Read Online Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton - Free Book Online

haven’t been here that long. We’ve never spoken of it. So, do you collect butterflies? Collect horses, or great art, or dabble in paints yourself? Are you political?”
    â€œAs to that last, not at all,” he said. I’ve seen too much of the damage done by both reformers and those who don’t want to change a hair on a wig of the justices. Butterflies are better off in the sky than pressed into a book, don’t you think? I don’t collect creatures, but I like horses, dogs, cats, birds, and fish. I don’t have to own them to enjoy them. I appreciate art too much to try to paint. But I do read. I love music. I like to grow things. I ride and swim, winter as well as summer. You don’t haveto worry that I’ll hang on your sleeve. I’ve many interests, but my foremost now is you.”
    He sighed. “Eve, do you really think time will make your decision easier? I don’t think so. Not in our case. Either you know now, or you don’t. I think time will not mend matters. It will only add frustration and distrust.”
    â€œYours or mine?” she dared ask.
    He shrugged. “And so?” he asked again.
    â€œAnd so,” she said, raising her chin. She thought another moment. “And so I think that an autumn wedding could be as lovely as a spring wedding. We can have autumn leaves instead of May flowers for my bouquet, and acorns and berries instead of peaches and cherries for dessert.”
    â€œAnd we can have joy in the winter instead of just longing,” he said, as he drew her into his arms. “And maybe even a babe of our own by spring.”
    She drew away and gazed at him uneasily.
    â€œWhat?” he asked to her unspoken question. “Where is the objection now? If we marry in September a June babe will be as safe from the gossips as you being a June bride would have been.”
    â€œIt’s not that. I just think that it’s odd that you speak about a baby so much. Most men, I think, wouldn’t be talking about babies instead of their honeymoon.”
    â€œI am not most men,” he said, and kissed any other doubts, or thoughts, from her mind.
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    â€œBut why such haste, child?” Eve’s father asked her.
    â€œHe means,” her brother said, from where he lounged by the window of his father’s study, “is there need for haste? If there is, then Ashford’s a fast worker, I must say. You’ve known him less than three months, and here you are engaged, bedded, and begging to be wedded.”
    â€œSheridan!” her father said, shocked.
    â€œSherry,” Eve said, clenching her fists and rounding on him, “you are going to die. But before you do, I’ll have you know there’s no need for haste.” She colored, raised her chin and added, “Except perhaps, because I don’t want him to get away and change his mind about me.”
    Sheridan looked genuinely shocked. “ You, level-headed sister of mine? I’m the one who falls for crazes and has no sense at all. What has the man done to you?” he asked, so seriously that Eve believed him for once.
    â€œHe’s made me love him,” she said simply. “And I suppose, if love makes one crazed, so be it.”
    Sheridan’s expression didn’t clear. Neither did his father’s.
    â€œWhat could he have done to me?” she askedimpatiently. “No,” she said quickly, “never mind that. He didn’t do that . The point is that I didn’t even imagine a man like him would ask me to dance with him, much less marry him. He’s intelligent, kind, and witty; polite, well educated, and charming. And so handsome he makes people stare. Especially women. That’s not his fault. He doesn’t try to attract them. At least, I’ve never seen him do it. You approved his suit, Father, and now you look troubled to hear that we’re marrying sooner than intended. I told you I’m not