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Chapter Nine

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Luncheon was an intimate affair, consisting of immediate family only. The Worthington clan joined Evelyn and Reese in a visit to Charlie and Jasper’s estate. When Gemma sat at the table, she informed them that Ralston had taken a ride into the village with Lord Kincaid and Graham Worthington to eat lunch at the local tavern. 

Disappointment settled over Jacqueline. She had hoped to spend some time with Griffen this afternoon. Each chair next to her sat empty with the hope he would sit in one of them. She’d promised her family she would break off their affair, but if he were to ask for her company around other people, she couldn’t refuse him. Especially in front of Aunt Susanna. Her aunt had drilled into them the proper manners of accepting a gentleman’s request. Jacqueline knew Griffen’s request would hold improper intentions, even though Aunt Susanna would think otherwise. However, it would appear Jacqueline wouldn’t see him until later. Perhaps she could convince Aunt Susanna to sit her next to Griffen during dinner.

To spend time with him, she must become devious in her own right. Jacqueline wouldn’t renegade against the promises she made if Aunt Susanna threw them together at every opportunity.

Jacqueline had learned Uncle Theo had withdrawn his support for Griffen’s business plan. On top of that, Aunt Susanna no longer tried to throw Griffen and her into each other’s path. Jacqueline glanced down the table, her gaze darting back and forth between Uncle Theo and Aunt Susanna, looking for any suspicious behavior. She wondered about their sudden change in attitude concerning Griffen. It had to be part of the shenanigans in their matchmaking agenda.

However, Aunt Susanna only kept inserting peaceful comments in between Uncle Theo’s and Ramsay’s friendly bickering. Jacqueline smiled fondly, watching their banter. As much as they disagreed, they were as close as brothers.

Aunt Susanna caught her eye and shook her head toward the gentlemen, smiling her enjoyment. “They are as incorrigible as ever.”

“Yes, your husband is today,” Colebourne replied with a twinkle in his eye.

“I may be today. But you are every day,” Ramsay quipped, then asked Jacqueline a question as she raised her cup to take a sip. “Where is your beau? I thought after his questioning of your whereabouts after he ate breakfast, he would sit by your side at luncheon.”

Everyone at the table hushed, waiting for her reply. Jacqueline sat her cup down without taking a drink. “I have no beau.”

Ramsay laughed. “Sorry, my dear. I thought the Kincaid fellow was courting ye.”

“Kincaid and Jacqueline? Surely, you are mistaken, Ramsay?” Lucas questioned.

Ramsay crinkled his brows in thought. “No. I do not believe I am. I saw them taking a walk in the garden, and Kincaid cannot keep his gaze off our lovely Jacqueline. Quite smitten he is.”

Lucas scoffed. “Nonsense.”

Jacqueline bristled from his one-word reply. “And why is that, cousin?”

Lucas winced once he realized he’d offended Jacqueline. “Only because Kincaid has visited numerous times and never inquired about you. Why would he now?”

“So you imply I am unworthy of receiving a gentleman’s interest?”

Lucas gulped, glancing around the table for any help. But he only encountered the interested gazes of his family. They would be no help. “No, that is not what I implied. I meant to say Kincaid is...”

Oakes cleared his throat from the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, Your Grace. Lord Falcone has arrived.”

Colebourne rose to welcome the gentleman as he strolled into the dining room. “Welcome, Lord Falcone. I am glad you accepted my invitation.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. I am sorry I had to delay my arrival.” He shook Colebourne’s hand.

Colebourne indicated for Falcone to take a seat. “No worries. You have arrived now, and you could not have timed your arrival any better.”

“Lord Gray, may I offer you my congratulations. Where is your lovely bride?” Falcone glanced around the table, looking for Selina.

Colebourne cleared his throat. “Yes, well...”

Aunt Susanna smoothed over the explanation with the finesse only she held. “There was a slight change with the groom. My son, Duncan, and Lady Selina fell in love. The duke and Lucas graciously stepped aside and gave them their support to wed. We are sorry you missed the celebration.”

Lord Falcone nodded. “Please pass my best wishes on to them.”

To change the topic, Aunt Susanna told Lord Falcone of the entertainments planned for the weekend. Soon, Uncle Theo and Ramsay joined in, discussing the fox hunt with Lord Falcone.

