The Lady’s Torn Heart (Faces of Love Series #2) Read Online Free Page A

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    “Well, that we sneak off and go anyway, of course.”
    “James, you want to sneak to a local event under the nose of your aunt? She will surely find out. She would dislike me even more.”
    “Come now,” he said, flashing me that devilish grin. “It is warm enough that we could ride in my gig, so as not to be improperly shut in a carriage together. It would be so much fun,” he added as a tease.
    “Well, I have always wanted to go to a local ball. My own mother has never allowed us to attend. She feared we might meet someone untitled or poor and fall in love.” I said this with sarcastic exaggerations.
    “Yes, it would be terrible to find yourself in love with a poor, untitled man,” he said with double meaning.
    “I don’t know; I don't think it would be that terrible.”
    “Perhaps if he had means to change his situation, it might be a good consolation.”
    “I’m sure Mother would find it a satisfactory compromise.”
    He paused as we both took in the secret conversation underlining our words.
    “So you will come with me tonight?”
    “What will I say to Mary?”
    “Tell her the truth. I, on the other hand, have told my aunt that I will be coming over for a family dinner and a game of chess with the Duke, with the possibility of it being a very long night.”
    “Gaffton is magnificent at chess.”
    “So am I.”

CHAPTER 7

    GETTING CAUGHT IN THE WEB

“Her resentment of such behavior, her indignation at having been its dupe…made her feel only for herself.” - Jane Austen

    * * *
    M ary had agreed to James’ scheming, being a romantic at heart. Gaffton was a little harder to convince. He reluctantly gave in at his wife’s request.
    The night was like a fairytale dream. There was no one in the room but James and myself. I didn’t care what others thought of us. When I was alone with James, it was as if everything around us blurred away into the background. I don't think I had ever laughed so much or made so many good memories in one night. I couldn’t help but imagine that would be my life if James and I were married.
    We didn’t stay too late at the ball. We figured that returning home late in the night and then James going on to his aunt’s would make it seem like just a late game of chess. We were disappointed, however, when we pulled up to the Gaffton’s manor and found Lady Heather’s coach outside of it.
    When we came in, it was to a room full of solemn faces in the drawing room. It was all to varying degrees. Mary looked worried and tired. I kicked myself inwardly. I wasn’t here to cause trouble for her. I had meant to come and ease her transition into motherhood, but here she was losing sleep over me.
    Gaffton had a look of knowing irritation. I had a feeling a speech beginning with ‘I said this was a bad idea’ was in my near future.
    Lady Heather looked regally infuriated. She was not the kind of Lady who would wait for others. From the look of her disposition, I had a feeling that she had been waiting quite a while for the two of us. She gave a loud huff and came to her feet at the sight of us.
    “Really, James! What were you thinking?”
    “Aunt Heather. You’re here. Why are you here?”
    “Does that really matter at this point? The bottom line is, I came here to fetch you and you were not here.”
    “My dear aunt, I respect your concern for me, but I am not a child. I do not need to answer to you.”
    “You do as long as you are in my house.” Her implication was clear. Do what I want or you won’t be heir to my title and fortune.
    “I am sorry that I upset you. It was an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss. I will try to be more considerate of your feelings in the future,” James replied to pacify her.
    “Perhaps we should give you two the room,” Gaffton chimed in softly.
    “No, it is quite alright, Your Grace. We will be leaving now,” Lady Heather huffed. “I think a long discussion on who we choose to associate with is long overdue.”
    My