The Groom List by Ella Quinn

Author:Ella Quinn [Quinn, Ella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zebra Books
Published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Normanby had woken to his mistress swearing as she dressed. She must have sensed he was awake. “When are you going to ask her to marry you?” Celeste’s tone was tense. She detested not being allowed to entertain him in her house. The one he’d given to her after telling his father’s mistress she had to leave the residence. Celeste hated even more dressing like a servant to travel to and from her home.

“Soon.” He would have already done it, but he wasn’t quite sure of Lady Alice yet. If only her guardian would have immediately agreed to the wedding. “I must ensure she will accept me.”

Her lips formed a moue, and she lifted one shoulder in a dismissive shrug. “You make love so charmingly. How could a young lady resist your kisses?”

“I haven’t kissed her.” He hadn’t even come close to touching more than her arm.

“You English. Always so correct. Send her letters declaring your love. I will tell you what you must say.”

Celeste knew nothing of young ladies of the ton. “And how would I explain the letter when her guardian read it?”

Her eyes widened in confusion. “But why would he?”

“All correspondence addressed to a young unmarried lady is read by her parents or guardian.”

“Bah. In France it would not happen. I received les lettres d’amour all the time before we had to flee.”

The only thing he knew to be true about her was that she came from a titled family in France. That had been proudly confided to him by the Austrian diplomat he’d stolen her from. Normanby didn’t know, and doubted he ever would know, what had caused her to become a courtesan. Perhaps it had something to do with the love letters.

“Bah! Kiss her where everyone can see you. Then she will have to agree.”

“I would if we were ever alone. She’s more closely guarded than the crown jewels.”

She stamped her dainty foot now covered in a poorly made shoe. “Mon Dieu, Normanby! Can you not bribe her maid?”

“Footman.” The damned footman. “Her guardian does not allow her out with a maid. She has a footman who’s large enough to stop anything I might try.” He pulled Celeste into his arms. “It won’t be long. I promise. I am walking with her again today, and tomorrow evening I will ask her.”

Celeste pressed against him as sinuously as a cat. He wished she didn’t have to leave. “I shall wait. Mais, if this lady does not wed you, you must take la bourgeoise, oui? I am serious when I tell you this cannot last.”

It was better to compromise Lady Alice than marry Miss Greenway. But he was not going to argue about it with Celeste, and it would be a last resort. “I understand.”

“Bon.” She glared at the plain, straw bonnet before donning it. “I shall see you tonight.”

“I’ll be waiting.” As he always was.

She threw a playful smile over her shoulder. “I know, mon cher. I know.”

He’d have to marry Lady Alice quickly. Mr. Greenway had already had the first of the banns read.

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