A Midsummer Bride Read Online Free Page A

for a compliment but came up short. He was far from being a connoisseur of fashion, but even he could tell there was nothing remarkable about her coat or bonnet. Yet she had just been through an ordeal and the silence was growing. Something needed to be said.
    “It must be nice to be so verra tall,” he blurted. Tall? Had he just commented on her height? It would have been better to say nothing.
    Instead of being offended, she gave him a slow smile. “Yes, I am tall. Most people pretend not to notice. My father and brothers are even taller than I, so I do not feel so out of place.” Much to his surprise she walked closer and stood next to him shoulder to shoulder. “You are even taller than I.”
    “Aye.” His heart raced. She was very close. It was actually nice for once to have a lady be more at eye level. He was taller than most men and towered over the women of his acquaintance, but here was a lady he could talk to without feeling freakishly large.
    “It is nice to find a man with height to him. It reminds me of my family.” There was a sadness about her mouth when she spoke.
    “You must miss them,” he said.
    “Very much.” She blinked as if fighting back a tear.
    Thornton was touched. Unlike most societal ladies who presented an air of poised disinterestedness, Miss Redgrave’s emotions were apparent and raw. It gave him courage to speak from his heart as well. “Ye have been verra brave to face such adversity, not to mention standing yer ground against Lord Langley.”
    Miss Redgrave’s shoulders relaxed as if freed from burden and she graced him with another smile. “Thank you. You are very kind. I am fortunate that you were here tonight. I doubt my grandfather would have listened to me had you not been the voice of reason.” She reached out and shook his hand. “Thank you.”
    Thornton was surprised by the gesture and feel of her bare skin against his own. Her hand was surprisingly delicate and cold.
    “Yer hand is so cold,” he said in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. Instinctively he enclosed her hand in both of his to warm her.
    “I was more nervous than I should like to admit,” she said in a soft voice.
    “Here we are now, everything is ready,” bellowed Lord Langley, entering with the housekeeper following behind.
    Thornton dropped Miss Redgrave’s hand and jumped back as if he had been caught molesting her.
    Miss Redgrave dropped him a curtsy and followed the housekeeper up the stairs to her bedchamber.
    “Thank you for keeping her company for a few minutes,” said Langley with a smile. Thornton was relieved Langley had either not seen the handshake or was not concerned by it.
    “I am pleased ye have been reunited with yer family,” said Thornton politely.
    “Can’t lose her too,” mumbled Langley, glancing around to make sure Miss Redgrave was no longer within sight. “No, I shall learn from past mistakes.”
    “Past mistakes?” echoed Thornton.
    “Beatrice. Should have married her off as soon as it was legal. A wedding would have kept her close to home.”
    “I am no’ sure marriage—”
    “Marriage!” interrupted Langley. “That is what we need.”
    “Whose marriage?” Thornton was lost.
    “Harriet’s marriage of course.”
    “Did she not say she would return on the next ship to America?”
    “Need to act fast, good thinking.” Langley rubbed his hands together. “What about your house party, my lad? Might be just the thing to find her a husband.”
    “Ye be welcome if ye wish, but—”
    “Good, good. I have a chance to redeem my reputation here. I shall have her married to a lord at the very least, or a duke, or maybe even a prince.” Langley looked him up and down like he was choosing a horse at Tattersall’s. “Even a Scottish earl might do,” he muttered.
    Thornton edged toward the door. “I shall bid ye a good night.”
    Langley cast him a conspiratorial grin. “I will see the girl married respectably this time. And you’re going to