For Richer, For Poorer: A Regency Romance (Lost Fortunes, Found Love Book 2) by Rose Pearson

Author:Rose Pearson [Pearson, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2022-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The urge to flee, to run, to leave his courage behind and return home was so great that it took every ounce of Benjamin’s strength just to remain in the ballroom. Miss Carshaw was by his side as many a gentleman and lady came to congratulate them, but every time Benjamin glanced at her, he caught nothing more than a white face and a somewhat pinched expression.

It had not been his intention to say such a thing, nor to declare himself in such a fashion, but when Lady Steerford had walked into the room, there had been nothing else for him to do but that. He had no inkling as to whether or not Miss Carshaw would be pleased with him, or lost in grief. What if she had thoughts of another gentleman whom she considered more preferable? Closing his eyes for a moment, he let out a slow breath. There was nothing that could be done about that now. They were betrothed and soon to wed.

“Whatever is the meaning of this?”

Rather than looking pleased in any way, Miss Carshaw’s brother - the gentleman whose title Benjamin was yet to discover - came towards them with an expression of fury. There was no joy in his face, but rather, his brows were pulled together, sending shadows over his eyes, with his mouth a tight line and his jaw working furiously. For whatever reason, it seemed that the fellow had no pleasure in hearing about his sister’s betrothal. In contrast, he appeared absolutely enraged.

“A situation has occurred whereby your sister and I now must wed.” Benjamin turned sharply, grasping the man by the elbow, and turning him away from the gathering crowd who, no doubt, would have been eager to hear what the fellow had to say. “It was not intentional. I saw her being pursued by another gentleman – one who wore a wicked grin - and went into that room to make certain that she was quite well, only to be discovered by another lady of the ton. Thus, being alone with your sister, I had to immediately make a choice and decided to betroth myself to your sister, to make certain that there could be no damage to her reputation.”

All too aware of the many eyes which were watching them, Benjamin narrowed his own eyes as the man’s face flushed red and hot.

“You had no right to do such a thing.” The man jabbed one finger to Benjamin’s chest. “She is my sister and my concern.”

“I am all too aware of that, but as you were not present, l had no other choice but to do what I thought was best. Clearly, the assumption that there was something more between myself and Miss Carshaw could have caused great damage to your sister’s reputation. Before Lady Steerford could say anything to anyone else, I told the lady your sister had just accepted my proposal. And now, of course, I am under obligation, and we shall wed. I am in no way distressed by the situation, for I find your sister a most pleasant young woman.

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