The Infamous Bride by Kelly McClymer

Author:Kelly McClymer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction Romance Historical Victorian
Publisher: Kelly McClymer
Published: 2011-08-16T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Susannah made a sound of exasperation. "I don't care a bit that my connection with you and your scandal make me an unsuitable bride for an English lord."

He could see that she meant every word she said.

In some ways, his transgression had diverted Annabel from her plans for Susannah in a way that nothing else could have. "You got your way without having to tip your hand. I think you owe me. Perhaps you can say a word in my defense to Father." He tried to hide his own misery under affectionate teasing.

"Of course I will," she promised before flitting off to say farewell to yet another friend she had made during her time in London. He expected she would be sending shiploads of correspondence across the ocean. His father would complain about the unnecessary cost, no doubt.

Father. R.J. would not want Susannah to know how much he dreaded the coming meeting between Jonathan Hopkins and Juliet. True, Juliet was not a dark-haired Italian woman, but her flirtatious behavior was akin to his mother's own behavior toward his father. He could only hope he could curtail her vibrancy enough to make living in the household together bearable.

He already knew he did not have Annabel's support in this effort. His stepmother had made it abundantly clear that she had no patience, either, for his new bride or his foolish lack of discretion.

Curtailing Juliet's impulsive nature was already proving to be troublesome. He reminded himself she had a loving nature, if a bit impetuous. She was leaving her family behind, she was bound to miss them.

Surely his father would see her good points. After all, she had been one of the most courted young women in London. He sighed. If Juliet, who had won the hearts of so many suitors, could win his father's respect, perhaps any damage would be quickly repaired.

Perhaps his father would trust him again. Perhaps. But what a task it would be. He could not afford to slip, to cause another indiscretion.

The duchess approached him with an air of concern. "Have you seen Juliet?"

"She went to visit the schoolroom one last time, I believe." He saw no reason to lie to her sister. Surely she knew Juliet better than he. She would know what to make of his bride's odd mood.

She nodded. "I remember how desolate I was to leave my sisters and brother behind when I married Simon." Sadness shadowed her gaze for a moment. "Of course, I did not go an ocean away."

"We will visit, I promise." R.J. determined, even as he made the promise, that he would convince his father to further his interests in England. Juliet must see her family at least once a year. "And certainly you and the duke will be welcome in my home." When he had secured one. As a bachelor, it had been expedient to remain in his father's home. But now? He must begin his own household. The thought of Juliet choosing a home, furnishings, servants, pleased and terrified him at once.

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