A Kiss for the Marquess by Bianca Blythe

Author:Bianca Blythe [Blythe, Bianca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance cinderella, marquess, Bachelor, regency romance brides, regency romance humor, regency romantic comedy, victorian romance, regency house party, regency romp, regency brides
Publisher: Bianca Blythe
Published: 2019-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

BLAST.

Hugh knew he had felt happy when he’d had Emma in his arms, and he was certain that she’d kissed him back, but that happiness had rapidly halted.

Emma had vanished.

Well, she’d run away, which was hardly an improvement.

He hadn’t meant to scare her.

Perhaps she’d remembered he was courting seven other women.

He sighed and tramped back toward Odysseus. After leaving his horse at the stables, he proceeded to the house.

“Beechmont!” Jasper’s voice boomed through the air, and Hugh turned toward him. “Where have you been?”

“Riding.”

“What nonsense,” Jasper said. “You don’t seem to understand the delights of having beautiful women in your house.”

Hugh gave a wry smile. “And what are you doing outside?”

Jasper patted his stomach. “Trying to survive. I’ve eaten so much bread and cheese and jam. I’ve drunk chocolate and tea and coffee.”

“Then people are awake.”

“It’s past midday,” Jasper said. “Surely you know that.”

“Of course,” Hugh said, wondering just how long he’d been out on the grounds with Miss Braunschweig. “I should have been there.”

Jasper shrugged. “I managed it.” He grinned. “Besides, your mother was there too.”

Hugh groaned.

“Apparently, she needs to eat too.”

“But not with everyone!” Hugh moaned, hurrying to the house.

“I stayed as long as I could,” Jasper said. “It was a valiant effort.”

“Dear Lord,” Hugh muttered.

“Besides, not all of them were there. Miss Braunschweig is still sleeping, and Lady Letitia left for a morning walk.”

“Probably to escape your conversation,” Hugh said.

“Nonsense.” Jasper grinned. “I am a duke. Don’t think it hasn’t occurred to those women that I might be converted to the prospect of marriage.”

“Anyone you like?” Hugh asked.

“Naturally not,” Jasper said. “Nothing worse than premature marriage. Perhaps I’ll get around to it when I’m seventy.”

“That’s a bit old to be fathering children.”

“Ah, not when the equipment is perfect.” Jasper pointed downward, and Hugh rolled his eyes.

“On a more serious note,” Jasper said, “there really is no excuse for Miss Braunschweig’s absence. If she shows no interest in all of this, she should be sent home.”

“Miss Braunschweig was with me,” Hugh said.

Jasper swerved his head toward him. “Truly?”

“I mean, it was all quite in order,” Hugh clarified. “She went riding too.”

“Aren’t you going to go riding later?” Jasper asked. “With everyone? You could have waited. It’s not like you to change the plan suddenly.”

“I know,” Hugh said.

Jasper gazed at him. “You are fond of this chit.”

Hugh refrained from answering. Some expression must have played on his face, for Jasper’s eyes widened.

Jasper grinned. “Hugh Beechmont, Marquess of Metcalfe, has emotions. We should send for the doctor. The scientists! They’ll be shocked.”

“Don’t raise your voice,” Hugh said.

“But then you’ve found her. Your mate! Your partner for life! Your future wife!”

“It’s not that simple,” Hugh said.

“Because you’ve committed to this wretched house party?” Jasper asked.

“Not exactly.” Hugh remembered Emma running away from him, with no concern for her dress or her hair.

Miss Braunschweig would simply have to see he was in possession of some good qualities. He would show her.

“I must speak with the grooms,” Hugh said.

“They’ll have everything prepared,” Jasper said in a soothing tone that made Hugh wonder how upset he looked.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.