Dangerous Gentlemen (Daughters of Sin Book 2) by Beverley Oakley

Author:Beverley Oakley [Oakley, Beverley]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: political intrigue, deception, Regency romantic intrigue, aristoracratic hero, Regency ballrooms, Ugly duckling becomes swan
Published: 2016-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

chapter nine

Hetty was lying on her bed later that evening when her mother quietly entered the room.

“My poor darling,” she said, taking a seat by Hetty’s side and filling her with the comfort Hetty always felt at her mother’s lavender-scented presence. “Araminta said you were feeling poorly and suggested I see what I could do for you.”

“I doubt the concern came from Araminta,” muttered Hetty, enjoying the gentle hand massage her mother was giving her. “What did she really tell you?”

“Well, to be honest, she said it appeared you’d lost your head over some unsuitable rogue. I, however, would suggest you’ve lost your heart. You never were in danger of losing your head. It’s far too sensibly screwed on.”

Hetty closed her eyes and said miserably, “Not in this instance. Araminta’s right. I have lost my head and my heart and no doubt I’ll suffer for it the rest of my life.”

“Come, my darling, it can’t be that terrible. Not if you barely know the gentleman as Araminta says.” Lady Partington’s tone hardened. “Sir Aubrey would not be my choice of husband for you, Hetty. Stephen doesn’t think at all highly of him.”

“And why should Stephen’s opinion count for more than mine?” Hetty sniffed. “If he told you Sir Aubrey was the best candidate a girl could hope for you’d be counseling me very differently. All these unfounded rumors.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I only wish the truth were known.”

“Really, Hetty darling.” Her mother sounded put out. “Cousin Stephen works in the Foreign Office so of course he knows things we can’t possibly be expected to know. We have to take his opinion when it’s offered. Now come along, my love, and drink this. Martha has just warmed it and it’ll make you feel much more the thing.”

Grumbling like the child she’d so recently been, Hetty allowed her mother to help her into a sitting position before taking the fragrant milk. It was hard to attend to these well-meaning platitudes when all she could think about was how she was going to disprove the rumors everyone insisted precluded Sir Aubrey from being an acceptable suitor. Not that he was going to marry her.

Nevertheless, she would be the one responsible for removing the tarnish that blackened his name. He might not thank her for it in the way she wished, but the thought of it made her feel strong and powerful.

* * * * *

After a great deal of tossing and turning and soul-searching during the night, Hetty felt much better. She could accept now that while she was not the bride Sir Aubrey would choose, she could at least be responsible for advancing his happiness and good fortune. Advancing other people’s happiness had always given her pleasure.

In this lighter, virtuous frame of mind, she went riding with Stephen in the morning, attending to him with all the cheeriness of her old self so that he remarked, “Well, my dear, I’m glad your sister’s pronouncements regarding your foolishness turned out to be so off the mark.

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