Harlequin Historical: December 2022 Box Set 2 of 2 by Lucy Ashford

Author:Lucy Ashford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Before tonight, Harrison had met Minerva’s father on exactly two occasions.

The first had been when he’d asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. It had been clear that the Viscount had wished to refuse, and Harrison had understood why. No decent man wanted to give his daughter to a fellow with his reputation, and of a lower rank than he had wanted.

The second time they met had been at the wedding—a strained affair, with only her father, brothers and sisters-in-law in attendance.

But it had been only natural for it to be uncomfortable since he was a stranger to them.

Entering Rivenhall tonight had been different. He’d been warmly welcomed, treated informally, as a member of the family would be.

He could scarcely believe it. The last thing he was accustomed to from any family was warmth.

If it had only been Minerva’s family in attendance he’d actually have enjoyed the evening.

That was far from the case. There had to be three dozen or more guests, invited to celebrate his and Minerva’s marriage.

Whether the reason they were there was to celebrate or to indulge in curiosity, who could say?

But, given what he knew of some of them, he guessed it was the second reason.

Dinner went well enough. And Minerva made a point of showing him affection.

If she noticed the occasional sly glance sent their way, she countered it with a kiss to his check or by sliding her hand into his.

Anyone would think she was smitten with him. Only he knew it was all for show. To convince people she hadn’t been coerced into marriage. That she had not, in fact, been compromised.

His new sister-in-law, Evie, must know the reason for their marriage. She and Min were close friends, so they would be privy to one another’s secrets.

But even knowing the truth, Evie still accepted him as part of the family.

The Grant family was as different from his own as could be. The Tremaynes didn’t welcome anyone—especially each other.

Watching Minerva moving about the large drawing room, where they had retired after dinner, chatting easily with guests, he thought she looked as happy as a little red bird in her beautiful ruby gown.

Seeing her so easy amongst these people made him wonder idly if she might even manage to change people’s minds about the Tremayne family name. Transform it from sordid to being above reproach.

He shook his head at the fanciful notion. Nobody and nothing could do that.

It was still a surprise to find that he was enjoying the evening.

For the most part.

There was an element to it, however, which disturbed him.

It had to do with Minerva’s beauty...her outgoing charm. And he wasn’t the only man here who’d noticed it. Some dandy was flirting with her, even with him standing beside her!

But his wife was a lady of honour, who wouldn’t betray her wedding vows as Juliette had so easily betrayed their engagement all those years ago.

He reminded himself of that whenever a man cast an interested gaze at her.

Which was unnervingly often.

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