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“Jasper,” his mother called in a tone that suggested she had called his name several times already.

“Yes?”

“May I introduce you to my friend?”

“Of course. I did not wish to intrude on your reunion.” He crossed over to them and held out his hand to take the countess’s. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am…”

Just then, a lovely lady paused at the doorway of the parlor. “Please pardon my tardiness.”

She fiddled with the lace on her sleeve, which gave Jasper the opportunity to study her more closely. Her coloring—her eyes and hair and skin tone—all matched her mother. Imagine that. His mother had failed to mention that her friend the countess had a daughter. The lady also reminded him of someone else—the girl in the portrait all grown up.

Given her dress and the way she fussed with it, Jasper assumed her to be yet another one of those vapid ladies. Not one of them knew a thing about what truly mattered in the world.

Still, he bent at the waist toward her. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance…”

Her mother opened her mouth but eyed him and then his mother, a slight frown on her face.

Ah, yes. Her daughter’s entrance had interrupted his introduction to her.

He bowed twice more, once to each lady. “I am Jasper Warwick.”

“My son, the Earl of Pershore.” His mother slid beside him, beaming. Then she glided across the floor to the young lady. “And you must be Anna! All grown up and so lovely, too. Do not you agree, Jasper?”

“Very much so,” he murmured.

The introductions continued, and Jasper tried to be nice and charming and everything his mother could have hoped for. Alas, his heart was not in it. He had too much on his mind at the moment, and his heart, well, he would rather not think about ladies at the moment.

Mother is quite cruel to have thrust me into this position so soon.

But, like it or not, he would be here for some time yet. Luncheon had not even started. Jasper fought back a groan. At least Lady Anna did not seem too keen on getting to know him, his only consolation.

I would much rather be home right now. I do hope Mother has no other surprises waiting for me.

But, knowing his mother, that was not likely to be the case.

CHAPTER3

Throughout the meal,Anna found herself sneaking glances at the marchioness’s son, Lord Pershore. She had nearly tripped over her feet when she walked into the parlor to see a strapping young man there, gazing upon her portrait. He had shockingly black hair, his eyes gray and without much warmth. His words were polite but a little terse, and she could not help imagining him into a story. Not as a hero. More a villain. Yes. He had plans to spirit away the beautiful heroine, and the dashing duke… er… the dashing hero had to save her from his vile clutches. Now when would the villain kidnap her? From where?

She could make him a pirate. The last time she had visited the orphanage, she had regaled them with several already penned stories by other writers. A few of the tales had been ones she had conjured in her own mind. Anna had a feeling the boys might appreciate a tale told partially by sea. Yes. She could easily see Lord Pershore’s black hair fluttering about in a strong breeze as he stood on the deck of his ship. He would not be dressed as he was now. Oh, no. He would be wearing—

“Anna?”

Caught unawares, Anna glanced to her right at the marchioness and smiled broadly to try and hide her lack of focus. “Yes?”

“What do you think?”

Anna stared at her mother and sent her a silent plea.

“Anna is thinking about going,” her mother said smoothly.

Going where?

“The house party does seem like it will be a grand event,” the marchioness added.

Oh.

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