Not an Heiress by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown [Brown, Leenie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leenie B Books

Chapter 6

Richard refolded his letter and slipped it into his pocket. Then, with a last check of his jacket, he exited his room and, after pausing to listen at Mary’s door, descended the stairs two at a time. How had she gotten ready so quickly? He had not dawdled at his task. He had been as quick as he could be. Ladies were not supposed to be quick at getting ready, were they? His mother never was.

Richard stood at an angle to the sitting room door and at a distance from which he hoped none would see him. There she was, seated on a settee, hands properly folded, back straight, and the smallest bit of the right corner of her bottom lip held between her teeth. As unpleasant as he imagined the upcoming meeting to be for himself, he assumed it would be worse for her. He had been scolded numerous times by his aunt — several of those times were purposefully caused. Mary, on the other hand, prized propriety, and, he doubted, was rarely the receiver of a reprimand, although he had heard her give many.

She turned her head just then, and he stepped into view. Her lips curled in pleasure to see him and her features relaxed. He drew and expelled a deep breath, and then strode into the room and took the seat next to her.

“It is so very kind of you to free your schedule to join us, Richard.” Lady Catherine’s voice dripped with sarcasm, and a slight smile graced her lips.

Richard looked at the tin of biscuits that sat on a table next to the settee. “I see Darcy delivered my message. It is not as good as a breakfast, but it will do until I can find one.” He plucked up a morsel and popped it into his mouth.

“Tea has been ordered.” Lady Catherine shook her head and chuckled. Richard had never been one to be intimidated by much. It was a quality that would do him well in the political arena.

“That is most appreciated,” Richard replied with a grin.

“While we wait,” Lady Catherine continued, “we might as well get on with the necessary business.”

Richard took another biscuit. “Do we have business to discuss?”

“I will thank you not to be impertinent,” Lady Catherine snapped, and Richard nodded his acceptance. “It has come to my attention that a situation of a delicate nature has occurred.”

“You mean,” said Richard, “the one you created?”

Lady Catherine’s eyes widened slightly.

“I am not angry,” Richard assured. “However, I do not see a need to gallop around the pond to the left when the thing we need is on the right.” He smiled at the confused look on his aunt’s face. “I have not had my breakfast or a proper cup of tea, so the direct approach will clear the air much more quickly.”

“Yes, I suppose that is true,” Lady Catherine admitted.

“I have asked Miss Mary to marry me, and she has accepted.” He rose to leave. “I think that concludes our business.

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