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marriage? For your uncle’s benefit?”
    “No. He’s quite capable of caring for himself, at least to the extent that he employs a trustworthy and efficient staff to manage the minutiae he has no patience for.” Her gaze moved to the clock on the mantel. “Today I am at home to callers. Will you be one of them?”
    “Will it settle your mind if I am?”
    Her head gave a slight shake. “Here at home, I feel safe enough.”
    “Then I shall refrain. I think it will be more effective if I’m not one of the many. Tomorrow will be our first public appearance together, and you will be granting me your undivided attention. That will establish my connection with you in a more prominent way. We’ll require a chaperone who gossips. Do you know of someone who will suffice?”
    “I’ll see to it. What do I say to those who ask about you? What reply can I give to inquiries about your people and situation?”
    He breathed in her scent with a deep inhalation, one last delay before revealing a truth no one else knew. “You may tell them I am the nephew of the late Lord Gresham of County Wexford, and our families are old friends from long ago.”
    “Oh . . .”
    Jasper knew little of his mother’s relations. Diana Gresham had been disowned after her pregnancy became evident, a circumstance affording her no way out of the hell she’d died in. When Jasper tracked Gresham down years later, the only regret he felt at learning of his lordship’s recent passing was that he’d lost the opportunity to repay his uncle in kind.
    “You are a conundrum, aren’t you?” Eliza said softly. “I should like to figure you out.”
    “If you have a question, ask me.”
    “Will you answer?”
    That made him smile. When he heard her breath catch, his inner predator licked its lips and purred. For all her protests regarding the suitability of his appearance, it was undeniable that it pleased her. “My past and my future are irrelevant. You have my present. In that, yes, ask away. I will answer.”
    “I knew you would be troublesome, Mr. Bond.”
    “Jasper.”
    “But I believe you will resolve my dilemma, and I find a measure of relief in that.” Rounding the desk, she resumed her seat. Her manner changed, became distant. She opened a drawer and withdrew a small book. “Here is a copy of my social calendar for the remainder of the Season as it stands so far. I will keep a list of future invitations I accept.”
    “Your thoroughness is admirable.”
    “I think you and I shall work well together. Is there anything else? Or are we finished for today?”
    He found himself wanting to linger, knowing it was still early in the day and the most interesting part of it would now be behind him. “These lists are sufficient at present. I’ll need to be apprised of the other matters we discussed—your investments, your man of affairs, and anything in Lord Melville’s past that might put a loved one at risk.”
    “An investment pool managed by Lord Collingsworth and rental properties,” she answered, with her head already bent and quill in hand. “Both residential and commercial. I can take you to them, if you like.”
    “I would.”
    “Will the day after tomorrow be soon enough for a tour and meeting with my man of affairs, Mr. Reynolds?”
    “Quite. I will also need a list of your tenants.”
    She glanced up at him. “Your attention to detail is very impressive.”
    He bowed. “I do try. I will call on you tomorrow at one.”
    “I’ll be ready.”
    Turning about, Jasper moved to leave the room. On the threshold, he looked back, finding a small bit of pleasure in catching Eliza staring after him, despite the frown marring her brow. She looked down quickly.
    When he reached the foyer, he pulled out his pocket watch and was startled by the time. He’d overstayed his visit by nearly ten minutes, making him late for his next appointment.
    Bloody hell. He had completely forgotten the time.

Chapter 3
    E liza was compiling the list of