The Hopeless Hoyden by Bennett Margaret

Author:Bennett, Margaret [Bennett, Margaret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Margaret Anne Bennett Feuerbacher
Published: 2012-10-09T00:00:00+00:00

Then she used one satin slippered foot to close the door in their disgruntled faces.

###

Sailing into her room, Deborah turned on her brother who had followed her and charged, “If you had not made a fuss, we would not be in this predicament."

Languidly, Cecil moved over to the fireplace where he took up a position, folding his arms and propping one shoulder against the mantle. He eyed her through half-closed eyelids.

“What if they do marry?" Deborah complained. “We will have double the worry."

“We've more immediate problems, dear sister," he drawled with a sneer. “That ill-bred hoyden practically attacked him this afternoon. As randy as she is, they must be prevented from spending any time alone, or the heir apparent may well be conceived before the vicar blesses their union."

Deborah had been pacing the room, kicking the soft swirl of her crepe gown behind her, but at his words plopped down on a chaise lounge. “What can be done?"

“For one thing, Anslow must act soon. We can't afford to wait. I shall see him tonight. And you, my devoted sibling, will commence to babysit the little slut. Keep her within your sights at all times. Those two must not be left alone for a minute."

“But what will it matter if she is enceinte and he dies?" She posed the question with a hopeful glint in her eyes. “Bastards do not inherit.”

“True, it would come to nothing. However, should anything actually occur between the two of them, I wouldn't put it past our honorable cousin to obtain a special license and wed the chit out of hand." He pushed off the fireplace and in three strides loomed over her, his cold black eyes boring into hers. “You'd better make damn sure nothing untoward occurs."

“Honestly, Cecil, you ask too much," Deborah laughed nervously, letting her eyes slide to her hands clenched in her lap. “I positively detest the girl. Besides, I cannot possibly watch her throughout the night?"

Cecil reached down and grabbed Deborah's chin, forcing her face up toward his own. “Make no mistake, dear sister, should you fail, we are completely undone. Neither that dandy Ellison or the buffoon Freddy are likely to make you an offer," he spat out contemptuously. “No, sister, it will be that old Scottish laird, Angus MacLeod, and his five thousand pounds per year for you.”

###

Gabriel blinked at the early sun streaming through the opened window. Blinded as the light fell across his face, he rolled over on his back and let his mind review the events of the previous evening. He remembered a fleeting moment or two when his plans for a bachelor's existence surfaced and his cravat had felt binding as the noose of marital bonds tightened. On the other hand, his wood sprite had looked so adorable in her empire waisted gown, caught up under her bosom with a wide gold embroidered sash. But then he smiled as she'd given him reason to live again. Life without her appeared a bleak and empty prospect.

And he'd found it impossible to keep his hands off her.

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