The Brambleberry Bride by Hayley Ann Solomon

Author:Hayley Ann Solomon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: eKensington
Published: 2012-12-03T16:00:00+00:00

SIX

Dinner was a strange affair, for Lord Waverly was not used to being surrounded by a bevy of females, all of whom—except, perhaps, the more reticent Miss Richmond—were eyeing him with lively interest. Anastasia must have hinted to Miss Townsend of what was about to occur, for that young lady by no means sported the pallor and die-away airs that Lord Waverley had fully expected. Indeed, she tucked into the lobster with gusto, announced herself “very pleased indeed” to make the viscount’s acquaintance, and proceeded to surreptitously dig Anastasia in the ribs on every occasion that he happened to glance at her.

Anastasia, on the other hand, was far quieter, her lovely gray eyes sparkling with just the hint of tears. The viscount had the peculiar desire to damn the company to perdition, take her in his arms, and kiss her tears away. He was certain that she was now beset with uncertainties, doubting his intentions, wondering, perhaps, why he should have taken so bold a step. He had surprised himself—it was only natural that she, too, should be astonished. He hoped that reassurance was all the lady needed. The uncomfortable thought had just struck him that he had never given her a chance to say no, for in his desire to knock the wind out of Lady Richmond’s blustering sails, he had announced his intentions as a fait accompli.

“May I say something?”

“No, Anastasia, you may not. Leave all the details to me, if you please!” Lady Richmond picked up a gilded spoon and turned to Lord Waverley on her right. “Oh, you have no notion of how I have longed for such an event! Anastasia is forever reminding me of the time you rescued her from her poor pony . . .”

Anastasia blushed crimson and stared at her plate. The viscount, a little amused, glanced her way but failed entirely to catch her eye. Miss Townsend, however, was indignant.

“I thought you said yesterday that it was Captain Ralston who had rescued her.”

“Bertram? What nonsense! The whole matter was his fault. I recall it perfectly.”

Vivienne giggled, in high spirits. “I declare, Lady Richmond, you jest! Yesterday it was most certainly—”

“Miss Townsend! Do you not have any chores to occupy yourself with?” Lady Richmond frowned at her crossly and set down her spoon. “Do take yourself off, and Anastasia too, if you please! The viscount and I have much to talk about.”

Vivienne gestured to Anastasia and they both made their curtsies, despite Lord Waverley’s earnest urging of them to stay.

Lady Richmond then held him in her thrall so long that he began seriously to doubt his actions. What could have possessed him to make so rash an offer? He, who had forsworn womankind, to propose marriage when he’d had no more pressing thought in his head than to buy the young woman off. He must have been seized by a sudden passing dementia! Not that Miss Richmond was not very comely in her own way, and he found, to his surprise, that her slight, lilting lisp was rather more attractive than off-putting.

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