Love in Disguise by Anneka R. Walker

Author:Anneka R. Walker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2019-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

The day was rather warm, so Marion and Clara enjoyed lemonade on the lawn under their parasols. There had been no talk of weddings or death—just companionable conversation. Marion had a few moments to daydream about her ride with William. Several days had past, but there had been nothing in between to replace the thoughts in her mind. She’d had no idea how charitable William was until that day. It was true the servants he kept were odd enough, but now she finally understood the character behind the man everyone in London thought they knew. He wasn’t a dandy at all. He was good and kind.

William had gone out of his way to say hello to each and every worker and ask after their families. The basket of food she’d thought they’d picnic with had all been given away to one child or another. And then there was the sweet way he’d treated Mrs. Gentry.

“Have you been considering the menu for when the duke and duchess arrive?” Clara asked, leaning back in her seat. “I think we’d better see to it before luncheon.”

The contentment slipped from Marion’s face. A lump—no, a rock—lodged in her throat, and she had to sputter her answer. “The duke and duchess? Here?” The last thing in the world her precarious engagement needed was the complication of Judith.

Clara scrunched up her petite nose. “Did not William tell you?” When Marion shook her head, Clara took on a flustered look. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. That man thinks he’s the only one grieving and takes all sorts of liberties. I do hope you’ll forgive him when you realize how wonderful it will be to have your aunt and uncle with us.”

Forgive him? She’d been tempted to kick him before, but now she wanted to box his ears. For a nonviolent woman, her passionate anger toward the man she supposedly loved was getting out of control. “When do they arrive?” Please say after the wedding!

“Why, the day after tomorrow. Won’t it be lovely?”

Clara’s enthusiasm made her want to sink into her seat. Instead she straightened her posture and gave a nod. “Very well, we had better see to the menu right away like you’ve suggested. I’m afraid I’ll need your help. I might have organized meals for the family but have no experience in entertaining.”

“Don’t fret for a moment. And Thomas has even been persuaded to stay. Everyone has great respect for your uncle. We’ll make a merry little house party!”

It was a relief to know Clara would not be abandoning her. Together, they worked until all the details were sorted out. Marion did her best to restrain her thoughts. It was nearly impossible to keep from clenching her teeth and balling her fists at the gall William had in inviting her relatives to stay. Did he intend to scare her away?

Well, it wouldn’t work. She had quite the task of fortitude ahead of her. Determined to survive their visit, Marion tried to smother her greater fear—Judith’s attendance at her wedding.

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