A Perilous Marriage Read Online Free Page B

to disagree? As long as I can have my roses and other flowers in season, I let those who can manage quite alone and just enjoy the harvest. I don’t know how long we shall stay in London or even if we go at all.”
    Lucie looked quizzically at Eleanor. What was brewing in that greying head? “You have changed your mind about London?”
    “It depends on you. Last night, Edmund Tasker asked leave to court you with a view to marriage.” She paused as Lucie gave a horrified gasp and held up her hand to stop her speaking. “Hear me out, please. I must speak things as they are so that you know exactly how to reply. He is a handsome, well-set, titled gentleman. Only a baronet, it’s true, but extremely wealthy, I believe. You’d want for nothing. He tells me he wants a wife and children. He has seen the ladies in the Americas but does not wish to marry or reside there. He has looked at opportunities in the City, but was not taken with anyone. He has always had you in mind to measure anyone against, so decided to fix his hopes on you.”
    “I don’t believe it! I hardly know the man, leastways the man he purports to be, nor does he know me. I was never invited to their house after he and Emmeline married. The nearest I’ve been to him is passing by in the village, and certainly, we have never spoken.  I tried, Grandmama, without making it too obviously rude, to say I did not want to go riding with him, though he pressed me to agree. His manners last night left a lot to be desired. He snubbed Carolyn unmercifully, scarcely acknowledging her at all although she was standing right beside me. I trust you said no to the man?”
    “I merely said I would think about it and discuss it with you. On the other hand, the reason I am in no hurry to give an answer is because I’m expecting a guest to stay, I hope for an extended visit. It’s quite providential, as it happens. It is many years since I have seen my godson, and I had news the other day his ship docked recently in Liverpool, having sailed from America. He is visiting his Shropshire home first, but the letter I had this morning tells me he will be with us shortly. It is both good news and regretfully sad as well, Lucie. I’ve been waiting a long time to see Richard again. His father and I were special friends when I was young. I almost married him instead of the Duke of Braden, but it was not to be. Our lives went in other directions. Not that I minded in the end, as I soon fell in love with your grandfather. However, Richard’s father, Edward Charles Martell, the Earl of Copeland, has just died. Obviously, the reason my godson has returned home. I have kept in touch with him over the years, and he always said he would visit as soon as possible once he was back here, so we can expect him shortly and will make him welcome.”
    “What about Lord Tasker—what do I say when I see him again?”
    “Well, you won’t be riding until your mare is better, and in the meantime, I trust you to arrange the household for me for Richard’s visit. So, as you will be busy doing that, it is unlikely that you will run across him soon. If he calls here, make sure I am with you. It is likely our reticence will put him off, and he will look elsewhere for a bride. Of course, in thinking things over, you may well decide to have him court you and find out what he is really like. There is no harm in learning how a person conducts himself in private as well as public. We all show a different face depending on circumstances. It may confirm your opinion or perhaps change it.” Her smile was enigmatic as she walked away, leaving Lucie dumbfounded at her last remark.
    “Hell will freeze over before I let that savage court me,” she muttered to herself as she wondered what kind of a game her grandmother was playing.
     
    * * * *
     
    Dawn appeared bright and early a couple of days later, and soon, the sky was a cloudless, cerulean blue heralding a warm day. Lucie was awake before time with the