But there was good in him too.
He had failed to win Jasmine’s heart before, but this time would be different. No longer was he a green lad who didn’t know the first thing about seducing women. He had changed, and he could change further, for her. Be the man she deserved.
Jasmine had been ready to climb a tree and sing a song with him. She leanedinto him when she passed someone she knew. Her mouth had parted when he whispered in her ear, and her cheeks had flushed as he teased her, even that small amount. With a little more coaxing, he could have kissed her in the middle of the park. It didn’t matter what had happened in the past. She was attracted to him now.
That was at least a start.
He was through with playing around and wasting time.
Hewouldmarry her.
I’ll speak to her father tonight.
***
Jasmine’s foot tapped a steady rhythm on the hardwood floor of Cassandra’s sitting room, and she pulled at the tip of her glove, as Matthew had done before he walked away with another woman.
Cassandra entered the room and gave her a soft smile.
“I’m having the carriage brought around,” she said. “Are you sureyou don’t wish to stay?”
“I’ve stayed long enough.” Jasmine looked down at her hands and gave a self-deprecating laugh. “If I stay any longer, I’ll wear out my welcome.”
Cassandra sat next to her on the settee, reached for Jasmine’s hands.
“You are always welcome here. If I have to ban Matthew from my home because he’s being a lack-wit, I will.”
“He’s changed so much,” Jasmine whispered. Her words escaped her in a rush. “Everything is so different. I don’t belong here, Cassandra. You’ve all moved on, and here I am to ruin it all. I know where I stand with you and Caroline, but Matthew....” She dropped her gaze to her lap. “Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should have stayed away.”
Frowning, Cassandra raised her hand, then sharply flicked the center of Jasmine’s forehead.
“Ouch!” Jasmine rubbed her brow, wincing at the sting.
“That’s enough.” Voice serious, Cassandra said, “I don’t know where you learned self-loathing, but I won’t tolerate it. Youbelonghere, Jasmine. Do you hear me?”
Jasmine swallowed hard and nodded. Her voice caught in her throat, and tears gathered in her eyes. All she wanted to do was curl up in Cassandra’s lap and weep.
Cassandra sat cross-legged on the settee. “There are certain things you won’t wish to know, but we’ve always been honest with each other. I know it’s bothering you. Ask.”
The questions that had haunted her spilled out of her. “Who was that woman in the park? Who is she to Matthew?”
“Lady Ravenshaw.” Cassandra sighed and spoke the words Jasmine feared. “His previous paramour.”
Jasmine’s voice came out hollow. “Matthew kept a mistress?”
“Not in the way you’re thinking. It was more of an involvement?” Cassandra cringed.
Coldness seized Jasmine’s heart, and she forced out, “How long were they involved?”
“I don’t know when it started, but it was never consistent,” Cassandra admitted. “At one point, it looked like they might be serious, and then the next day it was over.”
Afraid of the answer, Jasmine whispered, “Is it still over?”
The clock ticked on the mantel as Jasmine waited for Cassandra’s quiet answer.
“I’m not sure.”
Then, she asked the only question that mattered. “Did he invite her over for breakfast?”