The Rogue Steals a Bride by Amelia Grey

Author:Amelia Grey [Grey, Amelia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9781402239779
Goodreads: 15942600
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published: 2013-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

Fourteen

There is no instinct like that of the heart.

—Lord Byron

Matson stood on the bank of the Serpentine, watching the carriage pathway that led down to the man-made lake that was fed by the River Westbourne. A brisk wind carrying a late-afternoon chill whistled past his ears, but the waters of the lake had remained relatively calm. The solid wall of gray sky threatened rain, though so far not a single raindrop had fallen.

He hadn’t paid any attention to the weather outside when he’d penned the hastily written note to Sophia this morning. Coming on the heels of his win off Lord Hargraves, the only thing that had been on Matson’s mind was that he wanted to see Sophia. This ruse was the best he could come up with to get her alone for a few minutes.

He’d been elated when he’d received her response, saying that she would come. It was never easy getting past Double and Trouble.

He didn’t carry a pocket watch, but he guessed Sophia was already about ten minutes late. Her aunts may have decided they wouldn’t chance the rain. He could hardly blame them. The dreary weather and chilling wind had already driven most of the people away from the park. A few hearty ones sat on blankets, enjoying their picnics, and there were at least three rowboats still on the water.

Not far from the shore, Matson’s footman had spread a blanket and placed a basket in the middle of it. His cook had filled it with bread, cheese, and preserved apricots. Matson had added a tankard of hot chocolate with a little sherry added to it, as well as a flask of spiced tea. On either side of the basket he’d placed two low-back chairs. He wanted to make sure the Misses Shevington were comfortable and happy while he enjoyed Sophia’s company.

The minutes ticked by. Matson looked down the lonely-looking pathway again. He was fast losing hope of Sophia arriving when, much to his relief, he saw a landau making its way down the stretch of lane toward the bank. He strode over to the carriage and greeted them as it stopped. He helped the Misses Shevington down first, and then reached for Sophia. Even through her gloves and his, he felt her warmth. Just touching her made him feel good inside.

“Oh, my, it’s dreadfully windy out here.”

“You shall be fine for an hour, Aunt June,” Sophia said. “You have on a heavy cloak with a hood, and you have your umbrella.”

“Of course we will be fine,” Mae said. “Go enjoy yourself, Sophia, and don’t worry about us.”

“Miss Shevington,” Matson said, looking at June, “I brought chairs for you and extra blankets and refreshments to help keep you warm while you wait.” He pointed to the blanket he’d spread out for them.

“You did all that for us?” Mae asked.

“The day hasn’t turned out as sunny as I had hoped. I wanted to make sure you would be as comfortable as possible.”

“Thank you,” June said in a more conciliatory tone.

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