Wedded for His Secret Child by Helen Dickson

Author:Helen Dickson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-07-10T13:28:52+00:00

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With a mask of feral rage, after snapping orders to the driver, Laurence glared across at his wife as the carriage moved away from Mortimer House. Melissa waited for the onslaught of her husband’s fury although she did not consider she had done anything to justify it. She deeply regretted if she had done anything to upset him and it would be no easy matter placating him.

Drawing a quick breath, in an attempt to dispel the fury that the encounter with Sir Gerald had caused him, settling into the corner Melissa smiled across at him, trying to remain calm and in control of herself.

‘After our shopping trip to the Strand, Eliza invited me to Mortimer House for refreshment. You are clearly displeased about it, Laurence. Why?’

‘That is not the reason why I am displeased, Melissa. It is the fact that Mortimer was also present—although I suppose you would have to meet him some time. I saw the way he looked at you, which you must have observed for yourself. It would seem you have an admirer and I suspect it amuses you to have a flirtatious exchange with such a blackguard.’

‘Is he really as bad as all that?’ She tried to sound unconcerned while deep inside her anger stirred at Laurence’s stubborn refusal to explain the reason for his dislike of Gerald Mortimer. ‘He is handsome enough, I suppose, but he does not tempt me.’

‘I’m relieved to hear it.’

‘There really is bad blood between you, isn’t there?’ Melissa said quietly.

Laurence hesitated a moment, his silver-grey eyes thoughtful as he considered her question. His mouth tightened. ‘You might say that. The man is consumed by his own obsessions. It’s unhealthy that he should exhibit such an unrestrained interest in another man’s wife.’ He glanced distastefully at the rose she was still holding. ‘Get rid of it.’ Without waiting for her to do so he snatched it from her grasp and tossed it out of the carriage. ‘I think it best that you avoid him whenever possible—that you keep away from such destructive, immoral influences, for it is clear to me that your lack of understanding of society’s ways and your inexperience only adds to your attraction in his eyes. As you will have observed for yourself, he and I are not the best of friends. You will not visit Eliza at his house again.’

‘But—what are you saying? How can I not do so without upsetting her? And—Antony is your closest friend.’

‘The discord between Gerald Mortimer and myself is of long standing. Eliza and Antony fully understand it—although for the life of me I cannot understand why she took you to Mortimer House.’

‘Her brother was supposed to be down in Brighton. It wasn’t her fault that he returned earlier than expected. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. I won’t go there again.’

Laurence stared at her, the anger draining out of him. He was struck afresh by her loveliness. It was easy to forget he hadn’t wanted to marry her. What

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