Jasper paced the grounds of the park opposite his home, hoping for a glimpse of Adelaide emerging next-door. After his altercation with Reuben, he desperately wanted to speak with her, if only to attempt to dissuade her from the match. He did not know how much she truly knew about the Duke of Bradford. Jasper had heard many unsavory things about the gentleman, lewd and chilling facts that he did not like one bit. If it was true that they were set to announce the engagement, then time was running out to change her mind.

In truth, he did not know the Duke on a personal level at all. Everything he knew of Reuben was hearsay. However, nose-to-nose, a memory had flickered into being. Stories being told of a dark and dangerous man with particular appetites. A man who took pleasure in hurting women. Jasper didn’t know how legitimate the rumors were, but he could not risk Adelaide being the one to find out.

Unless she is in love with him? he thought as he swiped his cane at a patch of skeletal shrubs. The autumn chill had already stolen the blooms away. No. Surely, she cannot be in love with such a man. I have barely seen her in his company.

Jasper tried to think back to any occasions he might have missed where they had been together. As a rule, he was not fond of society gatherings and loathed the Assembly Rooms. Dancing was not his forte, prompting him to avoid it where possible. However, he often attended, regardless. Usually, at the behest of Adelaide and her family. Racking his memories for any moment that Adelaide might have spent in Reuben’s company, he found himself coming up empty.

So, how can it be that they are to be wed? How has this come to pass? Has she allowed herself to be entrapped by such a man—is that how this has occurred? I thought her altogether more sensible than that. A tremor of guilt bristled through him. Or perhaps, she merely wishes to secure her future with a fortuitous match. She would not be the first young lady to do so. And, given the circumstances of the Colborne family, maybe her actions are more prudent than she may even know.

In all honesty, he was uncertain how much Adelaide was aware of, especially when it came to her father’s finances. Ephraim was a shrewd man in many ways, but investments were a dangerous game to play. Even the shrewdest, most careful of men could find themselves on the losing side. Indeed, several of the Earl’s speculations had gone awry in recent years. And now, he was paying the price.

Surely, Adelaide cannot know the truth? It seemed impossible to Jasper that her father would have said a word about it. He was a proud man. He would not want his family to worry.

Truly, Jasper wasn’t even sure he had all the details. No, perhaps it is simply fortunate timing. A well-made engagement that has come at the ideal moment. He just wished she might have chosen a different gentleman—one whose name did not strike discord into the heart of a great many people.

“We are delighted that you have decided on tomorrow to formally announce the engagement,” the Countess of Leeds’ sweet voice drifted across the street. Jasper’s head snapped up as he darted behind a trimmed conifer. The last thing he wanted to do was draw the attention of Reuben.

“It is my deepest pleasure, Lady Leeds,” Reuben purred in reply. He took her hand and kissed it gently. “It is an honor to be welcomed into your family, and I trust that we may enjoy a long and happy acquaintance.”

The Countess smiled from ear to ear. “Tell your mother that she must come for tea this week, so we may discuss wedding plans. There is no time to waste, Duke, as I am sure you will agree.”

“Indeed not. I shall have her write as soon as I return home.”

“Splendid.”

Placing his top hat on his head, Reuben dipped into a casual bow before swaggering down the steps to a waiting carriage. Jasper watched the scene intently, though Adelaide was nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, he skirted closer. It was unlike Adelaide to shy away from a farewell.

“You and I must arrange a meeting this week, also, to discuss the matter of my daughter’s dowry,” Ephraim urged in a low voice, as he approached the carriage window. Jasper could just make out the words.

“There is no need for haste, Leeds,” Reuben replied. “We shall speak of it whenever you are ready.”

Ephraim cleared his throat anxiously. “I shall send word after the announcement has been made tomorrow.”

“Very well. I look forward to it.”

“Yes… as do I.”

With that, Reuben instructed the driver to move off. Ephraim stepped back onto the pavement as the carriage rattled away. For a man who had just received good news, he did not look too pleased. A worried frown corrugated his forehead.

Jasper had a feeling he knew why, though he did not feel it was his place to interfere. Where Lord Leeds was concerned, Jasper did as he was told. A favor here and there for a family friend. No more, no less.

