The St Nicholas' Day Wager by Em Taylor

Author:Em Taylor [Taylor, Em]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2014-11-26T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Gabriella placed her gloved fingers on her lips and sighed. Why had she asked such a stupid question? She knew it was not well done of her to ask her betrothed about former lovers, and Nick was too honest for his own good.

Of course, that was exactly the reason she had not told him in the theatre that she had realised immediately her brother had set him up. He would have given the game away and she could not help feeling the more Joseph thought her match was a poor one, the less trouble he would cause. She knew he could not afford to lose the wager so he would do all in his power to prevent the match. He also knew she was strong-willed and would rather remain a spinster than marry someone who would be unfaithful.

“I think it is time for bed, my dear,” said the countess from the doorway, interrupting her thoughts.

“Yes, of course.” Did Nick’s mother think her a light-skirt that she had been willing to kiss her son, at night, in the drawing room? But the older woman smiled at her and placed an arm around her shoulder as she led her to the stairs.

“I think we should have a talk in the morning,” said Lady Chetfern. Gabriella shot a worried gaze at her and the countess chuckled.

“Oh my dear, I am not angry, nor do I think any less of you for kissing Nick. I stole a few kisses from his father before we wed. I think I need to have the mother-daughter talk with you. No offence to Lady Thornwich but I assume she has not discussed the wedding night with you.”

Heat rose in Gabriella’s cheeks but she forced herself to look at the older woman as she shook her head.

“No. And although I have the general idea, it would be nice to have a few things…clarified.”

“I thought so. I am not easily shocked, Gabriella, so tomorrow feel free to ask me anything you wish. I would have appreciated some candid advice before I married the earl. Now sleep well and I shall see you at breakfast. I think another trip to the shops will be in order, followed by an ice at Gunther’s.”

Gabriella smiled. It didn’t matter how old she got, a trip to Gunther’s for an ice was always the highlight of a visit to the town. And considering how hot she was after Nick had kissed her, something cool and refreshing would not go amiss.

****

A loud rattle on the front door made Gabriella jump. Who knew sound could travel so far in a big townhouse like that owned by the Chetferns? But then her bedchamber was directly above the front door too. Molly, her maid, had just finished brushing out her hair and was in the process of braiding it before she slipped under the welcome covers of her bed. She was tired from this evening’s events.

“What the devil is going on?” came the grumbling tones of the earl.

“Lord Eastden.

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