Read Online A Chance Encounter by Gayle Buck - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Gayle Buck
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escape the detested betrothal agreement to Miss Augusta Ratcliffe.
Joan noticed that Lord Humphrey had glossed over the reason why he had originally insisted upon wedding her. However, she could hardly blame him for being reluctant to appear at any worse disadvantage in his grandmother’s eyes. The fact of the hasty marriage was bad enough.
With that one exception, the viscount relayed all of what had led up to the unusual marriage, aided at different times by Joan’s soft comments and clarifications.
“So you see, Grandmamma, I had to bring Joan to you,” said Lord Humphrey.
In the course of his narration, the viscount had risen from his chair and taken a restless turn about the space before the fire. He stood now at the mantel, the reflected heat of the flames casting a ruddy glow over his lean cheeks as he awaited his grandmother’s final judgment. He studied her face for clues to what she was thinking, unavailingly. However, if he had been privy to Lady Cassandra’s thoughts, he would have been surprised.
Lady Cassandra was very much entertained, though she took care not to allow her amusement to show. It was such a dreadful imbroglio, after all, and one must pretend suitable shock and sobriety. But for all of her somber expression and quiet words, she had experienced quite a burgeoning of affection for her grandson that she had never before thought possible. The young viscount had inherited some dash and spirit, and he was fast becoming one of her favorites.
As for the viscountess, formerly Miss Joan Chadwick, Lady Cassandra, approved of her as well. The girl was unworldly, yet at times unexpectedly percipient, and she, too, had a bit of backbone in her. The match would do very well indeed, thought Lady Cassandra, and it was infinitely preferable to the one arranged for the viscount.
Lady Cassandra, without ever having met Miss Ratcliffe, had taken an unreasonable and hearty dislike to that young lady.
The first words that Lady Cassandra spoke were quite different from what Lord Humphrey had hoped for, dismayingly so.
“Edward, before your surprising arrival this afternoon I was reading a letter from the Countess of Dewesbury,” said Lady Cassandra. She began to peel an apple with a small sharp knife, her full attention apparently focused upon the task.
Lord Humphrey exchanged a quick glance with Joan. He said quietly, “Indeed, Grandmamma? And did my mother chance to convey anything noteworthy?” His lordship’s query was casual enough, but the tone of his voice reflected his keen interest in the answer.
Lady Cassandra waved the knife in a vague fashion. “My daughter’s letters never fail to bore me to tears. She crosses and recrosses the pages in such an incoherent manner that I am vexed beyond bearing at times.”
Lord Humphrey visibly relaxed. He smiled in a reassuring fashion at Joan, who returned it with a quick smile of her own.
“The countess did relate one interesting tidbit, however, and that was that you were shortly to announce your engagement to a very worthy young lady by the name of Miss Augusta Ratcliffe.” Lady Cassandra paused in the cutting of her apple as she cast a glance toward her two dismayed companions. “I presume that you are not actually getting up a harem, Edward?”
“Of course not,” exclaimed Lord Humphrey, pardonably exasperated.
“Then you shall explain how it is that you have married, however honor-bound you were to do so at the time, of course, when you are secretly betrothed to another,” Lady Cassandra said blandly. She looked at Joan. “You knew of Miss Ratcliffe, of course.”
Joan flushed slightly. “Yes, my lady.”
She did not offer further explanation, nor did she attempt to defend herself, which Lady Cassandra liked her for. Nevertheless, Lady Cassandra shook her head and clucked her tongue in a show of disapproval.
“I told Joan of Miss Ratcliffe. She very rightly declined my offer of marriage in deference to my previous obligation,”
Joan noticed that Lord Humphrey had glossed over the reason why he had originally insisted upon wedding her. However, she could hardly blame him for being reluctant to appear at any worse disadvantage in his grandmother’s eyes. The fact of the hasty marriage was bad enough.
With that one exception, the viscount relayed all of what had led up to the unusual marriage, aided at different times by Joan’s soft comments and clarifications.
“So you see, Grandmamma, I had to bring Joan to you,” said Lord Humphrey.
In the course of his narration, the viscount had risen from his chair and taken a restless turn about the space before the fire. He stood now at the mantel, the reflected heat of the flames casting a ruddy glow over his lean cheeks as he awaited his grandmother’s final judgment. He studied her face for clues to what she was thinking, unavailingly. However, if he had been privy to Lady Cassandra’s thoughts, he would have been surprised.
Lady Cassandra was very much entertained, though she took care not to allow her amusement to show. It was such a dreadful imbroglio, after all, and one must pretend suitable shock and sobriety. But for all of her somber expression and quiet words, she had experienced quite a burgeoning of affection for her grandson that she had never before thought possible. The young viscount had inherited some dash and spirit, and he was fast becoming one of her favorites.
As for the viscountess, formerly Miss Joan Chadwick, Lady Cassandra, approved of her as well. The girl was unworldly, yet at times unexpectedly percipient, and she, too, had a bit of backbone in her. The match would do very well indeed, thought Lady Cassandra, and it was infinitely preferable to the one arranged for the viscount.
Lady Cassandra, without ever having met Miss Ratcliffe, had taken an unreasonable and hearty dislike to that young lady.
The first words that Lady Cassandra spoke were quite different from what Lord Humphrey had hoped for, dismayingly so.
“Edward, before your surprising arrival this afternoon I was reading a letter from the Countess of Dewesbury,” said Lady Cassandra. She began to peel an apple with a small sharp knife, her full attention apparently focused upon the task.
Lord Humphrey exchanged a quick glance with Joan. He said quietly, “Indeed, Grandmamma? And did my mother chance to convey anything noteworthy?” His lordship’s query was casual enough, but the tone of his voice reflected his keen interest in the answer.
Lady Cassandra waved the knife in a vague fashion. “My daughter’s letters never fail to bore me to tears. She crosses and recrosses the pages in such an incoherent manner that I am vexed beyond bearing at times.”
Lord Humphrey visibly relaxed. He smiled in a reassuring fashion at Joan, who returned it with a quick smile of her own.
“The countess did relate one interesting tidbit, however, and that was that you were shortly to announce your engagement to a very worthy young lady by the name of Miss Augusta Ratcliffe.” Lady Cassandra paused in the cutting of her apple as she cast a glance toward her two dismayed companions. “I presume that you are not actually getting up a harem, Edward?”
“Of course not,” exclaimed Lord Humphrey, pardonably exasperated.
“Then you shall explain how it is that you have married, however honor-bound you were to do so at the time, of course, when you are secretly betrothed to another,” Lady Cassandra said blandly. She looked at Joan. “You knew of Miss Ratcliffe, of course.”
Joan flushed slightly. “Yes, my lady.”
She did not offer further explanation, nor did she attempt to defend herself, which Lady Cassandra liked her for. Nevertheless, Lady Cassandra shook her head and clucked her tongue in a show of disapproval.
“I told Joan of Miss Ratcliffe. She very rightly declined my offer of marriage in deference to my previous obligation,”
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