The Bridal Contract by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2015-08-20T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Eloisa had a difficult time containing the urge to laugh as Oliver’s mother responded to both pieces of shocking news her sons had given her. Throughout the main course, as everyone tucked into the delectable, juicy roast beef and boiled peas, Eloisa watched the various members of the Darrington family. How entirely different they were from her.

The mother made no bones about reminding her brood she was in charge of the family and that she wanted nothing more than a bevy of grandchildren without delay, for she could expire at any moment. Except, the woman with the slightly graying, auburn hair looked hale and hearty, and quite managing.

She moved her gaze to the oldest—Felix. Though he was the new Earl of Snowden, there were times when he didn’t take life as seriously as Roberta probably would have wished. His eyes twinkled as he joked with Oliver. He even shared a ribald story with Charlotte’s husband, Ravenhurt. When he looked at his wife, those eyes became soft with a love so palpable, Eloisa felt it tingling her own spine.

What would that be like, to be everything to a man?

A hearty bout of laughter echoed in the room. Eloisa moved her perusal to Charlotte, a near picture of her mother except with more humor and a trace of wickedness. When she thought no one was looking, she touched her hand to Ravenhurst’s. Once, her hand disappeared beneath the table and seconds later, an expression of desire and astonishment crossed Nathan’s face. What did Charlotte do to him beneath the tablecloth and how did she come to be so daring?

Could I ever have the nerve to blatantly arouse or tease a man while at a family dinner?

She’d done nothing like that with Peter, and except for giving herself to him that one night before the benefit of marriage, they’d only shared a few kisses when they’d managed to sneak away from their guard dogs during their courtship. Her heartbeat raced for Charlotte and she hoped the hawk-eyed Roberta wouldn’t get wind of what her daughter was doing.

“Untrue!” Oliver stated in an elevated voice, recalling Eloisa’s regard to him. He pointed at his brother with his fork. “You know it was your suggestion to take Edward Carruthers to that pond. It wasn’t my fault he wanted to swim.”

“Yes, but it was your suggestion we steal his clothes,” Felix returned. “Remember that look on his face when he wandered back down the lane without a stitch on except for a few tufts of straw he held in front of him?

The two brothers howled with laughter. Even Ravenhurst joined in with a restrained chuckle.

“Oh, Gracie Carruthers was so upset at you both,” Charlotte interjected with her own smile. “She vowed she’d always get back at you, told me she’d never talk to you again, but she never did have the gumption to carry out the threat.” She shook her head and the sapphires in her ears sparkled. Really, Charlotte Darrington was a handsome woman.

Eloisa wanted to crawl under the table.

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