Matching the Marquess by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke [Burke, Darcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781637261095
Publisher: Zealous Quill Press

Chapter 8

The crowning ceremony was surprisingly heartwarming, but Nash attributed that to watching Rebecca see her sister crowned as the May Queen. She’d dashed the tears away before they’d fallen, but Nash had seen them. Whatever happened with his bride hunt, he would always be glad his matchmaker had found her way home.

The first dance was traditionally led by the May King and Queen along with the new maidens fair and their partners, whom they selected. That meant that Nash had danced the first dance because one of the maidens fair had come straight for him. In truth, two others had looked as though they also meant to ask him, but hadn’t been fast enough.

Following that dance, Nash had hidden himself away behind a potted plant. There, he’d been treated to a rather amorous display as the Earl of Gilbourne had locked lips with an attractive young lady. Since the earl was typically never without a giant stick up his arse, Nash was glad to see him loosening up.

Nash was not glad to hear that Rebecca would only remarry for love. So much for his new and improved marchioness plan.

Dammit, he was brooding. And that would apparently only draw the ladies to him. He needed to summon a more cheerful attitude. Not too cheerful, however, lest that also encourage the young ladies. Bloody hell, this was difficult. Perhaps he ought to just call it a night and return to the Buck and Maiden. He would send the coach back for Rebecca.

“You look a bit glum this evening, Nash.”

Turning, Nash saw Phin, whom he hadn’t heard approach. “Evening, Phin.” The man had insisted he call him that, and so Nash had also insisted he employ the same familiarity.

Phin inclined his head. “I’m not generally one to give advice, especially on matters of the heart, but I don’t think you’ll attract a bride with that dark brow you’re sporting.”

Matters of the heart had nothing to do with Nash’s search for a wife, but he wasn’t going to point that out. “I’m not entirely sure I want one,” Nash said. “A bride, that is.”

“Do you feel as if you need one?” Phin asked. “Since you’re a marquess, I imagine you’ve a sense of duty about that.”

“I do, but I’m not convinced marriage is for me.”

“Ah, yes. I understand you were married before. I’m sorry for your loss.”

The pain felt different tonight. Not as acute. “Thank you.”

“I’ve found marriage to be wonderful.” Phin practically beamed. His happiness was like a tangible thing, a bright cloak he wore around himself for all the world to see and admire. And perhaps envy.

“That’s splendid.” Nash didn’t say what else he was thinking, that he prayed Phin and Leah never experienced the heartache he had.

“I’m sure you’ll discover what’s best for you,” Phin said. “The matchmaking festival is strangely accurate, even when one isn’t on the hunt.”

“You weren’t looking to wed?” Nash asked.

“On the contrary, I was hoping to land an heiress.” He grimaced. “My father made some poor investment choices, and the gardens are a great expense.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.