Page 46 of Adeline

Jasper walked through yet another tall patch of grass. The dew and moisture from the early morning drizzle clung to his new Hessians and threatened to sully his freshly tailored trousers as he explored the far reaches of Regent’s Park for Adeline. He’d questioned his servants the previous night, and departed in the required time to arrive at the park with a bit of time to spare. Thankfully, he had because he’d been searching every grassy meadow and grove of trees in the blasted park for nearly a half hour.

Bloody hell.

His foot caught on a clump of roots, splattering dirt up his pant leg and knocking him off balance.

Jasper quickly gained his footing and stomped around another cluster of trees.

Why had he agreed to meet Adeline at all?

Though he’d made the decision and would uphold his promise, it hadn’t been necessary to request an appropriate shirt, trousers, and jacket for the outing—yet, request them he had. The tailor recommended by Lord Melton had been all too happy to assist his new client in preparing for his first ball in London—and rushing several other garments, as well. Jasper was little more than a debutante praying her new gowns arrived before her grand entrance into society.

Nodding to two gentlemen on horseback, Jasper spotted the trail the man had come from and a clearing beyond. Certainly, he was close to reaching the far end of the park by now—and the ache in his feet from his stiff boots would make the return trek unpleasant, to say the least.

He should have requested a horse for the trip instead of his coach.

Or, at least insist that his driver, George, accompany him into the park. Though he knew the risks of leaving his coach and horses unattended.

From Lord Melton’s attitude the previous day, Jasper could not believe the man would allow his sister time in the park unchaperoned. However, the viscount had sent her to the country without benefit of a well-maintained carriage. Adeline’s elder brother was not capable of anything in Jasper’s mind.

He felt his temperature rise at the thought of the man’s reckless disregard for Adeline’s safety. She was a proper lady, after all, and to send her to Kent without a second thought was irresponsible and highly careless.

Jasper would speak with the man about holding Adeline in higher esteem. Either that or find a proper mate for her and allow that man to care for her properly.

If Jasper were to wed a woman like Adeline—

He shook his head to dispel the preposterous thought.

He would never wed Adeline…or any woman like her.

If his short time in London had taught him anything, it was that Jasper did not belong in her world. She was used to catering servants, fancy clothes, days spent shopping, and nights spent at the opera or in a crowded ballroom.

Jasper was more attuned to days at the plant, laboring over business, and nights spent finding his bed shortly after sunset and falling into fitful bouts of sleep—alone.

She was the beauty in every room.

He was the darkness that clung to the shadows.

There was little more Jasper deserved than to be shut away at Faversham Abbey.

Female laughter floated on the breeze, reaching Jasper as he arrived at a large expanse of meadow. Across the rolling lawn, he spied four women, Adeline among them.

His initial response was to turn around and flee. Hurry back to his carriage as quickly as possible, and send his regards to Adeline about missing her at the park.

Unfortunately, his mind did not convey the urgency to his legs, and Adeline spotted him before he could leave. She waved and began in his direction, her bow slung over her shoulder. As she grew closer, he noted the back of her skirts had been pulled through her legs and tucked in to a makeshift belt at her waist, making it appear as if she wore wide-legged pants.

Behind her, three women paused and stared in his direction.

These must be the women she’d spoken of while at Faversham, her schoolmates from Canterbury. He did recognize the dark-haired woman from the previous day, Lady Melton.

“Lord Ailesbury,” Adeline called as she grew closer. “Welcome!”

“Miss Adeline,” he bowed as she stopped before him. “It is an honor to see you again.”

She linked her arm through his and pulled him toward her waiting friends. “Do relax, Jasper. No one can hear us. I am glad you came, and I apologize for my brother’s impolite behavior yesterday.”

“Well, I am certain he was worried about you.”

“As a man watches over his prized livestock,” she said with a laugh.