The Rake Takes a Wife by Aileen Fish

Author:Aileen Fish [Fish, Aileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

6

THE RAKE TAKES A WIFE

The next afternoon, Jonas found exactly what he’d hoped for when he entered his aunt’s library. Miss Hallewell sat alone, curled in the window seat with a book in her hands. He cleared his throat, then smiled when she jumped.

“Oh, I didn’t hear you come in,” she said with a small laugh as her cheeks turned pink.

“I didn’t want to disturb you. That must be a very good book.”

“It is. Narrative Poems on the Female Character. I found it on the shelves.”

He crossed the room, holding up the novel in his hand. “I found the romance you suggested to me, Radcliffe’s The Italian. shall begin reading it this very night.” Laying the book on a small table, he continued. “I must discuss something with my aunt, but I wondered if you would care to walk with me when I am finished?”

“That would be pleasant. I’ll go change.” She marked her place in her book and slipped from the room.

After concluding his business with his aunt, Jonas found Miss Hallewell awaiting him, dressed in a lovely apple green walking gown with elaborate handwork at the hem. Her boots and gloves were a matching shade of green. A feathered hat perched precariously on her brown curls. He knew it to be a new purchase, as she’d worn nothing so fancy during her stay in Great Yarmouth. He warmed with satisfaction at having played a part in allowing her to purchase some fashionable gowns. Her beauty deserved to be enhanced by the finest things.

If only she’d give him the chance to see to it she always wore such finery.

She took his arm as they walked down the street. Her bonnet hid her face from him, but he loved the look of her on his arm. Passersby would read his grin and think him a fool. He didn’t care. “Tell me, have you seen all the sights here in Town? Have you tasted the ices at Gunter’s and bought perfume at Faro’s?”

“Yes, Mama and I have enjoyed the ices several times, but I’ve not shopped for extravagances like perfumes. My cologne from home suits me well enough.”

He remembered the light fragrance of honeysuckle that followed behind her when she walked through a room at Three Gables, and had to agree it suited her. “And what was your favorite flavor of ice?”

Her head tipped to one side and she chewed her lower lip. “It’s between maple and lavender. I hadn’t expected to enjoy the latter, but I did.”

He wished he could ask the real questions, such as what she hoped for in a marriage. How could he convince her they suited if he didn’t know what she sought? It seemed an impertinent question, however, and probably not one she’d appreciate. Instead, he asked after her brother.

“I had a letter from him just this week. He’s had a slight wound to his arm and is recuperating in camp. He’s uncertain if he’ll stay on when his enlistment is finished.”

“He was saying as much when I sold my commission after Sir Waldo grew ill.

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