A Lesson in Scandal (Tales from The Burnished Jade Book 1) by Adele Clee

Author:Adele Clee [Clee, Adele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Had they made the wager, the Marquess of Rothley would have won.

Mr Collard, vicar of the parish of Islington—and under the marquess’ patronage—was summoned to Studland Park from his home a mile away.

Within the hour, Mr Collard stood inside the private chapel tucked amid the mansion’s grand halls, dressed in his black cassock and starched collar and gripping his worn bible.

While Mrs Boswell had gone to make a small posy from the vases of flowers distributed around the house, the marquess drew Sofia and Reid aside in the panelled corridor near the chapel.

“You’re free to refuse the offer,” the lord began in a strangely soft tone as he retrieved a small box from his coat pocket, “but I’ve had this for almost a decade. While I have no desire to taint your union, you don’t have a ring.”

Sofia took the proffered box, her breath catching in her throat upon seeing the emerald and chrysolite ring inside. “Good heavens. It’s beautiful.” She wanted to ask who it belonged to and why the marquess had it in his possession but daren’t.

“It might not fit. You can have it resized at Woodcroft’s in Bond Street and send me the bill. Consider it my gift to you both.”

She glanced at Reid and smiled. “There’s no reason to own something sentimental. Ours is not a love match.”

Reid disagreed. “It’s a generous gift, Rothley, but I can’t let my wife wear another man’s ring.”

The marquess looked ready to drop to his knees and beg them to take the dratted thing. “Let it be a temporary solution until you purchase a replacement. After which, Mrs Gentry may wear it to the theatre or a soiree at The Burnished Jade.”

Fearing the marquess wouldn’t rest until they agreed, she said, “I’d be happy to accept the gift in the manner it’s intended.” If only to ease the man’s tense expression.

The lord exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for ten years. “Love is a fool’s dream. Marriage was meant for practical purposes. I respect the wisdom of your decision to wed.”

Sofia noted the shadows of sadness behind his dark eyes and the palpable sorrow shrouding the house. “There is something you might do for me in return, my lord.”

“Yes?” came his wary reply.

“Would you give me away?”

He gulped. “Give you away?”

“Mr Gentry regards you as family.” And the lord looked lost at present and needed a purpose. “I hope to feel the same in time.”

He bowed. “It would be an honour.”

The countess appeared from the chapel, wondering what was holding up the proceedings. “Are you ready, Sofia? Mr Collard can barely keep his eyes open and is likely to fall asleep where he stands.”

“Yes, I’m just waiting for Mrs Boswell. She’s keen to ensure I have a posy to match my gown.” She had changed into the blue gown, red being a scandalous colour for a bride. “We’ll be along in a moment.”

The countess returned to the chapel seconds before Mrs Boswell came hurrying down the corridor, carrying a posy of white violets and blue forget-me-nots.

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