The Rebellious Heiress by Karla Darcy

Author:Karla Darcy [Darcy, Karla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Well, my dear, I must agree with Tristram in this instance,” Lady Wyndham said. “I see absolutely no reason for you to leave. You do not wish to live in the shadow of fear. It would be much too wearing on your constitution. You will live here as our guest, a visitor just like Prudence. I must insist you use your proper name. We might even put it about that you are some sort of relative. Far removed naturally so you need not be aware of any family history. After all, Bella, here we can offer you our protection. No one would dare offend Wyndham,” she concluded archly.

“I do not like to impose,” Bella said, still not completely comfortable with her situation.

“Fustian!” Lady Wyndham snapped. “I quite enjoy having young people about. We all get on well and I see no reason to change the status quo.”

“Even your cousin approved of the idea, Bella,” Prue said. “He did, didn’t he, Tristram?”

“The young cub fair leaped at the idea.” Tristram grinned across at Bella, his eyes alight. “I cannot imagine why he should be so set against the marriage. You must have plagued him when you were a child.”

“I did not!” Her face pinked at some of her memories. “All right I will admit that I did insist we play according to my rules. But that was when I was very young. In the last years we have got on quite well. We spent most of our time on horseback, prowling around the estate. If truth be told, I believe Woodie would prefer the estate to the excitements of London. I think he stayed away from Mallory because Uncle Derwent was there.”

“Is he so dependent on his father?” Tristram asked.

“I don’t really think so.” Bella squinched her forehead trying to remember all that she had heard. “There was some talk about the fact he had his own money. I think it came from his mother’s family. He is not really my cousin. Aunt Emma is his stepmother. I think he is afraid to cross his father.”

“Well, for the moment I have assured him that he need not fear a forced marriage. He is pleased that you are safe. In actual fact the nodcock is terrified of your displeasure. For all your bullying, he is quite fond of you.”

Bella made a moue of annoyance at Tristram’s words, but spoiled the effect as she felt a bubble of amusement well up inside. She could not hold back a giggle and smiled when she saw an echo of amusement in his bright blue eyes. She loved it when he found something to be humorous. His face lit up and lost the severe expression he usually wore. His mouth was made for smiling. His finely chiseled lips.... . Bella dropped her eyes to her lap, feeling a rush of heat rising to her cheeks as she remembered the feel of Tristram’s lips on hers. She was grateful when Lady Wyndham stamped her walking stick for attention.

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