nash is too interested in the governess for my liking. I would hate to dismiss Radcliffe, but I will if it becomes necessary.”

Then he was gone, stepping into the carriage and leaving Jasper reeling on the front steps of Ravenswood Palace.

Jasper had seen nothing of any impropriety between his brother and the governess last night. Just the usual Nash attempting to exert his authority on yet another matter. Last night, when Nash had almost refused to yield to Jasper’s claim on the governess as his partner in the game, he’d thought nothing much of it. But now, had last night revealed a hint of possessiveness on his brother’s part?

Nash had always partnered the duke. Jasper and Stratford played on the same side. It had been that way since they were boys. But Stratford had a wife now, and since he preferred Win’s company to Jasper’s lately, Jasper had assumed he’d take on the role of umpire more often. But with the governess there, unattached, he’d seen a way to be part of the game again.

He kept his eyes on the departing carriage. At dinners of late, the duke had stuck him with the governess’ company almost every time, and he’d thought that simply unfair. Had the duke done it on purpose? And what of Ravenswood’s decision to leave the children behind? Might that have been purely to keep Nash and the governess apart? To prevent a scandalous alliance forming at the worst possible time?

Now he truly grimaced. Sophie Radcliffe was an adequate governess for a pair of boys, but nothing else about her should have drawn Nash’s interest.

Jasper stood on the drive, watching the carriage make its slow disappearance. Was Ravenswood leaving behind the governess and hoping upon his return, any infatuation Nash may have would be entirely forgotten? Snuffed by a prolonged separation of some months. But the duke was also leaving behind the hope for the return of their first sister-in-law, too. It was more complications than Jasper had counted on for the summer months, but he would deal with one and all, he supposed.

Starting with the governess and any feelings she might have developed for Nash.

The isolation of Ravenswood this summer would show her how truly unnecessary her company really was. He slowly grinned as he imagined her boredom and potential frustration at being left behind.

Too bad. Now she would know how Jasper had always felt.

He started up the stairs. There was so much to do and little need for delicacy. Ravenswood was about to become a temporary gambling hell for a dozen or so rakes and scoundrels barred from the usual venues in London. He’d spent the night making plans and considering who to invite. It could only be friends with deep pockets, questionable reputations, and a growing appreciation for the finer things in life. Things their new money could not buy them unless they married into the ton. A gentleman needed impeccable connections or someone to vouch for them if they wanted to get ahead in society.

Jasper intended to do that for them next season. But in the meantime, he could give them a taste of what was missing from their lives—for a price. He was a duke’s younger brother and well versed in experiences and information they’d never dreamed existed.

His friends could expect high-stakes gambling and some losses at a house party Jasper hosted here at Ravenswood. And those losses would add up and refill Jasper’s empty pockets each day of the house party. The event would be by invitation only, for those who would pay a fee to walk these hallowed halls for a week or two and pretend they belonged here. They would become the envy of society. His monied friends were bound to accept such a unique invitation to join him for fun and scandalous games.

He strolled the entrance hall, skirting chattering servants lining up in wait for the carriages that would take them on their holidays. Those who were staying were helping round everyone up, so no stragglers were accidentally left behind.

The butler drew him aside, his face clouded with worry. “Lord Nash’s children did not go with him.”

Jasper had spoken to the butler about his intentions first thing that morning. He had agreed that the duke should not be bothered with the details. “Yes, I was just made aware of that. It doesn’t change my plans.”

“What about Mrs. Radcliffe?”

Yes, a governess who might fancy his older brother sweeping her off her feet and into his bed. He grimaced at that image. The governess was a thorny issue indeed. She would disapprove of the party he had planned, but she also needed to be diverted from any interest she might have in Nash. Jasper was just the man to make her see how ill-suited she was to remaining in their society. Nash, too, would need a similar diversion, but that was the duke’s problem to deal with while they were away. If Nash was lonely, the duke would steer some equally lonely widow or bored wife into his bed and absolve him of any guilt over it later. Anything to avoid a scandal involving a governess.

Until now, Jasper had actually believed his brother was incapable of infidelity. But with a governess always under his nose, encouraging him to visit the nursery at night, there was only so long Nash might resist his misplaced lust.

“I’ll deal with the governess later,” Jasper promised. Although the butler appeared worried, Jasper offered him a reassuring smile as Cook bustled up to them wearing a ridiculously ugly bonnet.

Jasper liked Mrs. Derry, and she liked him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”

Although he would miss her cooking, he’d rather not have her remain. “Derry, do you think the duke will offer this boon again? Once he marries, these decisions will be out of his hands, and who knows what the new duchess will do with you all.”

She frowned.