Sweet Bargain by Kate Moore

Author:Kate Moore [Moore, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Jane Austen, hampshire, pride and prejudice, trout fishing, austen romance
ISBN: 9780380770564
Publisher: Avon
Published: 1992-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

LOUISA GASPED, ELLEN wailed, Darlington muttered something under his breath, and Fanny looked down her nose. But Nick concentrated on the slight shiver of the girl in his arms, and tightened his hold.

It was madness to make a public claim to Bel Shaw, one she herself would soon deny or her parents disallow. But her kiss had stirred him to madness. His generous intention of releasing her from their bargain had dissolved in the sweetness of her response. Even now his heart beat wildly, and he ached to press his body to hers.

He stared at the shocked faces across from him. How much did they guess? Ellen and Louisa looked genuinely perplexed, but Darlington and Fanny Shaw seemed to be measuring him for any weakness.

"I suppose congratulations are in order, Haverly," said Darlington. "Will you be making a general announcement?"

"Do," said Fanny. "There is nothing like an announcement of this kind to liven a ball."

"We had not thought to speak tonight," said Bel, and Nick felt a thrill that she had not denied his story.

"Why not speak tonight?" said Darlington. "The evening is perfect for it. The month of Hymen and Midsummer's Eve to boot."

He looked directly at Nick, as if daring him to refuse. Nick thought it would give him particular satisfaction to smash his fist into the other man's face.

"You have set a date?" said Fanny. "The sooner the better, I suppose."

"Fanny!" cried Louisa.

"Well, I simply mean that if they are going to have clandestine meetings and behave in such a way, they will get themselves and all the Shaws talked about."

"I have no objection to a public announcement," said Nick. He ignored a faint "Oh" from Bel. "But I insist on an apology from Mr. Darlington first—for implying there was any impropriety in Miss Shaw's behavior."

"An apology from me when you ..." The big man took a step forward, then stopped abruptly, his fists raised and looking oddly spectral in white evening gloves. Nick steadied Bel and stepped away from her, facing the other man. He let his own hands hang loose and ready at his side as Farre had taught him. "Let the other fellow make the first mistake," Farre had said.

Nick looked steadily at his opponent. The silence lengthened until the hum of insects droned in his ears.

Then Darlington lowered his hands. "Miss Shaw," he said, "I apologize for any offense I might have given."

"Apology accepted, Mr. Darlington," said Bel.

Nick nodded.

"Ladies," Darlington said, turning to the others, "may I escort you back to the hall?"

Nick followed at a distance with Bel. Except for one or two sniffles from Ellen the party was silent, and there was no chance for him to offer an apology of his own to the girl he had embroiled in scandal. He could feel the tightness of her body next to his. When they reached the entrance to the hall, Nick turned to her, hoping for a private word under cover of the music and talk, but she spoke first.

"Please," she said, "we must find my parents.

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