The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

Author:Sarah M. Eden [Eden, Sarah M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781608612604
Amazon: B004HD6E42
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Published: 2011-01-02T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Lizzie dragged her poor husband to Crispin’s sitting room the next morning in an attempt to further her plot regarding Catherine’s future with Crispin’s best friend. In response to his sister’s continued attachment to such an ill-conceived idea, Crispin quickly and conveniently related a very detailed accounting of every reason in existence that the two would not suit. Truth be known, he’d spent most of the previous night accumulating the list. He’d thought back on every childhood misdeed he and Philip had undertaken during their Eton years, conveniently leaving out his own involvement. He knew enough of his friend’s past to convince Philip’s mother to denounce him. Perhaps not quite that much, but certainly a sufficient amount to dissuade Lizzie.

“And Philip is a dandy of the worst sort.”

“I think you’re doing it a bit brown,” Edward said.

“I am not. He would make her a terrible husband.”

“He can’t possibly be worse than the husband she has now.” If Lizzie hadn’t been grinning just like an obnoxious younger sister would when ribbing her brother, Crispin might have given her a piece of his mind.

“Your plan is ridiculous,” Crispin said. “Her husband, who the gossips are convinced couldn’t possibly care less about her, is bandying her about to his friends as a possible wife. She would be married, unmarried, and remarried all in the course of a short few months. No amount of rank could save her reputation after that.”

“You do not know that for sure. And even if she lost some standing, at least Catherine would have someplace to turn in her time of need.”

Turn to Philip? And why couldn’t she turn to me?

“Philip is a good sort of fellow,” Edward said. “He would be good for her.”

“Et tu, Edward?”

The man had the audacity to grin, an expression that clearly covered a desire to laugh at him. “Is there some reason you object to Philip’s courting our sweet Catherine?”

The only reason he would admit to he voiced. “Catherine has already been forced into one marriage. I can’t feel good about wrangling her into another.”

“I am not suggesting you literally shackle her to him.” Lizzie rolled her eyes heavenward. “Merely introduce them and let nature run its course.”

“Perhaps if we introduced them in a garden,” Edward suggested.

“Perfect.” Lizzie clapped her hands together in obvious glee. “Philip could kiss her quite soundly and they’d be married in no time.”

“Are you two done?” Crispin had seldom been less amused.

“Everything will work out splendidly,” Lizzie said. “You’ll see.”

The library door opened and Catherine stepped inside. Her gaze settled on his face. Lud, she was crying. Crispin’s stomach twisted at the sight. What had happened? And why was he suddenly convinced he was at fault?

Seemingly oblivious to the others’ presence, Catherine rushed to where he stood near the fireplace and held out an opened letter. He didn’t recognize the handwriting. Indeed, he could hardly make it out. After much effort he deciphered the chicken scratch.

Niece,

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