CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – HER BOYFRIEND’S BROTHER

She was in the midst of fending off yet another impudently roving caress from Diego – honestly, the incorrigible flirt didn't know when to quit – when a sudden commotion from across the gallery stole her attention. A throaty burst of raucous laughter, distinctly unbecoming for such a staidly refined atmosphere, heralded the arrival of a sizeable cluster of guests emerging from the open courtyard beyond the floor-to-ceiling window apertures. Among them, Jasmine recognized the towering figure of old Henry Clavering, resplendent in his customary ankle-length boiled wool overcoat and mutton chops. Even from across the cavernous chamber, Jasmine could discern the ruddy hue of inebriation staining Clavering's weather-beaten cheeks as he gestured grandly, seemingly regaling his entourage with some doubtlessly embellished tale. As if sensing her scrutiny, the eccentric turned, bushy brows arching over rheumy blue eyes as he spied her across the crowd. A meaty finger jabbed her way as hi