Chapter Nineteen
With a full belly and a dumbfounded grin on his face, Matthew sat next to Jasmine in a swaying carriage, recalling the way her mouth moved when she whispered the words, ‘Te deseo.’ He wanted to hear those words in every language. And maybe one day...
Te amo.
But at this moment, Jasmine was completely silent.
Across from them, Cassandra carried the conversation. Rose sat next to her, bouncing with every bump. Cassandra chatted about what had changed in London since Jasmine had last been there, pointing out new storefronts. Jasmine nodded absently, staring out of the window with a pinch between her brows.
After he returned to the kitchen, she had been subdued, and he wondered if perhaps he had pushed too hard. He had almost lost control while kissing her, but it was so blasted difficult to stop once he got started. With the sounds she had made, and how ardently she returned his kiss, she wascertainlyinterested.
So why wasn’t she meeting his eyes?
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
She blinked, as if waking up. She gave him a comforting smile. “No, everything is perfect. I have a lot on my mind, that’s all.” She looked out the window once more. “I wish we had more time.”
“I wish so too,” Cassandra said. “We just got you back.”
Matthew felt slightly guilty for monopolizing Jasmine’s time when Cassandra had missed her so much too. But the family would have herplenty once they married. In the meantime, he allowed himself a modicum of selfishness.
He reached down and held Jasmine’s hand, appreciating the rise of pink on the back of her neck and the way her thumb brushed against his.
Cassandra politely ignored them.
After the carriage stopped outside the Sinclair Mansion, Matthew helped Jasmine and then Cassandra from the carriage. He held Rose at his hip as they ascended the steps.
Once inside, they found Aunt Valentine and Caroline alone in the sitting room. Aunt Valentine wore a congenial smile on her face, but tight irritation around the eyes. Caroline sat with shoulders slumped. A bouquet of orange blossoms lay limply on the table in front of them.
Matthew shared a glance with Cassandra, then shook his head.
“What was wrong with the ambassador?” he asked. “Didn’t like the way he chewed?”
“He didn’t think she was funny,”Aunt Valentine said tersely. “Which isnota good reason to reject a gentleman.”
“Yes it is,” Caroline argued. “I won’t spend a lifetime with someone who merely humors me. He doesn’t have to find me funny, but tolieabout it?” She groaned. “Politicians.”
“We’ll keep searching, dear. I’m sure we’ll find someone suitable soon.” Cassandra took Rose from Matthew, then set her down. The child immediately went to playing with the toys on the floor.
Cassandra asked Matthew, “Will you be home tonight, or are you sleeping at the factory?”
“That depends on my meeting with General Ortiz, in…” He checked his watch. “Ten minutes. Either way, I’ll send your husband home at a decent time—with no new bruises.”
Cassandra smiled. “See that you do.”
“Speaking of your meeting,” Aunt Valentine cut in. “Yourassociates and General Ortiz are already in my husband’s study. Perhaps you should join them?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be on my way.” He bowed to the room. “Enjoy your afternoon, ladies.”
As he turned to leave, Aunt Valentine called out. “Oh, but where are my manners? Jasmine, would you mind accompanying Lord Lincolnshire to the study?”
“I know the way—” Matthew’s voice trailed off at Aunt Valentine’s pointed look and Jasmine’s pout. “Though, I suppose a guide would be appreciated?”
Seeing how quickly things change around here.
“I’ll ensure you don’t get lost.” Jasmine linked her arm with his and led him from the room. “Follow me, my lord.”
Back in the hallway, his jaw dropped. Unsure what type of new reality he found himself in, he asked, “Is your mother already drunk?”