The Prince's Bride by Julianne MacLean

Author:Julianne MacLean
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, Regency, Historical, Erotica, General
ISBN: 9780312552817
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2013-04-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“We met at a ball in Paris,” Nicholas explained, “where your daughter lured me into a coach, fed me enough laudanum to knock me unconscious for hours, then delivered me to d’Entremont Manor, where I eventually learned that my presence was urgently required by the marquis.”

Montagne’s head drew back in shock, and he laughed. “Surely you jest! She was visiting her aunt, sir. Why in the world would she do anything like that?”

“Because the marquis needed to ensure my prompt arrival at his home, and Véronique was willing to accept the task of delivering me there, for she wanted something from d’Entremont in return. I am sure you know what that is.” He regarded Montagne with unwavering scrutiny and a look of warning, which encouraged him to speak truthfully.

“She did it in exchange for money?” the man asked.

“Not money,” Nicholas replied. “She wanted the deed to this property, and I am pleased to inform you that she has acquired it. From me.”

“From you.” The chair creaked as Montagne shifted uneasily. “Why would you have it? Did you purchase it from d’Entremont? Or perhaps you won it in a card game,” he added bitterly.

“Neither is accurate, sir, for I have inherited all of the marquis’s properties and assets, including d’Entremont Manor, which brings me to the unfortunate news that Lord d’Entremont passed away only yesterday. There is to be a funeral in a few days’ time, and I shall be returning for that.”

Montagne shook his head. “I do not understand. You said that Véronique acquired this property from you. Why would you give it to her? She has no money. She could not have purchased it.” He slouched back in his chair and buried his forehead in a hand. “Oh, good Lord. Please do not tell me that she compromised her honor. I would never forgive myself.”

Nicholas quickly leaned forward. “Not at all, sir. You have every reason to be proud of your daughter. Both your daughters. Despite our tumultuous beginnings, they were exceedingly helpful to me at d’Entremont Manor, and I wished to repay their kindness and fulfill the promises that d’Entremont had made to them. That is why I have signed the deed over to you. We will require a solicitor to witness the transaction, of course, and make sure everything is properly and legally transferred. But there is more,” he added, charging forward with surprising vigor.

“What more could there possibly be?” Montagne asked, his lips parting in wonder.

Nicholas gave him time to prepare. “I wish to marry your daughter,” he said at last.

Montagne covered his mouth with a hand. “Good God. Which one?”

“Your eldest. Véronique.”

The man’s jaw fell open and he stared blankly at Nicholas, then looked around the study as if to ensure he was not dreaming, that all of this was really happening.

“Are you truly Prince Nicholas of Petersbourg?” he asked in disbelief. “The country? I do not understand how this can be real.”

Nicholas found himself somehow charmed by the man’s humility, and almost wanted to laugh and smack him firmly on the back to help him get the news down.

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