Blackstone's Bride by Kate Moore

Author:Kate Moore [Moore, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, General, Historical, Regency
ISBN: 9781101581223
Google: zXzE5KXK8EwC
Amazon: 0425250881
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2012-08-06T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“. . . you should take it into further consideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you.”

—Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Violet found Mr. Rushbrooke in her straw-colored drawing room at an exceptionally early hour. Together they had worked to sponsor a cricket match between a group of town boys and some collegians. Violet had dressed for the day’s excursion in a chocolate jaconet dress with a corded band around the waist and a square collar of worked muslin. Not a single unnecessary inch of her person would be exposed to Blackstone’s scrutiny.

When Granthem greeted the visitor and asked if Mr. Rushbrooke would be accompanying Miss Hammersley to the cricket match, Mr. Rushbrooke turned quite somber and regretted that he would not. The night had restored his natural color, except for two red splotches in his cheeks, like bright flares above his sober clerical black.

He fixed Violet with a stern look and announced that he would take no more than a minute of her time.

“Mr. Rushbrooke, do sit down, and let us offer tea and marmalade cakes.”

“If you insist, Miss Hammersley.”

“I do. The effects of the sun are not to be trifled with. I hope you will take care until you feel fully recovered.” Violet nodded to Granthem who turned at once. He had probably already ordered a refreshment tray.

She sat, and Mr. Rushbrooke did the same with obvious reluctance. He regarded her with an expression of sullen petulance as if he were offended, and he seemed to be gathering himself to make a speech.

Granthem returned with a footman bearing a tray of tea and cakes. As he placed it on the table before her, he smiled at her. “Your lads have their match today, don’t they, miss?”

Violet nodded.

“Good luck then. I’ll be putting my money on them.”

Granthem cleared his throat, and the footman retreated into proper anonymity. With their leaving, Violet could feel the heaviness of Rushbrooke’s disapproval settle in the room. She poured and served and waited.

After far too long, her guest brushed cake crumbs from his fingers. “I own I am disappointed, Miss Hammersley. I did not understand that you intended to bring Lord Blackstone with you yesterday.” He frowned at Violet’s hands.

She stopped twisting Blackstone’s paste diamond on her finger. What a ridiculous situation. She could not blame Rushbrooke for misunderstanding her true circumstances. “We are much together at this stage of our betrothal.”

“So I see, but I can’t think that betrothal to a man like Blackstone suits you, Miss Hammersley.”

Violet felt herself stiffen. The diamond and the pretense it represented had betrayed Mr. Rushbrooke into being impertinent. She wanted to remind him that though he was a friend, he was not in a position to advise her on such a personal decision. “A woman must decide which man suits her.” She spoke as gently as she could. If he would take the hint, they could get past the awkward moment.

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