A Preacher's daughter for the smitten Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Tales Book 6) by Regina Darcy

Author:Regina Darcy [Darcy, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Clean and Wholesome Romance
Published: 2016-08-31T04:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Percy stared at her in horror. She was completely serious, and held his gaze without flinching. “I vehemently deny your accusation,” he said at last, confused and hurt by her words. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“My brothers saw you with your betrothed,” she told him. “You were going for a ride.”

Percy thought back to any period since the Williams’ arrival when he had taken a woman riding. It had been the week of the house party, and he had gone riding with his cousin, Amelia. His horror evaporated as he realised the cause of her distress and of the misunderstanding between them. He smiled, curious to know why Amy’s brothers had paid him an unscheduled visit.

“Your family has a penchant for trespassing, it would seem,” he said, amused. “And in this instance, it did not bode well for you.”

“How so, my lord?” she asked haughtily. “They saw what they saw.”

“Do you recall our last conversation, Amy?” he asked. “The one where we spoke of trusting the judgments we make based upon appearances?”

She stared at him, unblinking. “I do, Your Grace. Nor do I judge you. But I must accept what appears to be evidence that you think me a wanton, and a light-skirted woman by virtue of my station. Why else would you feel free to speak to me of your ‘affections’?”

“The only woman I have taken riding in the time since your family has been here has been my cousin, the Lady Amelia Lockhart.” He made the statement baldly, and watched as shock, then hope, then despair crossed her expressive face.

“I must apologise for my hasty judgment, then, Your Grace,” she said in a low voice, lowering her eyes to her hands. “A woman in my circumstances does not normally receive the attentions of a member of the upper classes except in exchange for payment for services rendered.”

“But you are a virtuous woman, like the one you once read about. And you know that virtue is rewarded. So will you accept my addresses to you?” he asked. “Or at the very least allow for the fact that my feelings for you are genuine?”

“I cannot dare to hope for such, Your Grace,” she said regretfully. “Think how it will be for someone like me to appear within your circle of relations and acquaintances. Their assumptions would make it most awkward,” she continued, “and you would soon find that you were no longer interested in having me around in any capacity. You cannot long wish to associate yourself with someone such as myself.”

“You are more than your social circumstances, Amy,” he said. “Surely you can see that?”

“No, Your Grace, I cannot. Not in this case,” she protested, clearly distressed. “Aside from the objections on your side, you must know that my father would be vehemently opposed to any such arrangement.” She looked back at her sister, who was watching them closely. “Please, do not speak of this again.”

She turned and walked away, and Percy was forced to follow her.

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