Chapter 47

“Arabella? You home?” Jasper called as he went from room to room. “Arabella?” I barely registered his voice through the haze, rubbing my eyes as I sat up in bed. How odd—it sounded unmistakably like Jasper’s voice, yet wasn’t he at work? Just as I began to shake off sleep, the bedroom door swung open. When Jasper stepped in, the soft glow of the moon and lamplight highlighted my languid, confused figure on the bed. His racing heartbeat gradually calmed. He exhaled in relief, loosened his tie, flipped on the light, and took off his coat. Shielding my eyes until they adjusted, I turned toward him, puzzled. “Jasper? How did you get back?” “I’m off work…” he replied, draping his coat aside as he moved closer. “Eh? Off work? What time is it?” I blurted out, suddenly sitting up, eyes wide with surprise. “It’s just past seven. What’s wrong?” Jasper asked, placing a hand on my forehead to check my temperature. “How did I end up sleeping all day?! Nearly an entire day—oh my good