The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest by Mary Campisi

Author:Mary Campisi
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781465775160
Publisher: Mary Campisi
Published: 2012-02-22T02:32:41+00:00

Chapter 13

“Who would have believed Holt would walk back into our lives and end this ridiculous feud between the families by marrying Sophie? Love does prevail, does it not?”

Laughing at his sister’s sweet naiveté and charming antics, Jason chuckled and hugged her. “Hold on a minute. Holt mentioned nothing of being a peacemaker or ending feuds.”

“Meaning?”

“Sophie might not be aware of Holt’s true identity.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. How could she not know? Holt may be many things, but stupid is not one of them.” She hoisted herself onto the edge of his desk and swung a leg back and forth. “How could any girl not fall madly in love with a man who looks like a pirate? It’s the very stuff of fairy tales.”

“He’s not a pirate.”

“So you say.” She threw him a sly smile. “In all the times I’ve asked him, has he ever denied it?”

Jason sighed. “No.”

“Well, there you have it.”

“He probably thinks it is too ridiculous to warrant a reply.”

She shrugged. “Edith thinks he’s a pirate. So does, Marta. Even Gwen.”

“Good Lord, you’ve consulted the staff?”

“No.”

“Then how did you come by such information?”

His sister grew most intent on a tiny string dangling from the hem of her gown. “The wager book,” she muttered.

“Wager book?”

“Mmmm.” She darted a glance at him. “They’re betting chores on whether or not Gregory Thurston is a real pirate. Think what they’d say if they knew who he really was.”

“Yes,” Jason mused, wondering if he should fire the lot of them. “Just think.”

“They mean no harm. Please don’t mention it.”

“You think the hired help placing bets on their employer is harmless?” Did they make wagers on him, as well?

“Yes,” she stumbled, “I mean, no. Drat, I do mean yes. If you are bent on punishment, then you must punish me also.”

His gaze narrowed on his sister. “Why would I do that?”

She shrugged. “I provided the book and set the rules.”

“Julia!”

She threw him a pitiful look. “I know. I’m dreadful. Punish me, not them.”

Jason rubbed the back of his neck and wished for the hundredth time their mother had lived to teach Julia proper manners of comportment. He’d tried over the years, but she knew full well how to persuade him to permit breeches when she rode and her friendship these past several months with Francie Bishop had only exacerbated the situation. That woman let a dog and a damn duck run loose in her library!

“Jason, I promise to cease providing information regarding Gregory Thurston.”

“Good. Cease doing so immediately.”

“You have my word.” She slid off the edge of the desk and stood before him.

“Yes?” He tried to sound stern but failed as he always did with matters concerning his sister.

“May I please congratulate Sophie?”

“Julia.”

“Think what this union means. Not only will we gain the return of our brother, but I’ll regain my best friend.”

Jason shifted in his chair. “I don’t know. Holt merely informed me they were marrying in three week’s time and said he would discuss the rest when he returned from London.”

“Oh, Jason, don’t you see? Holt would never ask her to marry him and not reveal his true identity.

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