Jasmine swallowed hard.
Later.
She increased her stride until she caught up with Cassandra and Caroline. Mr. Langford had disappeared. Caroline pursed her lips and held her parasol as a weapon, pointed at Matthew.
“Lady Jasmine, move aside. I’m going to thrash my brother.”
“You should be throwing yourself at my feet in thanks,” Matthew replied. “I’ve saved you weeks of courtship, all to arrive at the same conclusion.”
“At least I’m trying to find a match,” Caroline snapped. “It would be easier if you didn’t scare offeveryone!”
“I think Matthew is right,” Jasmine told Caroline. “Mr. Langford wasn’t right for you.”
Mouth agape, Caroline accused, “You’re only saying that because you’re a professional spinster!”
“Not for long,” Jasmine grumbled.
Cassandra took Jasmine’s arm and gave her a comforting pat on her hand. They resumed walking, with Matthew two steps behind them.
“You won’t be forced into marriage,” Cassandra said. “We’ll get around this. I’ll speak to your mother, maybe I can sway her mind.”
“Or…” Matthew offered, “Have you stopped to consider that maybe your mother is right?”
“Not for a minute.” Jasmine huffed. “But now I’m considering allowing Caroline to thrash you.”
“You’re looking at marriage as if it’s a bad thing,” Matthew said. “It has several benefits.”
Incredulous, Jasmine asked, “Which are?”
“Women are offered children, protection, stability, and freedom of movement!” Matthew counted on his fingers. “Take Cassandra for example. In a strange turn of events, she’s the one chaperoningme.”
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’ve always been good withchildren.”
“None of that is promised,” Jasmine said, circling back to Matthew’s comment.
“It is with the right man,” Matthew challenged. “Myfuture wife will be free to do as she wishes.”
“Your future wife…” Jasmine discreetly studied Matthew. He looked at her, and the sunlight graced his face in a way that he seemed to shine. If she had done the rational thing, she would have married him years ago, and this would be routine. Spending Saturdays on her husband’s arm, enjoying the family’s company. This would have been her life.
And it could stillbemy life.
If she told her father Matthew had compromised her, she could force their hands. Matthew would be honor-bound to marry her. The thought simmered in her heart. But she wanted him, and if he wantedher—even physically—then why was she holding back?
“What are you looking for in a wife?” Jasmine asked casually.
“I don’t have high standards,” Matthew replied. “At this point I’llsettle for someone willing to be seen with me in daylight. I’d prefer someone intelligent. Someone I could have a philosophical debate with, if I choose. Kind. A woman who would be a good mother.”
“How many children?”
“At least one. Hopefully a boy, to pass the title to—now that it’s worth a damn. Though, I do enjoy having a full house.” He grinned and whispered low, “I might have a difficult time keeping my hands off an attractive wife, so she would have to set the limit.”
“So she needs to beattractive?”Jasmine raised a brow.
“It’s not necessary, but it certainly is—”
Matthew stopped on the path.
And in a blink, the teasing, boyish Matthew was gone. As he stared ahead, his expression hardened into the persona he often wore around her father.