Nothing to Commend Her Read Online Free Page B

ultimate goal was to increase crop production, not cultivate flowers? Although she enjoyed flower gardening, it was not her primary focus. If anything, it provided a respite from her work, when she felt the need to step back.
    "Perhaps that is what I need to do today? The rose garden could do with some attention,” she said to herself, as she made her way to her father's study.
    But she knew it would only be a temporary distraction. The real problem was her lack of focus, for she couldn't stop thinking about Lord Crittenden's ball.
    "You wanted to see me, Papa?"
    "Yes, my dear. Close the door and sit down."
    She noted the deep lines around his eyes and mouth. They seemed more prevalent today for some reason. “Is something wrong?"
    "No,” he said, but rubbed his jaw, as was his way when he was concerned about something. He gazed at her solemnly for nearly a full minute. That she was used to. He worried over her future as did she, but they never spoke of it.
    "Papa, you may as well say whatever it is that's on your mind. No matter what it is, I shall weather it, I assure you,” she said with a small smile.
    He chuckled, and said, “You are so like your mother.” He leaned forward and lifted a letter from his desk. “I have had an offer for your hand."
    Her breath caught in her throat as he peered at her over his spectacles.
    "I beg your pardon,” she managed to squeak out.
    "A gentleman wishes to marry you, my dear,” he said, waiving the missive in the air then laid it down. Her eyes followed its movement as if it were a living thing. “What are your feelings on this matter?"
    She blinked a moment or two then lifted her gaze to his. Her mouth opened, her lips formed words, but nothing came out. She cleared her throat and attempted again. “Who has asked for—who could possibly want—"
    "I see, so you've no knowledge of this. Interesting. But not to labor the point, the gentleman in question is Lord Leighton, the Earl of Pensby.” He stroked his jaw as she stared with her mouth hanging open. “I wasn't aware you knew the man."
    She shook her head. “N-n-no. We've never—that is to say we've never been formally introduced."
    He sat back with a frown. “Then I find it rather odd that he would ask for your hand, with or without your knowledge.” He lifted the letter again. “And with strict instructions that the marriage take place post-haste at his estate."
    Her eyes widened at that. “Papa, nothing inappropriate has occurred between Lord Leighton and myself. Between myself or any man, for that matter."
    "I see. And his unusual proposal?"
    That night replayed itself in her mind. “Oh dear. Something did happen the other evening at Lord Crittenden's ball, between myself and some of the other ladies. A rather heated—discussion."
    He rubbed the bridge of his nose with a sigh, dislodging his spectacles. “And I take it this discussion involved Lord Leighton."
    "Yes, I'm afraid so. Papa, I would not be surprised if these, um, ladies took it upon themselves to play a rather nasty prank."
    The pain of that fact hurt more deeply than she'd ever imagined. It was the only logical conclusion. They were trying to foster some horrid joke on The Monster and The Dog . Lord Leighton wouldn't wish to marry her of all people.
    Her father re-adjusted his glasses and studied the letter before him. “A prank, you say? That must have been one devil of a discussion.” Lifting his gaze to her, he said, “But I'm afraid this isn't a prank, Agatha."
    Her heart bounced around inside her chest. “No?” she croaked.
    "I received an unexpected note from Lady Crittenden a few days ago,” he said with an awkward chuckle and shake of his head. “She suggested Lord Leighton was likely to make such an overture, and to consider him without any past prejudices. Of course, I replied that I considered him an admirable fellow. But until now,” he said, waving the letter, “I'd not seriously considered it as plausible. I thought Lady