His mother rolled her eyes, not suffering his denial. “Do not pursue Lady Jacqueline at present. The entire ball would be agog if you do. She left you in quite a quandary upon the floor. And I have never seen you at such a loss.”
His mother’s lips twitched, completely bemused.
He folded his arms across his chest and arched a brow. “I was not left perplexed, as you state. She was simply in need of fresh air.”
“Yes, dear, of course.” She nodded, her dark coils dancing over her diamond necklace. “And left you in a trice. Whatever did you say?”
He frowned, considering further denial. Such a thing was pointless, and he respected her too much. “I made a miscalculation with Lady Jacqueline, and it shall not occur again.”
His mother’s gaze narrowed and she jabbed him with her fan. “You didn’t proposition her, did you? That’s not your line.”
“Mother,” he said, with perhaps a touch too much offense. “Of course I didn’t proposition her. What do you take me for?”
“One never knows. Your lineage is full of bounders,” she observed.
What could he say to that?
It was the truth. But he worked every damn day to ensure he did not become such a fellow.
Still, he could understand the fury and frustration that his mother still felt at his father.
It was difficult to realize that he might never escape his father’s ominous shadow.Difficultwas the wrong word. Horrifying was more apt. He hated the idea that one day he could potentially marry a young lady and then ruin her life.
No. He never would do such a thing. Not if it killed him. It did not matter how much he wanted someone, or how much he desired them, or how much his heart might long for it.
He would never ruin a young lady’s life because of passion.Love.The word was a synonym for disaster. He would avoid it at all costs. He had seen the way it had nearly destroyed his mother, the way it had driven out any softness about her and pushed her down a road that she never should have walked upon.
It had pushed his father into jealousy and cruelty.
No. Love was not for him.
She smiled at him, then gently touched his arm. “It is best you go now. You’ve already made one match already this season. Must you be so determined to make another one, for I can see that is really what this is about. Is it not? You’re going to help poor Lady Jacqueline find a husband.”
Poor Lady Jacqueline.
He was surprised his mother knew of Lady Jacqueline at all, and her words had not been uttered in cruelty but genuine sympathy.
He ground his teeth, irritated that she had so easily read his intent. “That is exactly what this is about.”
“Just be careful,” she warned. She leveled him with a serious stare. “Lest it be you, my dear. Pursue her outside at this particular moment, and a host of old ladies might descend upon you, hoping for a glimpse of something shocking to ensure that you,yes, you,my dear elusive bachelor, finally march down the aisle.”
It was tempting to bolt, but he was not a coward or a child. So, he stood whilst she had her say, heeding her warning, though he doubted he needed it. He was a man of reason. Even where Jack was concerned. Truly.
She tsked. “You know her brother would put a pistol to your back, march you down the aisle, and force the I dos out of you.”
“I would never put him in that position,” he scoffed.
“You’re certain?” she asked, her eyes wide.
A dry, amused laugh escaped his lips. “My friend? I could never.”
His mother smiled ruefully. “Of course you could, my dear. You’re human. Just like the rest of us. And Lady Jacqueline… She’s different.”
“It’s why she can’t find a blasted husband,” he agreed, “and why I’m going to help her.”
“I don’t think you should,” his mother said, tilting her head to the side, but clearly aware he might not listen to her.
“I’m surprised, Mother,” he said honestly. “You’ve always been rather supportive about my endeavors. Even complimentary.”