The Wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret

Author:Vivienne Lorret
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2021-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“It is entirely possible that Pandora’s box was, in reality, a picnic basket.”

—A note for The Marriage Habits of the Native Aristocrat

On the afternoon of their journey, Meg poked her head outside the carriage window, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight. “Brandon, could we stop for a picnic soon? Not for me, of course, because I enjoy sitting perfectly still for hours upon hours and never have any appetite whatsoever”—she grinned impishly when he cast a dubious glance down from the seat of his stallion—“but Ellie’s groaning stomach is not nearly as stalwart. In fact, I think she might be tempted to eat the bluebird on Aunt Myrtle’s hat if we do not stop soon.”

Through the opening, he heard laughter and saw Ellie reach across the seat to playfully swat at his sister. Then her face appeared through the frame, her cheeks flaming pink. “Pay no attention to your sister, my lord. I am perfectly content. Please do not alter your plans any more than you already have done on my account.”

“I happen to be famished myself,” he said and couldn’t resist a glance down to her lips. “There’s a glade not too far ahead with a brook nearby. We’ll stop there for a spell.”

He spurred Samson forward and informed the driver. Thus far the roads had been clear and dry and they were making excellent progress. There was plenty of time for a picnic.

But surprisingly, Brandon didn’t feel the need to rest. He was filled with an inexplicable surge of energy, as though he could ride all day beside the landau. Hell, he could run the whole way to Wiltshire without tiring. He just felt good. Damn good, in fact.

He didn’t quite know the reason for this but wondered if, perhaps, it had something to do with Nethersole’s absence. That alone had a way of making the warm, luminous day all the more perfect. The only thing better would be to have him change his mind altogether.

It was no secret that he didn’t like Nethersole. But it was an absolute mystery what Ellie found appealing about him. Clearly, she couldn’t see what an utter nodcock he was. But Brandon hoped that would change. She deserved more than someone like Nethersole.

That very thought had been with Brandon for days, pestering and irritating him constantly. In his opinion, there was nothing worse than being blinded by love. If he could, he would save her from that.

Leaving his horse in the care of one of the groomsmen, Brandon joined his party in the clearing. Ellie and Meg laid out a cluster of shawls amidst an archipelago of oxeye daisies. The elder Miss Parrishes unloaded the hamper. And for the better part of an hour, they enjoyed fine fare and easy conversation.

After their repast, the aunts went to forage for berries and his sister followed. But he was glad that Ellie lingered in his company. Gladder still that she’d abandoned her formal use of my lord when they were alone.

“Brandon, I have something for you,” she said, reaching into a tapestry-covered satchel beside her.

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