An Eligible Bachelor Read Online Free Page B

found deeply irritating. ‘Does she realize what being mistress of Eversleigh entails? It’s virtually a full-time job.’
    Guy stabbed at an errant cornichon with his fork. ‘Maybe you could talk her through it? You know what’s involved far better than I do.’
    ‘I’d be delighted. I think it’s only fair to let her know what she’s letting herself in for. And how irresponsible the Portias males can be.’
    Guy smiled inwardly at this little dig, then realized that Madeleine was merely subtly shifting the balance of power by allying herself with Richenda. He put his fork down and pulled one of his mother’s cigarettes out of the packet. He found he was suddenly nervous. He had won his mother over all too easily, for the time being at least. There were no more obstacles in the way, a prospect that was rather unnerving. He wondered whether he’d secretly wanted Madeleine to wade in and stop the proceedings, tell him she forbade it. But of course she wouldn’t have. He was a grown man, after all, and she had absolutely no reason to object.
    His mother’s voice cut through his deliberation.
    ‘I suppose you’ll be wanting the master bedroom.’
    Guy stubbed his cigarette out studiously. Anything rather than meet his mother’s eye. He couldn’t confess that he’d spent the night shagging the arse off Richenda in that very room.
    ‘I suppose so.’
    ‘I’ll have it done out for you,’ said Madeleine. ‘I’ve been putting it off as it is. I couldn’t bear the thought of it being used for paying guests.’
    ‘Thank you,’ said Guy faintly, not daring to ask if Richenda could choose the wallpaper.
    ‘We’ll have champagne in the small sitting room at six. It’s just a pity your father’s not here.’
    Madeleine said it as if Tony was off on a fishing trip, not six foot under in the graveyard. Nevertheless, Guy managed a small smile at the thought of his father with Richenda. Tony would have had even less of a clue about what Richenda did than Guy, but he had appreciated a beautiful woman. It was amazing how sexually attractive the absent-minded professor act could be when executed correctly. His father had been utterly exasperating and totally charming. No regard for mealtimes or bedtimes, dress codes, deadlines; he had been a law unto himself. Guy suspected he’d never had to confront a bill or a bank statement in his life, let alone a leaky tap. Which was why Madeleine’s life hadn’t been any more difficult since his departure. Just empty.
    ‘Then Richenda and I can have a little chat,’ Madeleine carried on. ‘I want her to be quite clear what she’s letting herself in for.’ She put her slender hand over Guy’s in arare moment of affection. ‘I’m very pleased for you, darling. I hope you’ll both be very happy.’
    Guy’s stomach gave a little flip. With his mother’s seal of approval, he realized he was moving into the next phase of his life. Things couldn’t stay the same, after all. He was thirty-five – he couldn’t remain a bachelor much longer without attracting speculation. No, it was definitely time he settled down and faced up to his responsibilities. He told himself he was bound to feel nervous. He felt certain everyone had doubts. It was a lifetime commitment, after all – no one could ever be a hundred per cent sure they were doing the right thing.
    ‘I’ll go and pay’ He stood up and went over to the bar. While Barney totted up the bill, Guy wondered why his stomach was still churning. Had the terrine been too rich? Or was there a more sinister meaning? He leaned an elbow on the bar.
    ‘Tell me,’ he said to Barney. ‘How did you feel when you proposed to Suzanna?’
    Barney looked up, somewhat startled.
    ‘What?’
    ‘Were you shit scared?’
    ‘Well, yeah. I suppose so. It’s not every day you ask a girl to marry you. But I was excited too.’ A smile spread over his face. ‘Is there something you want to tell me?’
    Guy scratched his head, grinning a