Undone by His Kiss (7 page)

At last she found her voice.

“Mr. St. David—” Her tone completed the sentence.

“I’d prefer Jasper. We’re sharing this dance and let’s not forget our joined place of business.”

The mention of their offices returned the militant erectility to her posture.

“Mr. St. David…” She paused as if collecting her thoughts and rearranging her intended reply.

“I’m relieved to hear you remember my name. Your previous bout with forgetfulness had me wondering if you need come into the office tomorrow and invest in brain massage.”

The queer expression on her face was worth every ounce of his daring comment.

“Brain massage. Good heavens, what would that entail?”

“A curious, yet effective new treatment, I assure you.” They turned at the corner of the dance floor, the violin holding a final note, the waltz at its end. A pang of disappointment lanced his heart. He’d have liked to continue dancing and teasing prickly Miss Shaw.

Chapter 8

Emily resisted the urge to sputter a string of expletives. Mr. St. David, Jasper as he’d insisted, had thanked her, excused himself and strolled across the room to his friends. Typical and overbearing, the manner in which he manipulated her during the waltz. She could still feel the pressure of his hand against the small of her back, his warmth imprinted in the fabric. The shiver of delight he evoked when his fingertips traced the row of buttons had made breathing difficult. Still he’d insisted he desired a dance and nothing more. To examine each action seemed an exercise in futility.

Trapped within the dance frame, she’d had nowhere to look except at his face or else risk he’d believe he’d embarrassed her. She was no one’s coward. So she studied his every feature; the strong angle of his chin, his full lips hesitant to smile despite his clever banter, and green eyes that sparkled, not just from the chandeliers above but as if lit from within. Had he been laughing at her the whole time? Mocking her? She wouldn’t believe it, yet he certainly held the power to charm. No gentleman should be allowed such long dark lashes, most especially when hers were thin and spiky.

To make the situation worse, Jasper had smelled wonderful, a spicy mixture that lured her forward, the shadowy trace of whiskers along his jaw an invitation to nuzzle closer, nearer his mouth, a sensual temptation that suggested the most magnificent, curious things. What intimate expressions would he have whispered in her ear? Easily led to the bait, Emily wanted to know.

At the same time her fingers twitched to slap him despite her mind conjured naughty thoughts. Somehow he possessed the ability to evoke her smile when she did her best to present a haughty demeanor. What was it about him? She shook her head hoping to pry the answer loose.

“I saw you dancing with a handsome gentleman.” Portia squeezed Emily’s upper arm as if to produce an answer faster.

“Mr. St. David? Do you recall him from yesterday’s quarrel on the sidewalk outside the office? He’s renting the space below us, although I believe he thinks himself quite above.”

Portia’s gaze lingered on the trio of men across the room and Emily followed her lead. The gentlemen were currently engrossed in a lively conversation, but it was easy to notice St. David cared more about what happened on their side of the drawing room. His eyes flicked across often and then skittered away, as if he didn’t want to get caught. His not-so-subtle deception was rather endearing.

“His hair looks thick and velvety. I’d like to run my fingers through it just for the sake of the sensation.”

Emily glanced at Portia as if she’d grown a third arm, the fanciful comment so unlike her usual contemplative conversation.

Portia screwed her face into a scowl before defending her remark. “It reminds me of Fortescue.”

“Fortescue is your cat.” Emily’s disbelief transformed to friendly teasing.

“And the very best of friends. Someday Fortescue will travel the globe safely tucked in a basket at my hip. We shall explore all the world has to offer without the interference of a domineering husband.” Portia finished her little speech with a meaningful eyeball in Norris’ direction.

“I take it Lord Bandlewit has failed to impress.”

“I’m sure he amazes many, if you favor the ostensible sort.” Portia’s frown buoyed into a makeshift smile as her mother approached, Norris less than two steps behind. “But I’d rather follow a more innovatory path.”

Jasper cast a look of regret out the window as his carriage rolled down the cobbles. Randolph had cajoled Penwick into attending a late-night
soirée
in Mayfair and Jasper, not wishing to be the broken leg in the group, agreed to venture along although he’d have liked to spend more time with Miss Shaw.

