Stephanie Laurens Rogues' Reform Bundle Read Free Page B

be desired, but I suspect you’d know more of that than I.”
    Jason nodded. “That, however, is not a major consideration.”
    â€œQuite,” agreed her ladyship, wondering if, perhaps, Lenore Lester could indeed be a real possibility.
    â€œAnd the lady herself?”
    Lady Agatha spread her hands. “As you must be aware, she manages that great barn of a hall. Lester’s sister is there, of course, but Lenore’s always been mistress of the house. Lester himself is ageing. Never was an easygoing soul, but Lenore seems to cope very well.”
    â€œWhy hasn’t she married?”
    Lady Agatha snorted. “Never been presented, for one thing. She must have been all of twelve when her mother died. Took over the household from then—no time to come to London and dance the nights away…”
    Jason’s gaze sharpened. “So she’s…unused to the amusements of town?”
    Reluctantly, Lady Agatha nodded. “Has to be. Stands to reason.”
    â€œHold old is she?”
    Lady Agatha pursed her lips. “Twenty-four.”
    â€œAnd she’s presentable?”
    The question shook Lady Agatha to attention. “But…” she began, then frowned. “Haven’t you met her?”
    His eyes on hers, Jason shook his head. “But you have, haven’t you?”
    Under the concerted scrutiny of those perceptive silver eyes, Lady Agatha’s eyes glazed as memories of the last time she had met Lenore re-formed in her mind. “Good bone-structure,” she began weakly. “Should bear well. Good complexion, fair hair, green eyes, I think. Tallish, slim.” Nervous of saying too much, she shrugged and glanced at Jason. “What more do you need to know?”
    â€œIs she possessed of a reasonable understanding?”
    â€œYes—oh, yes, I’m quite certain about that.” Lady Agatha drew a steadying breath and shut her lips.
    Jason’s sharp eyes had noted his aunt’s unease. “Yet you entertain reservations concerning Miss Lester?”
    Startled, Lady Agatha grimaced. “Not reservations. But if my opinion is to be of any real value, it would help if I knew why you have cast your eye in her direction.”
    Briefly, unemotionally, Jason recounted his reasons for marriage, his requirements of a bride. Concluding his recitation, he gave his aunt a moment to marshall her thoughts before saying, “So, dear aunt, we come to the crux. Will she do?”
    After a fractional hesitation, Lady Agatha nodded decisively. “I know of no reason why not.”
    â€œGood.” Jason stood. “And now, if you’ll forgive me, I must depart.”
    â€œYes, of course.” Lady Agatha promptly held out her hand, too relieved to have escaped further inquisition to risk more questions of her own. She needed time away from her nephew’s far-sighted gaze to assess the true significance of his unexpected choice. “Dare say I’ll see you at the Marshams’ tonight.”
    Straightening from his bow, Jason allowed his brows to rise. “I think not.” Seeing the question in his aunt’s eyes, he smiled. “I expect to leave for the Abbey on the morrow. I’ll travel directly to Lester Hall from there.”
    A silent “oh” formed on Lady Agatha’s lips.
    With a final benevolent nod, Jason strolled from the room.
    Lady Agatha watched him go, her fertile brain seething with possibilities. That Jason should marry so cold-bloodedly surprised her not at all; that he should seek to marry Lenore Lester seemed incredible.
    Â 
    â€œI SAY , Miss Lester. Ready for a jolly week, what?”
    Her smile serene, Lenore Lester bestowed her hand on Lord Quentin, a roué of middle age and less than inventive address. Like a general, she stood on the grand staircase in the entrance hall of her home and directed her troops. As her brothers’ guests appeared out of the fine June