As soon as the carriage had disappeared around the corner, Jasper hurried across the road and leapt up the front steps to the Colborne residence. He caught Ephraim before the door closed.

“Jasper?” Ephraim looked even more puzzled. “Did we have a meeting arranged?”

“No, nothing of the sort, My Lord. I thought I might call upon Lady Adelaide if she is home?” He stumbled over his attempt at nonchalance. “Only, I had the good fortune to hear about her excellent news, and I wish to congratulate her. One friend to another.”

Ephraim’s features softened. “Oh… then you will find her in the gardens.”

“Thank you, My Lord.” He made to move past the Earl and head in the direction of the townhouse gardens, when the Earl reached out suddenly. He snatched for Jasper’s wrist, pulling him back.

“Speaking of our meetings, might you find yourself available tomorrow afternoon? Around three o’clock, if it is of no trouble to you? There are several things that I wish to discuss. Things that will likely require your discreet assistance.”

Jasper offered a comforting smile. “Of course, My Lord. I shall avail myself to you whenever you require. Three o’clock should be just fine.”

“Thank you, Jasper. You cannot understand how grateful I am for your continued assistance.”

“You are as family to me. You may always rely on my aid.”

“Thank you again…” Ephraim trailed off, a sad note to his voice. Jasper did not envy the position that the Earl of Leeds had found himself in, but he was determined to do all he could to help. After all, they had always been generous with his family. Be it money or material means, the Colbornes had always offered help when asked. He was simply returning the favor.

Wishing he had something more comforting to say, Jasper turned and headed for the gardens. His heart felt far heavier than it had a moment ago.

Letting himself out through the French doors at the back of the main drawing room, Jasper paused on the steps leading down to the immaculate lawn. The length and breadth of the grounds was identical to his own, neighboring home. However, the Colbornes had done far more with their gardens than the Fitzwilliams ever planned to. His mother thought it a waste of time, considering they only spent a few months of the year there. Still, he enjoyed the delicate blooms of winter flora that sprouted in the flower beds, and the hanging fronds of the willow tree at the farthest end.

It was here, beneath the shade of the willow, that he knew he’d find Lady Adelaide. It had always been her favorite spot. In her younger years, after particularly tempestuous arguments, she’d hide away beneath the fronds. He didn’t see the appeal, personally, but he knew he’d discover her there. Pulling his collar higher to keep out the frosty breeze, he made his way across the grass. The blades crunched beneath his boots, each one dusted with a thin layer of ice.

“I was wondering when you might appear,” Adelaide remarked tartly, as Jasper parted the curtain of foliage and stepped into the secret world within.

“Then you must know why I have come,” he replied. She sat on a wrought-iron bench by the gnarled tree trunk. It looked as though she’d been crying.

“To taunt me, perhaps?”

He shook his head. “I have come only in the pursuit of your happiness, Adelaide. You see, I cannot believe that a man like the Duke of Bradford is the sort you ought to be marrying.” He dispensed with formality, as they often did when alone.

“He is a Duke, is he not? He is of good standing and good name. He owns many excellent properties and he has a considerable annual income. Why should he not be as suitable as any other man, if not more so?”

“I believe you already know why,” Jasper said softly, sitting beside her. “He is a rogue. He can bring you nothing but fear and misery. I am certain that you know it to be true, deep in your heart.”

“I do not know what you mean,” she replied defiantly. “I find him intriguing. He does not scare me. What others might see as roguish behavior, I see as an exciting prospect. He is not like other gentlemen, as I am not like other ladies.”

“Adelaide, there is a stark difference between you two. You might be mischievous and peculiar, and often troublesome, but he is… well, he is cruel and lecherous.” Jasper sighed, not knowing how much he ought to say. “There are tales of him, my dear friend. I would not see you associated with such a man.”

“Tales?” A tremor shivered through Adelaide’s voice.

“Tales too dark and terrible for me to utter aloud.”

“Perhaps, his ways have changed.”

“Maybe, but his tastes will not.”

“You think he may be disloyal?” she scoffed. “Disloyalty is a small price to pay for security.”

