Love Reclaimed by Sorcha Mowbray

Author:Sorcha Mowbray
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: The Market Series
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Published: 2013-03-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Jonathan climbed down from his phaeton and cringed. His entire body ached from his exploits with Marie the night before. Of course, she would never know that little truth. Bad enough she teased him about being old, heaven forbid she discovered the truth of those words. Straightening up to his full height, he tossed a coin to the boy holding his reins and climbed the steps to the overstated abode of Sir and Lady Blackstone. A baronet, he sought to have his daughter marry up both in title and wealth, which made Jonathan a good prospect.

Not the best prospect possible, but they were happy to have him noticing their daughter who had otherwise been languishing in relative obscurity. He rapped a smart tattoo on the door with the knocker and waited for the portal to open. A gray-haired, stout man dressed in simple black garb greeted him at the door.

“I’m here to collect Miss Blackstone for our outing.” Jonathan presented his calling card.

Taking the small square, the stoic man peered at the print and nodded. “Very good, my Lord.”

Stepping into the dim foyer, Jonathan paused to let his eyes adjust as the butler closed the door.

“This way please.”

Jonathan followed the servant into a garish parlor. Putrid green upholstery clashed with the decidedly blood-red walls, all of which was punctuated by spots of mustard fabric. The nightmare kaleidoscope was enough to put a man off eating. He shut his eyes against the visual assault as he waited for Miss Felicia Blackstone to join him. With any luck she would arrive with a promptness that failed most women.

“Good afternoon, Baron Heartfield.” Her soft voice served as a balm to his soul. He would be able to depart the torturous salon forthwith.

“And to you, Miss Blackstone. Are you ready for our drive?” He stepped toward her and escape.

“Mother thought we should have tea before we departed.” She stared at the floor, but could it be out of shyness, submissiveness, or to spare her daily punished eyes?

Dear God! Tea in the front parlor? He’d rather be drawn and quartered. “It’s a warm day. I thought we might stop by Gunter’s for an ice.”

Her face brightened as she raised her eyes. “Oh, that would be lovely. I am sure mother will understand.”

“Excellent, shall we?” He held his arm out for her while she rested her hand on his elbow with a delicate touch.

A short while later they sat on Berkley Square in the shade of the Plane trees, with their maple-like leaves. “How is your ice?”

“The lavender ice is delicious. How is the chocolate?”

“Very good.”

Silence reigned. Jonathan tried very hard not to dwell on the notion that if Marie sat at his side they would be chatting away as the old friends they were. Instead, he sat with a young woman whose intelligent eyes hinted at far more than her demure bearing offered.

“Have you been to the latest exhibit at the British Museum? There are some wonderful antiquities on display.”

“No, Mother and Father fear I will become too bookish should I entertain such pursuits.

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