The Earl's Jilted Bride (Marriage by Obligation Series, #3) by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ruth Ann Nordin
Published: 2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“I wish we were allowed more than two dances with the same partner at these balls,” Amelia said the next morning as she cut into her waffle. “Why should I have to dance with anyone except Reuben?” She shot her brother a pointed look. “You can’t tell me you didn’t notice the way he doted over me at the ball.”

“Yes, I noticed,” Grant allowed, “but until you start reading banns with him, nothing is certain. For all we know, he might find someone he likes more.”

“But who could he find that would be better than me?” Amelia turned her gaze to Carol. “Carol, tell Grant what you think.”

Carol, who had been cutting Lucinda’s waffle, looked over at Amelia. “What do you want?”

“Tell my brother that Reuben wants to marry me,” Amelia insisted. “You can tell he’s in love with me.”

Carol’s cheeks went pink. “Well, yes, but he hasn’t come out and said anything. It’s just something I detect about him.”

Amelia gave Grant a satisfied smile. “I told you.”

“Hate fork.” Lucinda picked up the section of the waffle Carol hadn’t cut up yet and shoved it into her mouth.

Amelia tried to hide her chuckle, but she was unsuccessful at the task. She quickly cleared her throat and focused on the meal in front of her.

“Lucinda, that is not how a lady eats,” Grant told his daughter. “If you want to find a suitable husband, you can’t pick up food and shove it into your mouth. You need to eat with utensils.”

“Why?” Lucinda asked with her mouth full.

“You can’t speak while food is in your mouth, either.” Grant hid his frustration. He was trying to teach the girl good manners, but she seemed determined not to follow his advice.

“Why?” Lucinda asked again.

“For one,” Carol began as she cleaned the crumbs that fell to her frock, “you will ruin your nice clothes.” The maid came over to offer help, but Carol said, “I’d like to do this myself, if that’s all right.” She glanced over at Grant. “I want to learn how to be a good mother.”

Grant nodded to let the maid know that Carol would take care of Lucinda. It was touching to see the way Carol acted around the girl. Amelia was good about helping him with the child, but no one could take a mother’s place.

“Not hungry,” Lucinda said as Carol finished wiping the food off of her clothes and face.

“Do you mind if I help her into another outfit?” Carol asked Grant.

“I think it’d be nice if you did,” Grant replied with a smile.

She returned his smile. “Thank you. We’ll be back soon.”

Grant watched as Carol led her out of the room.

“It’s sweet that she is trying so hard to be a good mother,” Amelia commented. “But it’s also good that Lucinda eats dinner before we do. Otherwise, poor Carol wouldn’t get to eat an entire meal with us.”

Grant had been hoping Carol would have to leave the room early so he could have a moment alone with his sister.

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