A Broken Betrothal: Convenient Arrangements (Book 1) by Pearson Rose

Author:Pearson, Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2020-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“I have heard you have been seen spending a little more time with Lord Leicestershire, Augusta.”

Augusta swallowed hard and looked up at her father, who was sitting opposite her at the breakfast table, his voice a little muffled as he spoke to her from behind his newspapers. The truth was, whilst she had been seen in Lord Leicestershire’s company, all of society had been speaking about him in most unfavorable terms the last few days. Yesterday afternoon, they had walked in St. James’ Park, and she had been very aware of the sidelong glances that had been sent her way, as well as the hard looks that came from one or two gentlemen. Most likely, this had been what her father had heard of, although given he was speaking to her from behind his newspaper, she could not gauge his reaction.

“Yes, Father,” she said, suddenly wondering if Lord Leicestershire had spoken with her father and had made it clear that he wanted to bring an end to the arrangement between them. “I do hope that is not displeasing to you.”

The papers shuffled slightly. “I have heard of the incident that occurred at the theatre,” Lord Elmsworth said, clearing his throat. “I must confess, I do not know what to make of it.”

“I think it nothing more than an unfortunate accident,” Augusta replied firmly as the newspapers were lowered, and her father’s heavy-lidded eyes looked back at her steadily. “I believe his word when he says that he had no intention of knocking into Miss Hartnett.”

Lord Elmsworth nodded slowly, his brows still furrowed. “His brother was a rake and a rascal,” he said, uneasily. “I was assured, in our discussions, that he was nothing akin to his brother.”

“I am certain he is just as he seems,” Augusta replied with a smile that felt a little unsteadily. “I hope that you will continue to trust him, Father. As I am doing.” She did not mention anything of what had passed between herself and Lord Leicestershire, did not speak to him about the awkwardness that still lingered between them. She held her father’s gaze and felt her stomach tighten. Had Lord Leicestershire spoken to Lord Elmsworth and expressed his desire to be free of the engagement? “Do you wish me to remove myself from his company?”

Lord Elmsworth considered this for a few moments, his eyes roving across the room as he thought. Augusta held her breath, her hands in her lap and her fingers twisting together as she looked at her father.

“No,” Lord Elmsworth said eventually, nodding to himself as though he had only just made a decision and was now quite satisfied with it. “I think that you ought to continue as you are, Augusta. However,” he cleared his throat and looked at her sharply. “If there is any other untoward behavior from him, if there is any sort of roguish nonsense that brings both him and you disgrace and upset, then you must tell me at once.”

Augusta let out her

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