Jacqueline snickered behind her hand at Lucas’s discomfort. When he glared at her, she only smirked at him until his eyes narrowed, promising revenge. Then her humor vanished to become replaced with her own anger. Only moments before Lord Falcone arrived, her cousin had insulted her. Why did he hold the opinion that Lord Kincaid would hold no interest in her? If anything, they had much in common. Their beliefs, their love of literature, their ease of discussing a mutual passion for life. Never once had they argued. That was, until the whole marital issue became a problem between them.

Not to mention the passion that swirled around them, drawing them into each other’s arms. The way their lips connected and drew out each other’s sighs. How, when he caressed her, his hands molded to her body. And when their bodies joined, they melded into one soul. Their love formed an unbreakable bond. A bond Jacqueline ached for now. They had parted a few hours ago, yet she longed for his embrace.

“Jacqueline?” Aunt Susanna cut through her musing.

She raised her head and noticed everyone was staring at her. “Yes?”

“Lord Falcone requested your and Abigail’s company to join him for a stroll around the garden?”

Jacqueline slid her gaze toward Lord Falcone and saw a patient smile gracing his face while he waited for her answer. A warm blush spread across her cheeks. “Yes, that would be lovely.”

Lord Falcone rose and walked over to Abigail, holding a hand toward her to help her rise. A low growl across the table caught Jacqueline’s attention. Lucas glared at Lord Falcone holding Abigail’s hand. When Abigail blushed from the lord’s attention, it infuriated Lucas.

Lucas rose, but Uncle Theo stopped him. “Lucas,” Colebourne hissed quietly.

But it was loud enough for his son to hear. Lucas resumed his seat, still glaring at the couple. Lord Falcone walked Abigail toward the door and returned to the table to help Jacqueline rise. Jacqueline slid her hand into the crook of his elbow while he led them over to Abigail.

“Abigail,” Lucas growled.

Abigail turned her head slightly. “Have a pleasant afternoon, Lord Gray.” She then directed her attention to Lord Falcone, inquiring about his ride from London.

Jacqueline stayed quiet for most of the walk throughout the garden. While Lord Falcone was a very charming companion, he wasn’t Griffen. But Jacqueline noticed the attention he paid Abigail. It gave her friend’s pride a boost from where Lucas had torn it down of late. Her cousin continued taking the wrong approach with Abigail. If he wasn’t careful, he would lose her to another gentleman. While it might not be Lord Falcone, another suitor would give Abigail what she searched for. Until then, Jacqueline hoped Abigail enjoyed the special attention she deserved.

Jacqueline sat on a bench and watched the couple as they discussed the roses. She wondered why Uncle Theo had invited Lord Falcone to Colebourne Manor. It couldn’t be for Abigail or Jacqueline. Uncle Theo wanted Abigail and Lucas to admit to their love for one another. He wanted Lucas to earn Abigail’s affections. Only Lucas kept blundering every opportunity given to him. She knew in her heart that Uncle Theo meant Griffen for her. Was there a particular reason for changing his mind? Yes, Griffen held no means to support her, but he was Uncle Theo’s first choice for a groom.

Jacqueline recalled, during the season, Lord Falcone would ask for her hand to dance at every ball they both attended. They even shared the dinner dance twice during the season. Did Uncle Theo encourage both men to win her affections? She wouldn’t put it past her uncle. Why, he’d even attempted that trick with Sinclair and Worthington for Charlie’s hand. And then again with Ralston and Graham Worthington over Gemma.

Now she was more confused than ever. She didn’t want to encourage Falcone, nor did she want to marry Griffen. Jacqueline could only handle her involvement with one gentleman at the moment. She knew what she must do. She must persuade Aunt Susanna to place her at Griffen’s side whenever she could.

Jacqueline rose from the bench and excused herself once she saw Gemma and Ralston striding along the path. Abigail would be in safe hands with them as chaperones. If Ralston had returned, then so had Griffen. While she wished to search for him, she needed to have her discussion with Aunt Susanna first. Then she would tempt Griffen into stealing away with her. After all, their time spent together was slipping away before she must end their relationship.

Threat or no threat from him, their time would come to an end.