Born to Scandal by Diane Gaston

Author:Diane Gaston [Gaston, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780373297177
Google: yqScjDTgd5IC
Goodreads: 15801570
Published: 2011-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Anna had remained cosseted in the warmth of Lord Brentmore’s arms the whole night. When morning dawned full of sunshine, the tavern began to empty of its travellers, but they tarried by silent agreement as if reluctant to return to the old routines, the old identities.

Over an unhurried breakfast, Anna searched the marquess’s face for any hint he would address the loose words she’d spoken the night before. She felt her cheeks burn merely from thinking of what she’d said to him in her grief and despair.

Yet it was a reality she must accept within herself. She was her mother’s daughter, yearning for carnal pleasure just as her mother must have done with Lord Lawton.

Her real father.

If only she could talk to her mother about such yearning, discover why her mother chose to carry on a long affair with his lordship. Ask her why she’d hidden the truth from her daughter all these years.

Grief threatened to overwhelm her. She tried relentlessly to push it away. She was more fortunate than most women. She had employment. She had a lovely place to live. She had an education. And books. The library at Brentmore was filled with books.

She lifted her gaze to the man who sat across from her at the table.

She had a friend, as well as an employer, in Lord Brentmore. Likely back at Brentmore, they would return to their previous routine and the friendship would be as buried as her desire for him must be.

She pretended to eat with appetite and forced herself to talk of the trip ahead.

No more tears. No more feeling sorry for herself. Her mother was gone. Her life was what it was.

Her consolation must be the children for as long as they needed her.

* * *

After they’d eaten, Lord Brentmore asked, ‘Are you ready to depart?’

She nodded.

Soon they were back in the chaise and on the road.

Anna confined her conversation with Lord Brentmore to topics involving the children. Their needs. Their activities. Ways to make their lives secure and happy.

* * *

By early afternoon they reached the inn where Lord Brentmore’s team of horses awaited him. His team was hitched to the chaise again, marking the last leg of the journey. Soon they reached the outskirts of the marquess’s estate. When the house came into view, Anna felt relief.

‘Lawd, I hate this place,’ Brentmore said at the same time.

It disheartened her. ‘Why? It is where your children are.’

He nodded. ‘It is also where my unhappiest memories live.’

She squared her shoulders. ‘Do not think of the past. Only the future. Only what is ahead.’

He covered her hand with his and his expression turned grim.

When they reached the arch, Lord Brentmore halted the chaise.

‘Why are we stopping?’ she asked.

He turned to her, and his eyes darkened. ‘To say goodbye.’

‘Are you getting off here?’ She could not drive the chaise.

A ghost of a smile flitted across his face. ‘No, but Egan Byrne is saying goodbye.’

He leaned over to her and kissed her cheek.

She gasped and turned her head, offering him her lips and trembling with need to taste him again.

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