Secret Pleasures by Cheryl Howe

Author:Cheryl Howe [Howe, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Amazon: B009P6HRS8
Publisher: Cheryl Howe
Published: 2012-10-09T21:00:00+00:00

Darien stood from the piano the moment Henry Maddox headed directly for his nephew. Instead of hopping over the piano bench, his first impulse, Darien skirted the obstacle, intending to put himself between the two men.

“You are to perform the wedding. Is that correct?” Maddox rudely assessed Robert from head to toe.

“Yes. That is correct.” Robert agreed flatly.

Mrs. Maddox rushed to stand beside her husband.

“This is Reverend Fitzgerald. He is Mrs. Fitzgerald’s son, and nephew to the earl. He has recently been made a bishop so we are honored to have him join us tonight.”

“Yes, yes.” Henry Maddox shook off his wife’s grip. “I know who he is. He looks fresh from the nursery but if he’s ordained I suppose he’ll do. I heard you were opening the church on the grounds. Is it done?”

“A few pews have wood rot and there is a leak in the ceiling. The stained glass is broken, but I suppose it is passable if you care to visit the sanctuary.” Robert ignored Darien, who glared at Maddox from his side.

“I hope you have a uniform or robes for the ceremony.” Maddox eyed Robert’s perfectly tailored black eveningwear as if he wore beggar’s rags.

“I have all the appropriate vestments. I assure you, I am quite capable of performing your daughter’s ceremony.”

Henry nodded, not noticing—or caring—that Robert practically ground out his words. Mrs. Maddox, on the other hand, paled considerably. She no doubt knew where her daughter’s true affections lay.

“Very well, then. There has been a change in plans.” Maddox cleared his throat and Darien realized that Henry was ignoring him, too.

“Oh, no, Henry,” Mrs. Maddox cried. “The printer will not have time to make any further changes to the program.”

“Better that than not to see your daughter properly married. The wedding will take place tomorrow.”

Robert’s face reddened and his lips paled.

“But Arianna’s dress needs two more fittings, at least.” Mrs. Maddox’s agitated voice rang like a bell over the sudden hush that fell over the room.

“I don’t give a bloody damn about the dress. I have had enough putting up with this riff-raff.” He nodded at Darien and then jerked his head in Ivy’s direction. “Arianna will be Lady Westhaven before noon tomorrow and that’s the end of it.”

There was a sob from a gaming table and to Darien’s shock, he discovered Lily wrapping her arms around Arianna. Robert’s gaze was pulled in their direction. He blinked, then turned stiffly back to Maddox. For the briefest of moments, Darien thought Robert was going to punch Maddox in the face.

Maddox must have thought so, too, because he braced himself. When Robert stood motionless, his face completely blank, Maddox sneered then strode away to pour himself a drink.

Robert remained frozen in place, no doubt hearing Arianna’s soft cries in the far corner. Mrs. Maddox had slipped into the chair recently occupied by Lily. Melodic female chatter and wide satin skirts surrounded Arianna. The women closed ranks, blocking the miserable bride from further speculation.

Darien poured himself a whiskey, his first one tonight, and eyed Maddox.

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