Funny how he hadn’t learned her first name. He’d introduced himself twice. With ease, he recalled the feel of her lush, little body within the circle of his arms, their waltz not nearly long enough. Her delicate fragrance lingered in his memory. Still, he was not fooled. She was a sly opponent in this little game they played. One who’d erected high walls around her person for some unperceivable reason. Good thing he was adept at problem solving and inventive solutions.

By the time the carriage reached his apartments, only rat catchers held possession of the night. The entryway clock read half past three in the soft glow of the moon as he opened the door and climbed the stairs. In no need of a valet, he discarded his waistcoat, loosened his cravat, and lit a fire in the hearth. Walking to the closest window he stared out into the empty night and smiled. Miss Shaw. Her image had stayed with him through Penwick’s company and Randolph’s endless chatter. Tonight his friend had had tongue enough for two sets of teeth. Yet the vivid memory of the lady persisted despite the plethora of night entertainment. Curious female with a beauty beyond compare. He had no wish for romantic entanglements at this stage of life, the success of his business requiring his solitary focus, yet the woman intrigued him more than any newfangled machine or revolutionary sketch offered by the most ingenuous inventors.

He flicked his gaze to the stars before turning toward bed, wondering all the while who Miss Shaw was dreaming of this evening.

The earliest rays of morning slanted through the curtains Jasper had neglected to draw the night before, too preoccupied with curiosity and plans. Slitting his eyes, he realized it wasn’t the persistent sunlight suggesting he awaken, but the steady thud of the brass knocker downstairs. Damn, he wasn’t ready to rise. Whoever demanded he do so, best have a good reason.

Muttering curses, he dressed only in necessities and ventured downstairs, barefooted and ill tempered, stumbling as he reached the bottom step, still rubbing sleep from his eyes. At times like this he wished he’d indulged in a butler.

From there morning took a decided turn for the worse. He spied his brother’s luxurious landau through the window, the emblazoned coat of arms brilliant in the gleam of too-early sun. Jasper took a deep breath and opened the front door.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood, nodded and stepped over the threshold, brushing past Jasper and into the hall.

“Then why are you here so early?” He kept his back turned so Dash wouldn’t see his pained grimace.

“Traveling has affected my sleep patterns and besides, I couldn’t wait to speak to you. I heard an interesting tidbit upon my return last evening. I’ve come so you can deny it and set my temper at ease.”

“I wasn’t aware you’d returned from your wedding trip. How goes it in Athens? Venice? Where were you last?” Jasper led them up the stairs to his study. He was half-awake with his clothing disheveled. It seemed the best option.

“Changing the subject with some trifling discourse won’t work.” Dash discarded his gloves on a nearby sofa table and settled in a chair before the desk as if he intended to have a good long visit.

All thoughts of returning to bed while the sheets remained warm evaporated.

“I inquired because I’d forgotten. Nothing more.” Wishing for coffee, Jasper eyed the nearby brandy decanter anticipating what was to come. “You might have messaged me.” He struggled to keep all emotion from the complaint.
Instead of appearing on my doorstep ready to cut up my peace.

“Attempts to deter my purpose won’t be successful.” Dash barked a laugh of disbelief. “By the way, Wilhelmina sends her best.”

Jasper’s distemper eased. “Yes, your lovely wife. I look forward to seeing her again. London has missed her smile.”

“And flattering my bride will hardly get you out of the hole you’ve dug. Have you opened an office on Bond Street? Rumor has it you’ve entered into some cork-brained business arrangement with Beaufort.”

Dash’s question sounded suspiciously like an insulting accusation. There was a deafening moment of silence.

“Hardly.” Jasper managed the one word.

“I knew it couldn’t be true.” Satisfaction relaxed his brother’s posture.

“It’s not at all cork-brained.”

Dash whipped his head to attention. “What?” Disapproval replaced surprise. “You’ll have to close.”

Jasper nodded in the negative. “I’ve already secured a notable client.”

Dash’s expression of skepticism spoke volumes but Jasper wasn’t deterred. He’d lived with his brother’s scrutiny and overbearing criticism for two decades seven years, although he’d never developed immunity. “R. James Caulfied, Earl of Penwick, has invested a tidy sum in my foremost financial opportunity.” Thank the devil, he’d secured the account, otherwise he’d have no collateral to offset his brother’s pessimistic forecast of doom.

