Redeeming Lord Nash: A Regency Era Romance (The Hope Clinic Book 5) by Trisha Messmer

Author:Trisha Messmer [Messmer, Trisha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PAK Publishing
Published: 2023-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18—EXPECTATIONS

Excitement bubbled in the air of Harry’s ducal manse the afternoon of the ball, and Adalyn found the energy palpable.

Harry had closed the clinic early, insisting Adalyn rest before the festivities. “English balls last well into the wee hours of the morning, Adalyn. Some guests don’t return home until they’ve broken their fast here.”

After a light meal, she tried to read, but her mind raced, the thought of dancing with Nash too enticing a prospect. Perhaps he’d even request a waltz.

His abrupt departure at Vauxhall Gardens eight days prior had been the last she’d seen of him. Granted, at first his absence gave her time to ponder his behavior toward Margaret. If she’d only known Maggie hadn’t invited him to the ball, she wouldn’t have mentioned it. Had he truly meant to embarrass Maggie by pointing out the apparent slight? She played his words back repeatedly, trying desperately to remember his tone, but there was something in his eyes, a flash of regret or apology that convinced her he meant the duchess no harm. Instead, his intended target had to have been Harry.

However, Nash was not the only gentleman to occupy her thoughts. Victor Pratt had called twice. Thankfully, she had been at the clinic, but the servants relayed his disappointment that he’d missed her. Flowers followed accompanied by notes requesting she accompany him to several of the remaining social events of the Season.

Again, Priscilla expressed concern over her brother’s growing affection, reminding Adalyn of her promise to let him down gently. Even without Priscilla’s urging, Adalyn knew she had to take action.

Of course, it didn’t help that both Harry and Margaret seemed to approve of, and even encouraged Victor’s attentions. Margaret had thrice suggested they invite him to dinner. Victor Pratt was exactly the type of man she should want as a husband.

Kind, generous, cheerful, with a passion for something other than cards and horses, not to mention he was exceptionally good looking.

All that being said, even if Adalyn could force her heart to feel something more than friendship for Victor, if he truly knew her and her secrets, he would most likely sever their relationship quickly and permanently. Even if she desired him as a husband, he would not want her as a wife.

Would the same thing would be true for Lord Nash? Her mind drifted back to their exchange at the art gallery and the feeling that he saw beneath the surface into the dark recesses of her soul and did not recoil in disgust.

She brushed that thought aside, realizing it was a fanciful whim. Her plans to return to Boston with her father prevented anything of a lasting nature with either Victor Pratt or Lord Nash.

Unable to concentrate, she put her book down and entered the hallway, hoping to find something to occupy herself and her recalcitrant thoughts.

Servants bustled about, dedicated to achieving perfection down to the tiniest detail. Crystal vases placed strategically around the house held vibrant, fresh-cut flowers, their fragrances bringing a bit of summer inside.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.