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Barnet appraised him. “Anna did not tell you? My engagement is off, and I thought that perhaps she would consider me… and she clearly prefers you instead. While there are other eligible women here, perhaps it would be best for me to stay away from the ladies. Perhaps I should refocus on who and what I truly want. Not jump from the boiling pot to the fire beneath it if you understand my meaning.”

Jasper clasped his shoulder. “I am certain you will find the right lady for you one day.”

The duke wrinkled his nose. “And you’re certain it is not Lady Anna?”

“Ah, no.”

“But she is for you?” the duke pressed. His lips curled into a slight smile.

“Well… you see…” Jasper rubbed the back of his neck.

“If you care for her, if you love her, let her know. Go to her. Be happy. And get out of my way. I mean to leave.”

“If you insist.”

Jasper watched as the duke bid a few others adieu before he attempted to seek out Anna. He did not find her, however. That evening, he went to bed distraught yet ever hopeful that the morrow would be a much brighter and happier occasion. After all, it would be Christmas Day.

CHAPTER16

25th December,1812

It was not until after the Christmas service that Anna realized the duke had left. All throughout the night, she had endeavored not to think about either the Duke of Barnet or the Earl of Pershore. Life was not always about love and romance and kisses, whether freely given or stolen. Not all were as fortunate as she was, and visiting the orphanage hammered that point home rather clearly.

The service left her in such bright spirits that. Although she hoped the duke would one day find happiness with the lady meant for him, she wanted to see no one other than Jasper.

Before dinner started, she returned to her room to freshen up, and the moment she left her room again, she spied Jasper. He met her gaze, a slight curl to his lips.

She blushed as he approached her.

“You look lovely. Happy Christmas.”

“Happy Christmas,” she murmured. “My mother and father arrived late last night and will be here for dinner. Did I see your mother at church?”

“You did. My parents are both here.” He held out his arm. “If you are ready, I’ll escort you to—”

She laid her hand on his arm. “A moment please.” Anna swallowed hard. “Perhaps today is not the day for this, but, Jasper, I really do wish to know what happened—”

He grimaced. “You are quite right. Not today.”

“One day, though?” she persisted.

Jasper said not a word.

Anna tried not to let her hopes be dashed, but she could not help it. She feared she did not mean as much to him as he did to her if he would not share what event had hurt him so in his past.

Oh, how I hope I am wrong about that!

* * *

27th December, 1812

The rest of Christmas Day was a lovely affair. At the start of the meal, Anna seemed a little subdued, but as the meal progressed, she smiled and laughed and was of great cheer. Jasper found himself watching her more than talking with her. She was so kind to everyone, always paying out compliments and obviously not seeking one back in return. Her kind spirit drew him to her even more than her beauty, and he knew then that he could share everything with her.

He had not the chance on Boxing Day, what with the visits to the orphanage. On the next day, he sought her out and found her in a surprisingly empty room. She was sitting on a rug curled up in front of a roaring fire. The glow of the flames gave her a halo. She looked so like an angel that he had to creep forward, lower the book from her hands, and kiss her.

Laughing softly, she pushed him away. “Do not you think that you might not do such things when others could see?”

“I think you make me forget to think.” He held her hands and sat beside her. “I did not want to spoil the holiday with such talk, but now… now I would like to tell you a story of my own if you are willing to hear it.”