Free Captivated by the Viscount (The Captivating Debutantes Series Book 1) by Emily Windsor

the latter first, you stink man, and don’t wake her up.
She’s had a sleeping draught made of herbs but even so, the stench may wake
her.”
    “Very well
you lob-cock,” Jasper retaliated, “I will see you in about an hour.”
    “Oh by the
way,” Lucas called out. Jasper looked back, “Looks like she was also attacked
by some type of animal, nasty bite on her neck, savage if you ask me.”
    Jasper made a
rude gesture over his shoulder and left the study to Lucas’ laughter.
    ►▼◄
    Jasper and
Lucas were lounging in the study. Cravats and boots had been abandoned and both
were fairly deep cut. He had called in on Lucy and she had been sleeping
soundly. Elspeth had informed him that the fever was thankfully low. Anger
still pounded through his veins, not only at her brother but also at himself
for putting her through the nightmare of the past few days. However what it did
make clear was his plans for the future. He relished the bite of whisky as he
thought of Lucy in his arms, in his bed, underneath him….
    “You’ve got
that look on your face again….most…most disgusting old man,” Lucas slurred.
     Jasper had
told Lucas everything and Lucas had said nary a word till the end when he’d
called Jasper a muttonhead. Jasper took no offence.
    “What about
you Lucas? You need a wife.”
    “Lucy is very
pretty, but I don’t feel my life is conducive to a wife at the moment. Although
I have seen Lucy without many clothes on,” Lucas smiled slyly.
    “I am aware
of that, and I am trying to forget it. However if you mention it again I will
kill you,” Jasper said amiably.
    “The same
goes for mentioning the word wife to me. I’m a mess Jasp, physically and
mentally. No woman in her right mind would have me.”
    “Have to find
one not in their right mind then!” Jasper snorted.
    They sat in
contemplative but companionable silence staring at the fire.
    “I could have
kneed you in the ballocks you know earlier,” Jasper grunted
    “Hah, I’ve
got iron balls, would have made no difference, I was kicked enough in ‘em in France.”
    “Iron balls!
– superb,” Jasper laughed. “I am never going to let you forget that. It will be
your new sobriquet.”
    “Do your
worst Jasp, do your worst…” both men slumped in their chairs, faintly aware
they would still be there in the morning.
     
    ►▼◄

Chapter Seven
     
    “ ‘I had rather
hear my Blinky bark at a cat, than a man swear he loves me’…I may have
misquoted somewhat.” Aunt Augusta.
     
    Jasper awoke
feeling revived the next day. He and Lucas had staggered up to bed at four
after Lucas had woken him up snoring. It was ten, quite late for Lucas to arise
but he felt well. Hopefully Lucy would recover today and he could set his plans
in motion.
    He
breakfasted with Lucas quickly, then bade him farewell. He may have mentioned
‘iron balls’ which caused Lucas to leave in hoots of laughter. It felt good to
see him in high spirits for once, dourness did not suit him.
    He hurried to
see Lucy. Lucas had looked in on her first thing and proclaimed her breathing
easier. However he had given her another sleeping draught for the morning.
Jasper came prepared with a book since she was sleeping and he sent the maid
away, propriety be dammed. It was far too late by now, and besides the maid
looked exhausted.
    He sat by Lucy.
She looked better. The shadows no longer haunted her eyes and the high flush
had left her cheeks. Whether it was the chill he couldn’t tell but she liked to
sleep sprawled all over the bed. The maid had tied her hair back with a strip
of cloth but it had escaped the confines and large portions of it were splayed
out over the pillows. One arm was tossed over her head pulling her shift taunt
over her breasts; the other arm was flung out at her side. He bent over to
cover the delectable view.
    “Jasper,” she
murmured.
    “I’m here
sweet, you just get better.” He stroked her hair away from her face and she
smiled sleepily,