The Rogue to Ruin (Misadventures in Matchmaking) by Vivienne Lorret

Author:Vivienne Lorret [Lorret, Vivienne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2019-07-29T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“She had been extremely surprized, never more so, than when Emma first opened the affair to her . . .”

Jane Austen, Emma

“A Sunday afternoon walk through the park is always lovely,” Briar said from one side of Ainsley while Jacinda walked on the other.

Ainsley clenched her teeth, sliding a glance to the gossipmongers they passed on the path. “It was bad enough that the church had fallen deathly silent when the banns were read this morning, but now we have become a spectacle for the gawkers.”

Yesterday she had told her sisters about the sham betrothal. They had taken the news surprisingly well. Of course, Briar had become a little dreamy eyed. Jacinda, on the other hand, had been prepared to investigate every aspect of Reed’s life, but Ainsley assured her that it wasn’t necessary. This would all be over soon enough.

Only now did she have her doubts.

Ever since this morning’s announcement had rendered the congregation mute with shock, she had a queer sense that there would be no turning back. That, no matter what other news swept in, the ton would not quickly forget this betrothal.

Was she still pinning her hopes on the arrival of the king’s giraffe to take the focus away from this entire debacle?

A giraffe, indeed.

“I heard the nuptials are being forced by . . . circumstance.”

“And I’ve heard the affair has been ongoing for quite some time.”

The statements came from a pair of busybodies who were looking their way and whispering behind gloved hands as they twirled their parasols. The saddest part was that they’d both been clients at one time.

Jacinda waved to them. “Lady Throckmeyer, how nice to see you. How is your daughter? After she eloped with your husband’s steward, I’ve heard so little about her.”

Lady Throckmeyer stiffened and quickened her steps along on the path, leaving Lady Baftig to catch up.

Jacinda smiled in triumph and said to Ainsley, “I’m only doing what you would have done for us. After Father left, you always said that the Bourne women never cower in the face of scandal.”

“You did,” Briar agreed with a squeeze of their linked arms. “And you also said that we were strongest when we worked together.”

“I likely said that just to keep you on task when we had chores to complete. You were forever daydreaming, and Jacinda was always into mischief.” Despite herself, a fond grin touched her lips.

“Nevertheless, you were right. Now that the banns have been read for you and Mr. Sterling, we will face the ton together.”

“Well, I am glad to have you both at my side,” Ainsley said.

“And this is where we shall stay,” Briar said with a firm nod. “Can you believe that Lady Baftig had the audacity to pull me aside in the church vestibule, stating that her husband allowed her to wager on the month of your blessed event? She was actually hoping that I would provide some insight.”

A spear of alarm tore through Ainsley. Unconsciously, her hand drifted to protect her midriff.

“Dear heavens,

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.