The Unaffected Earl by Suzanna Medeiros

Author:Suzanna Medeiros [Medeiros, Suzanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 978-1-988223-08-7
Publisher: Suzanna Medeiros

Chapter 11

Brantford smiled at her then, one of his rare full smiles that made her feel as though her heart had stuttered.

It occurred to her that it would be a shame to be on the verge of having everything she wanted—her father’s name cleared and about to wed the man for whom she’d long had a hopeless tendre—only to expire because her heart gave out.

“I’ll take my leave of you now. I have a few favors to call in to make sure this happens seamlessly. Ellen will help you on this end, and come tomorrow, you’ll be moving to my town house. Do you think that will pose a problem?”

Rose could only shake her head, suddenly bereft of words as he gave her a short bow before departing.

She remained rooted to the spot for several minutes, contemplating how quickly everything had changed for her. Again.

She and Brantford were going to be wed tomorrow. Given where her father was currently residing, as well as the fact that her mother was hiding in the country, she felt more than a spark of guilt for the happiness the thought gave her.

Her mother would hate what she’d call the unseemly haste with which her marriage was taking place. But since tongues were already wagging about her family, there was no point in waiting. Brantford wouldn’t have proposed if he didn’t think it necessary.

A shiver went through her just thinking about Lord Standish. She couldn’t deny that there was something sinister about the man. His attentions had always been directed squarely at Catherine, but now it seemed he had shifted his focus to her.

Would he really harm her? Her father seemed to think so, and apparently so did Brantford if today’s surprising turn of events was any indication. Logically, she knew she should be worried for her own safety, but she found it difficult to process the fact that everyone seemed to think she was in very real danger. It beggared belief that Lord Standish meant to harm her.

Rose didn’t want to think about the speculation that would arise when others learned of their marriage. In a few months’ time, when it became clear that Brantford hadn’t married her because she was with child, the rumors would fade. With any luck, her father’s name would also be cleared and they could go about putting this unpleasantness behind them.

She had to cling to that hope.

A flurry of activity in the hallway gave her enough time to brace herself for Catherine’s return. Rose overheard her friend bidding her betrothed goodbye, and then she came hurrying into the drawing room. She rushed to Rose’s side.

“Kerrick told me what was happening in here. Is it true? Did Lord Brantford really propose marriage?”

Rose could only nod in reply, still a little stunned by the dramatic turn of events herself.

“Did you accept?” Catherine asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“I did.” Rose collapsed onto the settee. “We’re going to be wed tomorrow.”

Catherine gave a small squeal as she dropped next to Rose and enveloped her in a hug.

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