Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Author:Cara Lynn James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2011-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

MELINDA STAYED AWAKE for most of the night weighing the advantages and disadvantages of marrying or becoming a spinster, and a poor one at that. She chided herself for resenting the fact that she’d been given what she prayed for—a marriage proposal, from two entirely suitable gentlemen, no less—and yet she could find no peace in it.

She fell into a light sleep and awoke early, still tired from a restless night. The evening’s unexpected proposals came rushing back to her mind. She wanted to avoid Nick until she’d sorted out how she felt and made a decision. At least one thing was clear after the night apart. No matter what she decided about Nick, she needed to decline Simon’s offer as soon as possible. She could never force herself to spend the rest of her life as his wife. Even social disgrace and oblivion trumped marriage to a man who disdained children. He wasn’t altogether disagreeable, as Phinneas Dalton had been; she hoped he found someone soon who would appreciate him for his good points—and perhaps shared his mundane interests.

Denise arranged Melinda’s hair and helped her dress in a pale yellow frock with small tucks in the bodice and lace on the sleeves and skirt. She glanced around the room still feeling at loose ends. It wouldn’t help to pace across her bedroom carpet all morning and brood about her decision. No, not in the least. She’d get on with her day and hopefully speak to Glynna.

Once downstairs she met the Van Tassels in the foyer surrounded by luggage.

“Are you off on a trip?” she asked Jasper, who accepted his bowler and walking stick from the butler. Eddie, the footman, carried his truck and valise through the front door toward the waiting carriage.

“Yes, my mother needs some legal work done in New York, so I’ll be gone for a few weeks. I hate to leave Newport for the heat of the city, but I’m afraid this can’t wait.”

“Do have a pleasant trip,” Melinda said as she made her way to the breakfast room, her spirits lifting at Jasper’s unexpected departure. And it appeared the conniving man had not yet heard of either Simon’s or Nick’s proposals.

“Good morning,” Glynna said, looking up from her plate.

Melinda took a seat across the table, glad to find Glynna alone. It was too early for the Brysons to gather for breakfast, so they had the room to themselves. They talked about the gloomy weather while they ate their soft-boiled eggs, toast, and oatmeal. Melinda kept watch for Nick and his father. She avoided Frederick as much as possible since every time she attempted a conversation he either ignored her or scowled.

She glanced at Glynna. Melinda knew she needed a confidant, and no one was as trustworthy as Glynna, not even her dear friend Louisa Davenport. She couldn’t sit here calmly and pretend something monumental hadn’t happened last night. Now was the best opportunity to divulge the details. Quickly she summarized her two marriage proposals and ended with a drawn-out sigh.

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