The Lady's Second-Chance Suitor by Scott Regina

Author:Scott, Regina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: bad boy romance, children, historical romance, humor, Regency romance, reunion romance, romance clean and wholesome, spies, widow
Publisher: Edwards and Williams
Published: 2021-04-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The wedding breakfast didn’t end until the sun was setting. Hester couldn’t help noticing that Rob and his sister had been among the last to leave. He’d finished the promenade with her and bowed himself off, grinning so broadly it was a wonder her mother hadn’t commented on the matter.

Hester shook her head as she led Rebecca for the coach. What had she been thinking to invite him to ride? She’d have to make an excuse to her mother and Rebecca, borrow a horse from the livery stable. What if her riding habit no longer fit?

What if a moment alone in Rob’s company made her reckless?

No, no. She was stronger now, even if spending time in his company made her feel alive, appreciated, and admired again.

Still, she hadn’t been able to convince herself to dance with him at the wedding breakfast.

In truth, she had been afraid what her face might reveal. It was all too easy to think of romance when all around her couples were billing and cooing. She couldn’t remember acting so besotted with Jasper at their small wedding at St. Mary’s in Upper Grace, but then, she hadn’t been besotted. Just happy to have someone care about her most of all.

Was Rob capable of putting anyone before himself? He’d agreed to her suggestion of a promenade rather than a dance and they called themselves friends. He had been very good to sit with Rebecca during the wedding. But he could be spending time with her and her family because he found them companionable. Unlike Mrs. Greer and some of the others in Grace-by-the-Sea, they asked nothing of him.

“What a lovely day,” her mother said with a sigh as they settled into the carriage for the return to Upper Grace. The earl and Rosemary were on their way to Lyme Regis for a short honeymoon, and Mr. and Mrs. Inchley and their family were already setting the assembly rooms to rights.

“It was,” Hester agreed. Beside her, Rebecca yawned, then lay her head in Hester’s lap. Hester pulled the ribbon free and stroked the soft blond curls.

“Everyone was so kind,” her mother continued. “The countess, the earl, the magistrate and his wife. Lord Peverell.”

Hester glanced down at her daughter. Rebecca’s eyes had drifted shut and her breath came softly. “Yes,” Hester acknowledged. “Everyone was very kind.”

“I was glad to see you encourage him,” her mother said. “How nice if you should have a home of your own.”

She’d thought she had a home of her own, but of course, the house she and Rebecca lived in now belonged to her mother. Still, she hadn’t thought herself there on sufferance.

“Are Rebecca and I a burden, Mother?” she asked.

Immediately her mother shook her head, dislodging some of her own curls. “No, of course not! But I was happiest in my marriage. Look how happy Rosemary is. I thought you were happy with Lieutenant Todd. If Lord Peverell should offer an opportunity, you should take it.”

“Do you think he’d make a good husband?” Hester challenged.

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