“I feel sure we can work something out, Lady Hermione,” Payne was saying with what to Jasper’s eye looked to be an overabundance of solicitude. Payne was married, so there was no question that his intentions, whatever they might be, were honorable. And despite the fact that the fellow had so far as he knew done nothing to disrespect Hermione, Jasper did not like the man. “Thank you so much, Lord Payne,” Hermione said with a bright smile, her eyes shining with real excitement. “I hope there will be a way for me to retrieve my horses from Lord Saintcrow’s possession, but until then I will be very grateful for the loan of your bays.” It had not gone without Jasper’s notice that she was looking exceptionally well this evening. For someone who had experienced a very difficult morning, she seemed in good spirits. If his mother or sisters had endured such a setback they’d have taken to their beds. Possibly for a week. Of course none of them would have considered joining a driving club in the first place, but that was beside the point.
