Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls

Author:Elizabeth Rolls
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Published: 2009-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

The book on manures failed to engage him. Bad enough having to worry about Jane Roberts and Nan. Like it or not, they were his responsibility. He had to find a better solution for them that Jane could accept.

And now Serena! Widows are not subject to the same considerations as young girls…hell’s teeth, he knew that. None better. But…Serena? He just couldn’t picture it—Serena taking a lover. And she was crippled! The doctors had spelt out the risks of another pregnancy after her accident. That was why…of course there were other possibilities, ways of giving and receiving pleasure, but…His cheeks scorched. Damn it! This was Serena! His stepmother!

Pushing these thoughts aside, he forced his attention back to his book and began taking notes. He had not made much progress before there was a knock on the door.

‘Come in,’ he said.

The door opened to admit Miss Daventry. Another, even more disturbing distraction. Whatever she wanted, he doubted it was to tell him that she had thought the better of her refusal to become his mistress. Meeting Nan Roberts would have settled that.

He laid down his pen, ignoring the immediate distraction in his breeches. ‘Yes, ma’am?’

‘If you have a moment, my lord, I wish to discuss Alicia with you.’

He repressed the urge to swear. ‘Very well. Leave the door open.’

She flushed. ‘If you wish. I do not doubt your word, my lord.’

He shrugged. ‘Better safe than sorry.’ He gestured to a chair. ‘Please be seated and tell me what is troubling you.’

He listened in growing anger. ‘You believe a meeting was planned?’

‘Yes. They could have arranged it yesterday when she walked to the village with Matthew and Emma. A brief meeting in public—neither Matthew nor Emma would have thought anything of it.’

‘Damn your brother!’ said Julian furiously. ‘He must have told her that he would be passing and cozened her into the meeting! Of all the dishonourable—’

‘She agreed!’ Miss Daventry replied. ‘And Harry’s intentions are perfectly honourable!’ she went on. ‘Which is more than I can say—’ She broke off, her face crimson.

Julian snorted. ‘I’d be better pleased if his intentions weren’t honourable. Lissy wouldn’t be such a little fool as to fall for that!’

‘Thank you.’ Shards of ice splintered in her voice.

He realised belatedly that he had expressed himself badly. Very badly.

‘The cases are different, Miss Daventry.’ Hell! That sounded even worse, and, judging by her narrowed eyes and flat mouth, Miss Daventry concurred.

‘Quite, my lord. I have no aristocratic family to disgrace, do I?’

‘No! That is…damn it! That is not what I meant at all!’ he said, aware that he was digging an abyss. ‘Lissy is my sister; I’m supposed to protect her!’

‘But your protective instincts don’t extend to other men’s sisters.’ She looked at him directly. ‘Or wives. It doesn’t matter to you that the consequences for a woman who becomes your mistress might be as disastrous for her as for Alicia if she marries unwisely.’

‘Did you just call me a hypocrite?’

Silence hung quivering. Would she attempt to wriggle off the hook? Back down and apologise?

Her chin went up.

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