“Penwick.” Dash paused as if deliberating. “I don’t know him.”

“You don’t know everyone. You hardly know me—” The words came out in a mutter and again Jasper glanced to the brandy service, but it was just too early.

“Of course I know you.” Dash presented a practiced grin. “You’re the brother who landed us in near ruin last year. The same brother who gambled away the pittance we had, doubled the debt left by our father, and ignored my warning that we were fast on our way to financial devastation.”

The discourse, delivered with uncalled for acerbity and an ample serving of lofty indignation, prompted Jasper to stronger defense. “I take exception to that. Father had gambling fever. I do not. And you’ve omitted how I restored our solvency through creative scheming and keen investment sense. You laughed at the idea of a mousetrap. You said cats would have to become extinct.” Jasper thrust his arm in the air to underscore his argument. “And had you not become a
matchbreaker
at my insistence, you’d have never met Wilhelmina.”

The last bit brought a startling sobriety to the room. Jasper inwardly rejoiced. For once he’d have the final word although his brother’s dismissal of how integral his role had been in their recovery last year left him madder than a bag of cats. And who was whispering in Dash’s ear as soon as he stepped into London? Was he building a reputation or did society ridicule him behind closed doors?

A few minutes ticked by before his brother continued. “I’m the sixth Earl of Dashwood.”

“As I’m aware.”
Howsoever could I forget?

“My brother should not be in trade.” There was a threatening finality in Dash’s adamant tone.

“What am I to do with my time each day?” Jasper pushed off the bookcase where he’d leaned and paced to the window.

“You’ve never found trouble filling the hours before.”

“And you were forever urging me to better myself, accusing me of playing Conker’s and over-indulging.”

“Not in this manner.” Tolerance and long-strung patience were threaded through his reply. “You need to find purpose.”

Jasper huffed a short breath and returned to the desk. “I’m the brother to the sixth Earl of Dashwood. I have no purpose.”
At least that’s what you believe.

“That’s ridiculous. Now that we’ve recovered financial security you can pursue a great many opportunities, none of which involve you entering in trade. Having but one client aids your new-found purpose which is now to close your doors. Conclude business and inform this Penwick fellow it was all a big mistake. Then dissolve this fatuous endeavor with Beaufort before it sullies our name.” Dash stood up abruptly, as if leaving with this parting remark would ensure his warning abided.

“I thought Wilhelmina had cured you of pride.” Jasper refused to be ordered about and scolded like a child. He dismissed his brother’s words, unwilling to allow them to perforate his ambition. Or at least that’s what he told himself. “You’ll witness yet another success. Just wait and see.”

Dash eyed him, his expression one of grim reservation. “That’s why I’m alarmed.”

Chapter 9

“Mother?” Concerned she’d heard crying, Emily tapped lightly on her mother’s bedchamber door and eased into the room to find Bianca seated by the window, a handkerchief clenched in her fist. The familiar scene never failed to pain her. Would the day come when her mother stopped torturing herself? Blaming herself for a situation not in her control? Her father had taken so much already, why must he steal their future as well? Her mother was once a vivacious woman with the light of joy and confidence in her eyes. Now the ever-present shadow of tears replaced any glow of happiness.

“I miss him so much.” A desolate note of hopelessness accompanied the confession.

“I know.” Emily wrapped an arm around her mother’s shoulders in comfort. She settled on the banquette and considered which words to choose. Would her mother grow angry as she’d done in the past when Emily suggested they look toward the future? The truth wedged like a dry crust of bread in her throat. She couldn’t bring it up nor could she swallow and be done with it. Instead, the truth choked her, leaving her powerless to act while her mother mourned the loss of a man who wasn’t worth her tears. “Would you like some tea? I can ring for Mary.”

“Tea won’t fix my heartache. Nothing will.” She gave a strong nod with the refusal. “Your father was my world, my everything. Without him, I have so little. I don’t want to leave the house. I don’t want to be reminded of all the things we might have done together. Still I have hope. I keep hope close to my heart and I’m sure the letters…the letters will help.”