An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley

Author:Jo Beverley [Beverley, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9781420120530
Google: PCEMTwEACAAJ
Amazon: 1420120530
Barnesnoble: 1420120530
Goodreads: 1144054
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 1992-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“I suppose a husband should be of some use,” Lucien said and grimaced as he again heard bitterness ring through.

“Just consider,” said Eleanor to Nicholas, smoothing over the moment, “if Miss Fitcham had been the kind of schoolmistress to actually teach her pupils something, I doubtless would have no use for you at all.”

“Do you think not?” he said lazily.

Eleanor colored and rose to her feet. “If you are going to be bold, I’m escaping while I can.” She turned and fired a parting shot at Lucien. “If it was good enough for the king of England, My Lord Marquess, I cannot see how it is beneath you.”

“Broadsided, by God,” said Lucien with a laugh and gave her the victory. He turned to Nicholas. “How do you live with a sharp-witted woman?”

“In constant delight. She is also warmhearted. Is Elizabeth cold?” This was the attack direct. “I don’t know,” Lucien said at last.

“Luce,” said Nicholas, “you are rich, handsome, and the most skillful, the most outrageous, flirt in England. You even had Eleanor bedazzled in front of my very nose. How can you not know if your bride is warm or cold?”

Lucien realized he’d never flirted with Elizabeth Armitage. Assaulted her, yes, threatened and berated her. But flirted with her? No. It was not a matter he could discuss, even with Nicholas.

“How can I not know?” he repeated lightly. “Because she’s a cactus and I’m an inflated bag of pride and consequence, and I’m afraid to get close enough to find out.”

Nicholas’s lips twitched. “There goes the de Vaux succession, I gather.”

“Oh,” said Lucien, “there’ll have to be an heir for de Vaux even if it leaves me limp and useless . . .” Hearing his own words he burst out laughing.

“Perfectly natural,” agreed Nicholas with a grin, “if only in the temporary sense.

Don’t I recall you saying once that your minions inflate your consequence with a foot pump every day? I’m gaining a whole new insight into the bed manners of the great.”

“Have some reverence,” Lucien chided, still fighting laughter. “Not that I’ve not always wondered about my parents ...”

“Don’t we all.”

Thought of his parents — of his father who was not his father — effectively sobered Lucien. “Do you ever feel grateful,” he asked, “not to have the responsibility of carrying on a line?”

“As my brother is disinclined to marry, I probably have that duty. I don’t find it unbearable,” Nicholas said with a grin, “but then I’m not all puffed up with pride.” He burst out laughing. “You know, I’ll never be able to hear that phrase again without lurid imaginings.” He shook his head. “Eleanor renders me limp with satisfying regularity but leaves her spines at the bedroom door.”

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