Page 184

Anna did not know what to think. For so long, she had wanted Benjamin to look at her as he was staring at her right now. She had wanted to hear what he was saying, had wanted him to kiss her.

But now that he was kissing her, she wanted to kiss someone else.

She put a hand to his chest and shifted back. “I am sorry, Benjamin, that things did not work out for you and Florentina—”

He captured her hand and held it there against him. “If you are willing—”

“I—”

His smile died. “It is Pershore, is not it.” His nostrils flared. “I see how he looks at you. Would you rather have him than me? I thought…”

“I am sorry. I… I do not know what to say.”

“Then this conversation is over.” Tight-lipped, Benjamin walked off.

Only then did Anna come back to reality and realized how many others were in the parlor, and she flushed. So many prying eyes, so many wagging tongues. Why, someone might send in a bit about her and the duke toThe Teatime Tattler!

And if one of the gossipers were to find Jasper…

Forget the mistletoe. Anna dashed forward when someone cleared his throat behind her.

She whirled around to see Jasper standing there. Her heart pounded so loudly she wondered if he could hear it. “Jasper,” she breathed.

He gave her a small smile that eased the tightness of her chest slightly. Then he looked up. “Oh, look.”

“Mistletoe.” She wanted to grin but could not.

“What’s wrong?” He lifted his hand to tilt her head up.

“Benjamin kissed me here,” she blurted. She winced. “I really do like to over-share with you.”

His lips quirked. “I do like that you are honest, even when you think I won’t like what you have to say. Now, was he a good kisser?”

“I must confess I have nothing to compare his kiss with.” She shrugged. “Perhaps you could remedy that?”

There might have been whispers around the room, but Anna did not care. She closed her eyes and accepted Jasper’s kiss. It was far too quick for her liking, but it sent a thrilling shock through her, from her lips down to her toes.

“Well?” Jasper asked.

Dazed, Anna stared up at him through half-lidded eyes. “I think you might be a hero after all.”

“So you prefer my kiss?”

“I would prefer for you to…” She clapped a hand to her mouth. How could she be so forward?

Jasper merely smiled at her, his eyes sparkling, and she had a feeling he knew exactly what she had nearly said.

* * *

The orphanage had been a grand time. Jasper had delighted in watching Anna tease and delight the children. They had rallied to Anna to hear her stories.

After visiting the orphanage, Jasper wanted to spend more time with her, only she went off with Lady Emily and the other ladies. Jasper set out to find himself something to drink. Along the way, he spied Barnet heading for the front door, a footman trailing behind him and carrying his luggage.

“Leaving?” Jasper asked. “Why not stay through the holiday?”

“I am not much for celebrating at the moment.” The normally smiling duke was positively frowning.

“What is going on?”