The duke punched Nash’s shoulder. “It’s in his nature to worry about how you’ll fill your days.”
Jasper put his hands on his hips. “I am not a child.”
“Well, we all know what you’d rather be doing for the summer,” Nash said with a disapproving look in his direction. “Ravenswood will be quiet for someone who prefers the bustle and wild parties of London.”
“A wild party is just what you need, too. Might make you happier.”
“It would not do that,” Nash answered, his expression turning grim.
At that moment, Jasper realized there was an absence on the stairs. “I wonder what is keeping the children.”
“They are staying here,” the duke informed him, adjusting his cuffs.
Jasper’s jaw dropped open in shock and disbelief. Nash’s children could not stay. Certainly not the governess with them, as well. “I thought you said she was going with you. That they were all going with you for a holiday?”
“‘Tis not the right occasion to foist so many onto our hosts, and Nash agrees with me,” the duke said, looking suspiciously pleased with himself about that.
“There is still time for them to join you,” Jasper urged. “I could have them and their luggage sent along after if you like.”
The duke shook his head firmly. “No, they stay here for the summer. It is less disruptive to their schedule.”
Nash and his rules and schedule for the children were fixed in stone, but even he did not seem pleased with the duke’s decision right now.
How unusual of him.
But clearly, the matter had been discussed while Jasper had not been around. And Jasper would get nowhere arguing with the duke that the children should go with their father. To complain might draw unwanted attention to the fact he wanted them gone, too.
He shrugged the problem away as the carriage drew up before them. “Well, it’s decided then.”
Nash stopped in front of him. “When it comes to the children, Radcliffe is to be trusted entirely, you understand,” he warned. “You should have no need to bother her at all. If you do see her, convey my satisfaction in her employment and my ongoing trust,” Nash offered as a parting remark before entering the carriage.
The duke turned his back on the carriage. “Speaking of the governess, see that the bowl she flung into the dark last night is recovered, and…” The duke bowed his head, leaning closer. “If Nash’s wife returns while we are gone, send word immediately,” he whispered.
Jasper gasped softly. “Is that likely?”
“Who knows what Laura will do, but I hope we will see her again. Make certain she knows she is welcome,” Ravenswood insisted. “We cannot afford another scandal in the family this year.”
“It’s the same scandal as ever,” Jasper reminded the duke. Nash’s wife had abandoned the marriage years ago and gossip about her desertion refused to fade.
The duke pursed his lips, eyes glancing up at the facade of Ravenswood briefly. “I mean the fresh scandal that looms over us.”
Jasper frowned. “What scandal?”
“You saw it last night. I gather you’ve suspected for some time.”
“Saw what?”
The duke glanced at the carriage. “Nash is too interested in the governess for my liking. I would hate to dismiss Radcliffe, but I will if it becomes necessary.”
Then he was gone, stepping into the carriage and leaving Jasper reeling on the front steps of Ravenswood Palace.
Jasper had seen nothing of any impropriety between his brother and the governess last night. Just the usual Nash attempting to exert his authority on yet another matter. Last night, when Nash had almost refused to yield to Jasper’s claim on the governess as his partner in the game, he’d thought nothing much of it. But now, had last night revealed a hint of possessiveness on his brother’s part?
Nash had always partnered the duke. Jasper and Stratford played on the same side. It had been that way since they were boys. But Stratford had a wife now, and since he preferred Win’s company to Jasper’s lately, Jasper had assumed he’d take on the role of umpire more often. But with the governess there, unattached, he’d seen a way to be part of the game again.
He kept his eyes on the departing carriage. At dinners of late, the duke had stuck him with the governess’ company almost every time, and he’d thought that simply unfair. Had the duke done it on purpose? And what of Ravenswood’s decision to leave the children behind? Might that have been purely to keep Nash and the governess apart? To prevent a scandalous alliance forming at the worst possible time?
Now he truly grimaced. Sophie Radcliffe was an adequate governess for a pair of boys, but nothing else about her should have drawn Nash’s interest.
Jasper stood on the drive, watching the carriage make its slow disappearance. Was Ravenswood leaving behind the governess and hoping upon his return, any infatuation Nash may have would be entirely forgotten? Snuffed by a prolonged separation of some months. But the duke was also leaving behind the hope for the return of their first sister-in-law, too. It was more complications than Jasper had counted on for the summer months, but he would deal with one and all, he supposed.
Starting with the governess and any feelings she might have developed for Nash.
The isolation of Ravenswood this summer would show her how truly unnecessary her company really was. He slowly grinned as he imagined her boredom and potential frustration at being left behind.
Too bad. Now she would know how Jasper had always felt.
He started up the stairs. There was so much to do and little need for delicacy. Ravenswood was about to become a temporary gambling hell for a dozen or so rakes and scoundrels barred from the usual venues in London. He’d spent the night making plans and considering who to invite. It could only be friends with deep pockets, questionable reputations, and a growing appreciation for the finer things in life. Things their new money could not buy them unless they married into the ton. A gentleman needed impeccable connections or someone to vouch for them if they wanted to get ahead in society.
Jasper intended to do that for them next season. But in the meantime, he could give them a taste of what was missing from their lives—for a price. He was a duke’s younger brother and well versed in experiences and information they’d never dreamed existed.
His friends could expect high-stakes gambling and some losses at a house party Jasper hosted here at Ravenswood. And those losses would add up and refill Jasper’s empty pockets each day of the house party. The event would be by invitation only, for those who would pay a fee to walk these hallowed halls for a week or two and pretend they belonged here. They would become the envy of society. His monied friends were bound to accept such a unique invitation to join him for fun and scandalous games.
He strolled the entrance hall, skirting chattering servants lining up in wait for the carriages that would take them on their holidays. Those who were staying were helping round everyone up, so no stragglers were accidentally left behind.
The butler drew him aside, his face clouded with worry. “Lord Nash’s children did not go with him.”
Jasper had spoken to the butler about his intentions first thing that morning. He had agreed that the duke should not be bothered with the details. “Yes, I was just made aware of that. It doesn’t change my plans.”