Never Gamble Your Heart (The Secret Society of Governess Spies #2)

Chapter 51

A few days later Frankie received a letter from the Dove and learned that it was she who had sent the police to the Houndsbury estate, not that Frankie had doubted for a moment that it was the Dove’s “dossier” of evidence that had spurred the police into action, or that it was the Dove who had “convinced” Lord Pierson to confess.

Although Lord Elmsdale was being charged with manipulating the vote, the police could not prosecute him for arranging the compromising situations. The Dove assured Frankie she was dedicated to making sure every news outlet on this side of the Atlantic had the full story of what Elmsdale had done. Although Elmsdale had admitted to manipulating the vote, there was always the possibility that with his political power and sway he would be let off with a slap on the wrist. The Dove would ensure that if that happened, his reputation would be so tattered he would never be welcomed into a decent home again.

Ruining his reputation was only justice.

As for the Scott Silver investors who’d already tricked their way into marriage through the grotesque scheme—the press was tearing them apart with unmitigated glee. They were being called Fallow Fellows, Grim Grooms, and Silver Shag-bags, and they would live out the rest of their days shunned from good society. Frankie felt sympathy for the brides, but she knew that in secret some women were rallying in the brides’ support.

In the last line of the letter, the Dove said she looked forward to reading Frankie’s first published mathematics paper as Mrs. Jones, and if Frankie ever found herself looking for a challenge, she need only contact her.

As for Fidelia, after the constables had escorted Elmsdale and his daughter from the ballroom, their mother had hurried over to her, and to everyone’s surprise, had thrown her arms around her daughter. Then, as if feeling she had exhibited too much emotion, she had proceeded to roundly scold Fidelia for her “thoughtless disappearance” and “thank goodness” her older sister was going to marry well (which drew raised brows from Jasper), and “by a pinch of grace they’d managed to keep her escapades quiet and her reputation intact so that she could return home.”

Before their mother could drag Fidelia back to London by her ear, Fidelia had planted her feet and firmly told her she was going to be Lady Elizabeth’s companion.

Upon hearing that Lord Pierson, Lady Elizabeth’s husband, had confessed to his part in the scheme, Lady Elizabeth was not sure where her marriage stood or whether she might be granted an annulment, but it did not matter. Her family had an estate in southern Scotland, and she would live there regardless with Fidelia.

“But what about finding a husband?” their mother had gasped.

“I do not want or need one.”

“And when Lady Elizabeth tires of your company? What will you do then?”

Elizabeth and Fidelia had shared a look that Frankie’s mother missed. “I will not tire of her,” Lady Elizabeth had vowed, and Frankie’s heart had squeezed at the pure tenderness in her words.

“Besides, Mother,” Frankie had added with a hint of relish, “I made a brilliant match, as you said not five minutes ago. I shall be able to support Fidelia in the future should she need it.”

In the end, their mother had relented only because Fidelia had threatened to share her whereabouts for the past few weeks if she did not. Their mother would rather have a daughter who was a companion to a wealthy lady, than have a daughter with a tarnished reputation.

Cecelia, who had watched the exchange with wide eyes, had fallen immediately for Fidelia and Lady Elizabeth, who were of similar age to her, and had begged Jasper to let her plan a trip to Scotland for the holidays. He was still considering.

Frankie had just folded the Dove’s letter when Jasper entered the morning room, poured a cup of coffee, and sat down across from her. He frowned at the missive. “Is that from Perdita’s?” When Frankie nodded, he said, “Frankie, love, I think you correspond with your governess agency more than two lovers write one another.”

Frankie pushed the letter toward him. “Read it.”

As Jasper read his eyes grew wider and wider, until at last he lowered the letter and whistled. “This woman, the Dove, runs an underground network of governess spies,” he said, “and you were working for her. She was the person you made your deal with.”

Frankie nodded. “This was my first assignment. She knew I wanted to find Fidelia and I needed her help to do it.”

“She must be an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary amount of power and information. I should dearly love to employ her.”

Frankie laughed. “I do not think she is looking for employment.”

“That is a shame.”

Frankie stood and wandered around the morning room, trailing her fingers across the sleekly polished surfaces. “I have been thinking we should have another card game.”

Jasper’s eyes gleamed. “Poker?”

She nodded. “This time I set the terms. If I win, you allow me into Rockford’s. If you win, we ride to Gretna Green.”

“Done.” Jasper rose, strode to the rosewood chest of drawers at the side of the room, and returned with a pack of cards. As he dealt them, he said, “Thank you for saving my life.”

“I suppose we are even on that score.” Frankie fanned her cards so that it looked as if she were concentrating on them, when in reality she was studying Jasper from beneath her lashes. He was as handsome as always, in a crisp cravat and deep-gray morning coat, his dark hair waving and his brows drawn together in focus. There was a band of lighter skin on his middle finger where his ring had lain for so long.

They played in deep silence, and when Jasper laid down his winning hand she smiled and said, “We head to Scotland at dawn.”

He did not return the smile. “I want you to have the wedding of your dreams, Frankie. If you want a grand affair with all of society invited, then that is what you shall have, the card game be damned.”

“Jasper, neither of wants the ton at our wedding, gossiping and judging. All we need are a few close friends and family.” She collected the cards and tapped them into a perfect pile. His eyes immediately zeroed in on his too-large ring, which she had slipped onto her fourth finger at the end of the game. When his gaze met hers, it was dark and suspicious. “Did you lose on purpose?”

Frankie blinked innocently.

Jasper stood and walked around the table, never breaking eye contact. He knelt down in front of her chair and placed his palms on either side of her. “You are wearing my ring on your hand.”

She nodded, breathing in the scent of him, reveling in his nearness. She traced her fingertip over his cheek. “It is a symbol.”

“A symbol of what?”

She cupped his jaw and looked him deep in the eyes. “A symbol of my love.”

Because she was watching him so closely, she did not miss the slight hitch in his breathing. “You love me?”

“Jasper Jones, despite your warning the first day we met that I should not fall for you, I have gone and done just that. I am deeply, indisputably in love with you.” She gestured to the pile of cards. “I am sorry, but you gambled your heart knowing the terms. There is no backing out. You are mine now, and as soon as we reach Gretna Green, you are mine forever.”

“I thought you’d never claim me,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “I am relieved we are marrying sooner rather than later, as your wedding present is already in the works.”

Frankie clapped her hands together. “What is it?”

“I’d tell you, but perhaps it would be better if you visited Rockford & Turner’s and saw the name change for yourself.”

Frankie gasped. “Truly? You renamed your hell? For me ? And I can go inside?”

Jasper laughed and kissed her, long and deep. “Would it be any fun if you were not scandalizing the ton ? What is mine is yours, love. I am yours. My life has been an unsolved equation, and you, Frankie, are the final sum.”

Frankie gave him a brilliant smile. “See? Math always makes sense, even in love.”