The Waylaid Heart Read Online Free Page A

understand why my mind has been tied in knots. At first it did not seem probable, or even conceivable. Further reflection allows me to think it is possible." She looked down at her clenched hands. She took a deep breath and slowly uncurled her fingers one at a time until they lay flat in her lap.
    "My father, Baron Lionel Haukstrom, is a gamester." Each word was drawn out then bitten off sharply like it was some foul tasting food. "By the time I was twelve, he'd run through his own inheritance. He would have run through mother's portion as well if grandfather hadn't had the wherewithal to place a clause in my parent's marriage contract that withheld direct control of the principal from my father."
    "My brother, Randolph, was always bitter about the family's financial straits. It prevented him from cutting a swath through Society, you see. For several years he planned and schemed at ways to reverse the family fortunes. Then he heard of an unmarried wealthy merchant who was looking for a wife. Randolph contrived to meet this merchant and put the idea in his head that he needed more than a wife, he needed an aristocratic wife. Me."
    Cecilia rose and paced the room. "I was sixteen at the time and still a resident at a Bath seminary for young ladies. My grandfather paid for my education and invited me to Oastley Hall for the holidays as a way to ensure I not become soiled by my father's and brother's machinations. Unfortunately, he was not successful."
    Her voice rose in shrillness at the memories. "To make a long story short, Mr. Waddley bought me—" She broke off and turned away to compose herself
    "Egad," murmured Mr. Thornbridge.
    Cecilia took a deep breath and began again, her voice low, but steady. "There really can be no other term for it. Father fetched me from school, informed me of my good fortune, and took me to a small church where my brother and Mr. Waddley awaited."
    "I would not have thought Mr. Waddley to behave in such a ramshackle manner."
    Cecilia smiled ruefully. "I should add that father had the forethought to provide me with a veil. Mr. Waddley's first look at me did not occur until after our vows were exchanged. Randolph led him to believe I was older and a teacher at the school, reduced to those circumstances by our poverty and, though the granddaughter of a duke, unlikely to enjoy a respectable marriage. Moved by my supposed plight, Mr. Waddley offered marriage."
    Mr. Thornbridge nodded in understanding. "That I readily believe."
    She laughed, her dark blue eyes sparkling. "Knowing my husband, Mr. Thornbridge, can you imagine his reaction when he discovered he'd been gulled?"
    "He would have been furious."
    "He was." Cecilia sat down on the sofa again, some of the tenseness leaving her body. "But his fury was not directed at how he'd been fooled. He was furious at the use my father and brother made of me. Being a man who's word was his bond, he honored the contract he made with my father. Afterward, he made certain they understood that our marriage did not give them license to run tame with his fortune. He would see to it that London tradesmen did not issue them credit backed by his wealth."
    Mr. Thornbridge's eyes gleamed. "I can well imagine! Did your family actually think your marriage would be a carte blanche to his pocketbook?"
    "Oh, yes! Particularly Randolph. It is my belief he felt we should continue to thank him remuneratively for arranging our marriage. In his mind he was not responsible for decimating the Haukstrom fortune; therefore, he should not be penalized. The irony is that he would have run through the money in half the time it took father."
    "Only because Prinny and his set are so spendthrift. They set a standard that others rush to follow," interjected Lady Meriton, her voice thick with disgust.
    "Like lemmings rushing to the sea, they seek their own destruction," quipped Cecilia.
    "Precisely. I only hope I have adequately educated Franklin to avoid the excesses of his peers."
    Cecilia