To Marry A Matchmaker (Historical Romance) by Michelle Styles

Author:Michelle Styles [Styles, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Historical, Romance, Fiction, Victorian, Matchmaker, Wager, Cupid, Lonely, Compromising, London, England, 19th Century, Compulsive, Bargain, Meddling, Emotions, Love
ISBN: 9781460349410
Google: Za95BAAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 23241004
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Published: 2014-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Henri stood in the New Lodge’s entranceway, her bonnet set firmly on her head. The carriage wheels crunched on the driveway, coming to a stop just outside the door. Aunt Frances’s note this morning was a gift from the gods. It made her decision easy. She wasn’t running from her feelings. She had responsibilities and people needed her.

‘You’re determined to go,’ Sophie said with a pretty frown. ‘Robert will be disappointed. He mentioned nothing about it at the ball. Did you see him after the ball?’

Henri tied the ribbons of her poke bonnet tighter. ‘Why?’

‘I’d wondered. I swore I could hear the musical box as I came into the front hall, but it must have been my imagination. Stepmama thought my hearing needed attention. And if you go, Doctor Lumley will have no need to call.’

‘An excuse will be found.’ Henri forced a smile on to her lips. They’d had a lucky escape. She hated to think what Sophie would have said if she had seen them locked in an embrace, with her pressing her body against Robert’s.

Robert had departed because he did not wish to face her. His business was smoke and mirrors to hide what had passed between them. She knew that. It made it easier to carry out her decision. If he was here, she’d have been tempted to stay, but after last night that would not be a good idea. She had to put distance between them and see if the attraction was real or some imagined thing. Far too often the close confines of a visit led to imagined affection. What Sebastian called Country House Fever—a malady of closeness rather than something real and lasting.

‘My aunt needs me,’ Henri said and hoped Sophie would drop the topic of conversation. ‘She sent a note. It is time for me to take up the reins of my old life. My ankle is nearly healed and the supper party and ball but memories.’

Henri allowed her voice to trail away, certain that Sophie would understand the unspoken message. She wanted to return to see Sebastian and discover how he fared.

‘Robert will wish to say goodbye.’ Sophie made a temple with her fingers, but her eyes narrowed. Henri knew Sophie had not missed the attempt to change the subject. ‘His valet is here and he always takes Fredericks if he will be gone for any time. He will be back before nightfall. You could delay your journey another day. And take your leave properly. You’ll need to quiz him about his dancing.’

Henri’s cheeks burnt as the innocent words conjured up the image of last night’s illicit waltz. ‘I’m happy to take your word.’

Sophie made a moue. ‘Besides, I shall miss you. Do you really have to depart today? It promises to be dull without you. Stepmama is in bed with a headache and I want to discuss every moment of the ball. Did you know Lady Winship’s three pugs escaped and ran riot around the ballroom floor before the footman captured them? Apparently they wanted to see Lady Winship dance.

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