The Rake's Vow by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: sex, historical romance, regency, regency romance, scandal, marriage of convenience, rake, virgin bride, vow of celibacy

Chapter Thirteen

After the wedding breakfast, Loretta, her brothers, and the members of Ladies of Grace were gathered in the drawing room of Tad’s townhouse.

Tad never thought he’d see the day when he was officially a married gentleman. Even when he was a rake, he had no inclination to marry anyone. He’d made that clear to every lady he got involved with. All of them said they understood, and for the most part, he hadn’t had any trouble when it came time to move on to another lady.

The only one who’d been unable to move on had been Ellen. He should have paid attention when one of his acquaintances had warned him she was falling in love with him. But she had assured him she wasn’t, and like a fool, he had believed her.

He had to keep forcing the memories of her aside so he wouldn’t regret this marriage. He meant what he’d told Loretta. He needed the money. She was helping him out in ways she could never imagine. He just hoped that he wasn’t unwittingly setting her up for disaster. But he hadn’t been aware he’d done that to Ellen. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt another person.

“You’re being unusually quiet this morning,” Brad said as he approached him.

Thankfully, Stephen wasn’t nearby, or else he’d probably spout off some comment about Tad regretting his vows already. But Tad wasn’t. He liked Loretta. She was sincere. She meant what she said. It was a rare quality. She was the first person he’d come across in a long time who didn’t make him feel like he had to put on a pretense of being someone he wasn’t.

“I’m just thinking of the marriage. I’m a fortunate gentleman to be married to your sister,” Tad said.

“She’s done a lot of changing over the past couple of months,” Brad replied. “I hardly even recognize her. I mean that as a good thing, of course.”

“I know you do.”

Not too far from them, Loretta was standing with Celia, Lady Eloise, and the other ladies who belonged to the group. If he was right, they were discussing one of their upcoming social engagements.

He didn’t know if it was because Loretta was secure in her standing in the group or if it was because this was her special day—and brides typically looked their best at their weddings—but he thought there was a certain radiance in her face that hadn’t been there before.

“We can go to the bank and transfer the rest of Loretta’s dowry to your account whenever you’re ready,” Brad said.

Tad turned his attention back to her brother. “You’re every bit a businessman, aren’t you?”

“I like to keep my word, and the sooner we do the transfer, the sooner I will have followed through on my promise,” Brad replied.

“Tomorrow will be soon enough. Today is the wedding. It’s a festive occasion. Everyone should be enjoying themselves.”

“I could say the same thing about you. You seem like something is troubling you. I thought it was the matter of her dowry.

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