The Marriage Wager by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Author:Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Scarsdale Publishing
Published: 2017-05-06T18:30:00+00:00

Two hours later, Chastity paced the front drive at the bottom of the mansion’s steps while Olivia watched through the large wrought iron gate for signs of their carriage.

"Where could she have possibly gone?" Chastity wrung her hands. “I left just long enough to fetcha glass of champagne from the refreshments room." She stopped and looked at Olivia, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Olivia's heart wrenched. "It isn't your fault. As you said, you were away only a few moments. The minx must surely be hiding somewhere. She's probably rebelling against her forced marriage."

“If that is the case, I will take her over my knee.” She swiped at a tear that slipped down her cheek. “After I hug her first.”

Olivia pulled Chastityinto her arms. "I'm sure she's fine. Who would want to hurt her?" Their coach came into view and rolled through the gates. The door to the mansion opened and Sir Stirling hurried down the steps. He reached them and said, “You two go home. We will continue to search for your sister."

Chastity grasped his arm. "Search for her? Where?” She drew a sharp breath. "You know something. What is it?" He shook his head, but she said, "You are not a good liar, Sir Stirling. Tell us what you learned."

His mouth thinned, but he said, "A maid saw her with a man."

"What do you mean, ‘with a man?’" Chastity demanded.

"Jessica accompanied him onto the balcony."

"That is impossible," Olivia said. "Jessica would never do that."

"Perhaps not," he said, as their coach stopped beside them. "But is it possible she knew the man and trusted him, so thought nothing of stepping onto the balcony with him?"

Olivia shook her head. "The only male friends Jessica has are relatives or very close friends of the family. She simply wouldn’t have gone into the gardens with a stranger.”

“Perhaps he was one of the friends you mentioned?” he suggested.

Olivia looked at Chastity. "Did you see any of Papa’s friends, or even Duncan, perhaps?"

Chastity shook her head. "Nae."

“Leave this to me,” Stirling said. “I will find her. Frasier will take you ladies home."

Chastity shook her head. "Nae, we will search with you."

"Chastity—”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I must agree with Chastity.” Olivia raised a decisive finger. “We will all search for her."

He sighed and nodded. "Very well, but I must insist that you do exactly as I say."

“Something is wrong. What is it?” Chastity demanded.

He looked from Chastity to Olivia, then said, “Frasier spoke to the carriage drivers and learned of a man who left the ball with a young woman who could be Lady Jessica.”

“My God.” Chastity sagged and he caught her to him. “I never should have left her.”

“There will be plenty of time to assign blame later.” Sir Stirling held her at arm’s length and tilted his head in order to meet her eyes. “Agreed?”

She nodded and he released her.

The door opened and Frasier hurried down the stairs. He reached them and said, “When I drop the ladies home, I’ll meet you, Stirling.”

Sir Stirling shook his head.

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