Two Hearts by Barbara Jean Miller

Author:Barbara Jean Miller [Miller, Barbara Jean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC027070 FICTION / Romance / Historical / Regency
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2023-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“I feared you would not come,” Grace said as Brand dismounted in the stable yard the next morning. She wore her blue habit again but had ordered a new one made since they were riding nearly every day. She could see his breath making small puffs of cloud in the air, but she did not feel the cold now. Robin followed him into the yard and dismounted with a yawn.

“It would take more than your clodpole of a brother to keep me away from you,” Brand murmured as he clasped her gloved hands.

“I am so sorry. Wallace’s words and actions were inexcusable.”

He took her elbow as he guided her toward the mounting block and steadied her onto her mare.

She had no need of such assistance but permitted it, unsure why.

“Never apologize for someone else,” he warned. “You cannot protect the world from him. Eventually he will be made to pay for his arrogance and unkindness to you.”

“I have a feeling you are right there. Good morning, Robin. Perhaps your uncle will let you nap later, since he has roused you from sleep at this ungodly hour.”

“I doubt it. Oh, I say. Perhaps he will let me sleep this afternoon.”

A quick boy. Even half asleep Robin had caught her meaning that napping would give him an excuse to be absent part of the day.

“We are to go to a ball tonight,” Robin continued. “He says I am lucky to be invited at the last minute and they only asked me on his credit, so I am not to make a mull of it.” When Robin realized his uncle had mounted and they were about to leave him, he scrambled back onto the cover hack.

Grace said over her shoulder, “They invited you because unattached males are always at a premium, those who are willing to dance, anyway. So if you want to make yourself popular with a London hostess, dance with any girl to whom she presents you.”

“I can do that. Mother made me take dancing lessons with my sisters.” Robin gripped his reins in a close imitation of the controlled manner Brand used, and Grace smiled to think how much he must worship his uncle.

“Careful, Grace,” Brand said. “You will have half the mothers in London on the catch for Robin for their daughters.”

“That will happen sooner or later. The lad is nearly grown and turning handsome.” She glanced back to see Robin flushing. When she turned to her escort, she noticed Brand wore his usual black riding coat. He looked good in any color, but the contrast between his tanned skin and his sparkling white neckcloths always pleased her. “Is this the Montclare ball?”

“Yes, how did you guess?”

“As it turns out, I accepted the invitation as well.”

Brand nodded. “Ordinarily I would suggest we go together in my coach.”

“I know. It will be hard enough to keep Wallace from crashing the affair, let alone have him see me going off in your carriage.”

“So you have not routed him yet?”

“No. Like most unwanted company he is always sure of his welcome.

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