Countess by Coincidence Read Online Free Page B

muslin dress was as quiet as she. Nothing about her would ever demand an attentive gaze. “I beg that you come sit beside me so we can discuss . . . our situation.”
    They went to the first pew. He had to caution himself not to explode. He was so vexed he wanted to shout at her, but he needed to ensure her cooperation and could not afford to be abrasive with her. “My lady, I’m curious to know why you went through with this . . . marriage. It wasn’t as if we’d ever even met. How is it you came here at the very time I thought I was to wed a stranger by the name of Margaret Ponsby?”
    Her lashes lowered, and he saw that she trembled. But she did not respond. He recalled his grandmother telling him that Lady Margaret was timid. Was that why she was not answering his question?
    After several moments, she looked up at him. “May I ask, my Lord, why you were marrying a stranger?”
    It was a fair enough question. “I have no money of my own, and my grandmother—who is most anxious to see me settled—was withholding money until I married.”
    She was silent a moment before she spoke. “So you were not, indeed are not, planning for this to be a real marriage?”
    At least she was not stupid. Terribly quiet, but not stupid. “That is correct.”
    “I will own, my Lord, I’m still confused by it all. How was it you were planning to marry me?”
    Anger rose within him. I bloody well was not planning to marry the sister of the Duke of Aldridge . He must control his emotions and speak rationally—even kindly—to this woman. “I had communicated with a Miss Margaret Ponsby of Windsor. We had never met.”
    Her eyes widened. “She is a distant cousin of mine, my Lord. You are referring to the spinster who’s close to fifty years of age?”
    He inwardly groaned. “I knew nothing about her. She answered my advert and was willing to go through the ceremony in exchange for a hundred pounds.”
    “Oh, dear! I thought you—or Mr. Perry—were giving me the money for our home for officers’ widows!” She reached into her reticule and handed him back the pouch. “Here. You must give this to Miss Ponsby of Windsor. I believe she is in need of it.”
    Grumbling to himself, he snatched the pouch. “Now, my lady, I beg of you to tell me why you went through with the ceremony.” Though John lacked conceit, he knew that women found him attractive. Had this woman schemed to trap him in matrimony?
    Again, she did not answer for a moment. Finally her lashes lifted. “I thought I was to be a stand-in for a proxy bride.”
    “But I asked if you were - - -” He clamped shut his mouth.
    “I was surprised you knew my name.”
    She obviously knew who he was. He could almost believe that Grandmere had foisted this duke’s daughter upon him. Almost. His grandmother was incapable of deceit. Because she was the most honest person he’d ever known, he knew his grandmother would never do anything so underhanded. “Well, it’s all become a bloody mess. I’m sorry for getting you involved in my chaotic life. I’ll have to see if my solicitor can arrange to dissolve this whole marriage business.”
    She nodded solemnly.
    “I would be obliged if you say nothing about this to anyone.”
    Her brows lowered as she nodded again.
    “I will either come by Berkeley Square to see you, or I’ll write you when I know something.”
    * * *
    Wiggington settled back in his chair and regarded John with a grave expression. “The law is very clear on this matter of annulment. Only if you can verify that one of you was mentally unfit before the marriage can an annulment be granted.”
    John’s first thoughts were of the Duke of Aldridge. Fat chance he’d ever allow his sister to be ridiculed for marrying a lunatic.
    “And, my Lord, I assure you that you do not want to petition the House of Lords to grant you a divorce. The vast expense as well as the public notoriety make that option prohibitive.”
    First, John did not have the funds to seek a