They both spoke in low voices. Meanwhile, Jasper read and cherished every word of Selina’s, written in her flowing, slanted hand.
Dearest,
I’m sending my brother, who promises me that he can sneak out far more easily than I can, and that he will not be stopped on the road. According to him, he’s completely invincible. If you’re reading this, then perhaps he is.
I need to see you. The past twelve hours have been a trial. I tried to apologize to Lady Leah, and was promptly and violently rejected, which, I admit, is a little deserved.
I miss you, and just seeing your face will immediately make everything better.
Although I would have rather it gone another way, all current suffering is being borne as best as I can. If all of this leads me back to you, then it will all be worth it.
I love you.
Yours,
Selina
He stared at it, reading it through several times. He didn’t deserve her. But he would have her—and do his best to deserve her. He looked up, to where Stephen and Lord Windermere were waiting, sitting quietly.
“How did you get out of Kirby Hall?” Jasper asked him.
“I took the servant’s hallway out,” Lord Windermere replied simply. “Few people watch it. It’s a dark, gloomy thing, but it lets out right by the stables.”
“Can you get Selina out that way?”
“I could, and we could have Faith cover for her,” he stated. “After all, Selina has been confined to her rooms until further notice.”
“We’ll meet you both out by the World Tree,” Jasper said. “She knows where that is.” He looked at Stephen. “We’ll all be armed, and then if you and I bring Reuben, as well, that will make four gentlemen.”
“Very good.” Stephen nodded his agreement.
Jasper stood, holding out his hand to Lord Windermere. They clasped hands. “I can’t thank you enough,” he said.
“Don’t thank me,” Lord Windermere said. “I come on my sister’s behalf. I have one thing to ask of you before I help you.”
“What’s that?”
“End things with Lady Leah,” Lord Windermere replied. “Then I will bring my sister to you, freely.”
“I’ll go tomorrow morning,” Jasper promised. “First thing.”
“Very good,” Lord Windermere said, bowing to him. “We’ll wait for your word.”
* * *
Leah lay in bed, wide awake. In the darkness, she could hear no one moving about. She got up, moving as silently as she dared. She crept down the hall, with no light to guide her.
She opened the door to the servants’ passage. It was cool and dark. She could smell wet stone. Her shoes crunched in the dust. She let out a held breath, then made her way, slowly.
When she exited, she found herself at the back of the house. She pulled up her hood, covering her head as she walked in the direction of the gardens. In the dark, she could just make out the path.
Her heart was pounding in her chest. She had never been in a situation where she was nervous like this. She’d never taken such a risk like this before. The reward, however, was tantalizing.
She walked all the way to the very edge of the garden, where she sat down on the small white wrought-iron bench. In the night, it was damp with dew, which soaked through her skirts.
Leah looked around. She saw no one in the gloom. She sat, waiting, for how long, she didn’t know. There was a step in the grass. Leah stiffened. He must have been hiding, watching her to make sure that she’d come alone.
“Do not turn,” a masculine voice said, from behind her.