Jasper sighed in exasperation. “I think it is unlikely he knows how to be anything other than disloyal. He is the sort of gentleman who lives life by the beat of his own drum. He will never be brought to heel, and he will never submit to true fidelity.”

She smiled unexpectedly. “You think I am unaware of this?”

“You are not?”

“I am no fool, Jasper, but I am a lady in this world,” she explained. “I wish to live within the means that I am accustomed to and secure a good life for myself and my family. Is that not a daughter’s duty?”

Jasper grimaced in exasperation. “I suppose it must be, dear Adelaide, but I hate to see you place so little regard on loyalty. Surely, there must be another gentleman. Any other gentleman might be better than the Duke. You often use your feminine wiles to taunt me—why not use those wiles to entice a kinder man? A sweeter one, who will not show you cruelty. Perhaps, you may even discover love if you thought to try a little harder.”

Adelaide snorted coldly. “Now who is the one seeking a fantasy?”

“Love is no fantasy, Adelaide.”

“You are a gentleman, Jasper. Your choices are less limited than my own. You may seek love, where I am duty bound to make an excellent match—with or without the luxury of true affection.”

“Then find a good match with a better man, as I have said.”

“It may have escaped your notice, Jasper, but I am often overlooked. Those peculiarities that you spoke of are the very attributes that see gentlemen turn away in derision. They are polite to my face, of course, but I know what they say when my back is turned.”

“That cannot be true.”

“Do not play coy with me, Jasper. You know it to be true. You have undoubtedly spoken such words yourself, once you thought my back was turned.” Adelaide sighed and turned her face away. “I have endured a lifetime of it.”

Jasper caught the faint glint of a tear as it rolled down her cheek. A twist of remorse turned in his stomach. “I did not mean to offend by calling you peculiar and troublesome. Is that not the nature of our friendship, to tease one another?”

“I know I am not a repulsive creature, but neither am I fending off compliments,” she went on, ignoring his attempt at an apology. “My beauty is complex. It lacks simplicity. The Duke of Bradford is the kind of gentleman who admires complexity, and so he admires me.”

“That is no reason to—”

“I told you I longed for the thrill of London society—I believe the Duke holds the key to that world. At his side, we shall both endure the whispers of those around us and feel their sting halved,” she interjected. “I believe we are both cut of the same cloth, he and I. And besides, the decision is made. You cannot change it.”

“Adelaide…” He did not know what else to say.

“Not unless you can provide an alternative? Do you have a charming Duke hidden away who might be suitable? A prince, perhaps?” A nervous laugh rippled from her throat. He could see she was fighting to regain her composure. Truthfully, he hated to see her like this. In all their years of friendship, he had seen her cry a handful of times. Each occurrence had rendered him helpless and bemused.

“I cannot.”

“Then, we have nothing more to say on the matter.” Her dark eyes turned to meet his, her expression solemn. “I know what kind of beast he is, Jasper. I have seen glimmers of what lurks beneath the suave exterior.”

“I do not understand.”

“I saw what he did to you,” she replied quietly. “I heard the warning he gave you, though I am pleased to see you did not heed it.”

“Then… why risk so much?”

“For the same reason that anyone risks anything, Jasper—because there is much to gain.”

Jasper felt his throat constrict. Her words twisted in a vise of guilt, with his thoughts turning to Adelaide’s father. Ephraim had risked so much and gained nothing. Success was never guaranteed. And yet, he could not use it as a cautionary tale. Not without giving away her father’s awful secret.

“And much to lose,” was all he said in reply.

“Perhaps, but I am learning of his whims and intrigues. Soon, I believe I may be in a position to rein in his more outlandish qualities. He finds me compelling, you see. Besides, my parents do not know of his less palatable history, and they seem to like him well enough. He is of good name and fortune, and he cares for me.” She flashed a shy smile. “And just remember, all beasts may be tamed.”

Oh Adelaide, I pray the attempt does not cost you dearly. He could not say the words out loud, but he felt them keenly for his friend. Reuben Fletcher was nothing but trouble. Adelaide appeared to think herself the lion-tamer, but she was walking straight into his slavering jaws.