The Wanton Bride by Mary Brendan

Author:Mary Brendan [Brendan, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises
Published: 2008-02-29T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

‘I think you owe me profuse thanks…but I will settle for a full account of what went on.’

Sarah had teasingly uttered that as soon as Mrs Beaumont closed the parlour door behind her. Moments before they had all enjoyed tea and ginger cake, whilst savouring every aspect of Lady Gerrard’s magnificent party. But Penelope had now quit the room so the young ladies might enjoy a private cose.

Emily sent her friend a repressive look as she laid aside her napkin.

Undeterred, Sarah continued to grin mischievously at her whilst collecting spicy crumbs from her plate. ‘I’ve been dying to know…did he kiss you?’ She popped a sticky finger in her mouth.

Emily’s cheeks grew rosy but she managed an insouciant little chuckle. ‘I take it you are referring to my walk on the terrace with Mr Hunter last night.’

‘Of course! It was good of me to divert Stephen, was it not?’ Sarah arched an eyebrow. ‘You did not seem put out to be left alone with Mark. I don’t think you take against him as much as you would have me believe,’ she slyly added.

Emily had mixed feelings about that! But it was true that she owed Sarah her thanks for having commandeered Stephen. Hot on the heels of that thought came another that made her ruefully acknowledge she was a coward. She would rather still be in blissful ignorance of her brother’s calamitous mésalliance, and her own shameful behaviour.

‘What happened?’ Sarah insisted on knowing. ‘That’s the second time I’ve noticed Mark Hunter pay you particular attention. And he gives you the most smouldering looks. I wish a rich, handsome bachelor would stare at me like that.’

‘You would not if you knew his reasons,’ Emily returned pithily and then regretted having further whetted her friend’s curiosity.

‘Did he take shocking liberties with you in the dark? I’ve heard he’s a rakish character.’ Sarah settled comfortably into the sofa, eyes round as saucers. She shivered, massaged at gooseflesh on her arms. ‘What did he do…say?’ Sarah persisted with her inquisition. ‘Is he angling to pay court, do you think?’

‘Don’t be a henwit! You know very well that Mr Hunter is already spoken for.’ Emily scolded lightly. ‘He spent more time at his mistress’s side than he did at mine.’

‘Perhaps he did. But his eyes were on you most of the while. And I’m sure she knew it,’ Sarah said with a gleeful chuckle. ‘I doubt you’ll be receiving an invitation to Mrs Emerson’s soirées!’

‘Well, that’s a relief!’ Emily muttered seriously. The thought of attending a salon hosted by Mark’s mistress made her feel quite ill.

‘We are friends! You must have something a bit outrageous to tell me.’

‘If I did, it would concern Tarquin.’ Emily gave her friend a rueful look. ‘There is only one reason Mr Hunter and I need to converse in private, to discuss my troublesome brother! They are friends, and Mark has been good enough to try to find out what the miscreant is now up to.’

Sarah looked genuinely disappointed at that explanation.

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