Claiming His Bride by Marie Medina

Author:Marie Medina
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 2013-02-14T22:14:40+00:00

Chapter Four

Bastian stared at the bouquet of pink roses. A new arrangement had arrived every week for the past month. Victoria believed they were from him and adored them. Agatha, the downstairs maid, had been helping him with the deliveries. At first, she’d seemed to pity him, but today she had asked permission to be honest and had said something very encouraging.

Your lady seems so content and happy I doubt this man means anything to her anymore. She must have spurned him. Maybe you should leave the card and let her handle him. If she needs you to act, she’ll ask. Of course, Agatha didn’t know he’d asked Victoria who William was and been told she didn’t know a William. Nevertheless, he was pleased someone besides him thought Victoria was happy.

He took the roses up to her, anxious to see the happy expression on her face. Since it and her gratitude were directed toward him, her joy didn’t bother him. In fact, enjoying the rewards of this misguided man’s effort gave him a strange sort of pleasure.

Though he hadn’t yet made a declaration, he knew he did love her. He simply hadn’t devised a plan for telling her yet. He wanted it to be perfect, since he had never had a chance to court her until after they were already married. Also, he could admit he was nervous about telling her. Happy as she might be, she still might not feel the way he did. He didn’t want her to pretend to love him because she felt guilt or gratitude. He wanted to truly inspire that emotion in her.

He knocked and entered their bedroom, finding her sitting at the desk by the window. She looked confused and concerned. He set the flowers down and went to her side.

“Is everything all right?” he asked.

Her eyes focused on a letter in her hand. “This was bought up this morning. Bastian, why did you ask about a man named William?”

His heart gave a thud. “I had my reasons. Why?”

She stared at the letter a moment longer, and then held it up to him. “This letter is addressed to Lady Aslet, but I do not know this person. His name is William. There is no return address, and I do not recognize the handwriting.”

He took the letter from her.

I am making arrangements. It has been far too long. I am sorry I was not there to stop the wedding, but all will be well soon. I will be able to take care of you now. Think of me. I think of you every moment. I have a strategy for meeting with you, and we can make our plans then. Your William.

The brief letter angered him, but before speaking he examined her face. Her confusion was not feigned. She would have hidden this letter immediately if she really had a lover who still wanted her.

“Victoria, have you ever turned a man down? Refused a dance? An invitation to take a turn in a garden? An

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