Winter Wedding by Joan Smith

Author:Joan Smith [Smith, Joan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1990-06-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

There was some little unpleasantness before dinner when Nel chose to present her wedding gift to Oglethorpe instead of the bride and did it during a moment when she found him alone in the blue parlor admiring his other new acquisitions.

Prissie discovered them in the act of feeding each other imaginary spoonfuls of salt from the miniature spoons that accompanied the cellars. This activity was interrupted as soon as the bride arrived on the scene and snatched the spoon from his hand. She was only prevented from dashing the crystal cellar to the floor by her groom’s presence of mind in pointing out to her that the gift was exactly what she had wanted.

The “Thank you so much” Prissie conferred on Miss Muldoon was chilly enough to cause goose bumps. With Oglethorpe reverted to his best behavior, Nel soon forsook them both and went in search of more amusing company.

Clara learned of the “little contretemps” from Lady Lucker, who had it from Prissie within minutes of its occurrence. Clara took upon herself the task of preventing further “little contretemps,” before they should escalate to incidents requiring the services of a doctor. She watched Nel like a hawk. This was the very eve of the nuptials, and it was of the greatest importance that no rupture occur between the bridal couple at this late date.

Nel required a deal of watching. She was even more mischievous than usual. Her blue eyes danced and an impish smile played over her lovely face. She looked half angel, half vixen, as she flirted outrageously with every man at the party. Herbert, Ben, Maximilian, and a dozen doddering old cousins were tickled pink with her ways.

Clara thought it best to get Nel off to the inn as soon after dinner as might be arranged. She met with opposition from Allingcote, whom she made sure would be a supporter in her plan. He had received, during her absence, a brief notice from the inn informing him that a certain gentleman had been making inquiries. The man had not registered, but he had been there asking questions, and Ben thought Branelea the best place for Nel.

It was when the gentlemen joined the ladies after dinner that Clara suggested to Ben they leave early. “Not tonight,” he said. “Aunt Charity has a sort of party planned. Some of the neighbors are coming in. I shouldn’t think you would like to miss it, Miss Christopher.”

She had been looking forward to the party, but was on thorns with Nel’s behavior and told Ben about the scene in the blue parlor. “I’ll keep an eye on her,” he said. “She will enjoy the party. There’s no need she must miss all the fun only because Prissie is spoiled, and Oglethorpe an ass.”

“And herself a hoyden,” Clara added curtly. It was obviously Nel he wished to have the pleasure of the party, not her. That the bride must be inconvenienced did not appear to bother him in the least.

“Nel is frisky tonight,” he admitted, looking across the room at her.

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