Read Online Catch a Falling Heiress: An American Heiress in London by Laura Lee Guhrke - Free Book Online Page B

now he’s rather . . .” She paused for a little cough. “Ahem . . . indisposed. But later, the two of you can discuss the details, and—”
    “You misunderstand me, Lin,” her father cut in. “There will be no engagement between you and Van Hausen. I can’t allow it.”
    “What?” Linnet blinked, her relief dissolving. Her mother had been right, then. “But why?” she asked, more confounded than ever. “Mother’s opposed, and of course, I know why. But you, Daddy? Why should you be opposed?”
    “He’s not good enough for you.”
    “Not good enough?” That was so absurd, Linnet almost laughed, but her father’s expression told her this was no laughing matter. “But Frederick is no different from us. I’ve known him all my life. His family is even older than ours, and almost as wealthy. And besides, I thought you liked Frederick.”
    “I do like him. Can’t deny it. But he’s still not the man for you, Lin. I can’t give my consent.”
    Linnet stared, still not able to quite believe what she was hearing. Daddy wanted her to marry an American. He’d supported her position on this ever since Lord Conrath. “But I don’t understand this at all. What possible objection could you have—”
    “I said no, and that’s the end of it.”
    In most situations, this sort of uncompromising refusal wouldn’t worry her. Given enough time and enough persistence and tact on her part, she could get around her father’s objections to just about anything. But in this case, she didn’t have time. Mrs. Dewey would never keep silent about what she’d witnessed. The odious woman was probably whispering all the lurid details to various friends in the ballroom at this very moment. By tomorrow afternoon, everyone in Newport would know about it. Any delay in her engagement to Frederick would fuel the gossip about Featherstone and further endanger her reputation.
    “But Daddy, you don’t understand,” she choked out, feeling a hint of panic. “I must marry.”
    He smiled and took her hand in both of his. “Now don’t you go worrying about your future, Lin. Your mother’s still got her head set on you marrying some Englishman with a title, but we’ve managed to nix that plan so far, haven’t we?”
    Linnet was pretty certain her mother’s plan was anything but nixed, thanks to a certain British earl, but when her father winked at her, she couldn’t help a little smile in return. “Poor Mother. If she knew how we’ve plotted against her in that regard. But she won’t give up. Not until I’m married.”
    “I agree, but the man you wed won’t be Frederick Van Hausen.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I want someone far better than that for you, someone who’s good enough to marry you, someone who’s good enough to be allied with our family.”
    She frowned, feeling a sudden uneasiness that had nothing to do with her father’s refusal of Frederick and everything to do with his odd choice of words. She gave a little laugh. “Oh, Daddy, you talk as if you already have someone in mind.”
    Her father laughed, too. “I never can put anything over on you, Lin,” he said, patting her hand. “Not for long.”
    Linnet froze, the implications of her father’s words striking her with a force that left her unable to move or even react. Her uneasiness deepened into dread. It seemed like an eternity before she could bring herself to ask the vital question. “Who are you thinking of, Daddy?” she whispered.
    “Davis MacKay.”
    “But . . . but . . .” She paused, for the notion was so absurd, she couldn’t even credit it, much less refute it. “But that’s impossible,” she managed at last. “I can’t marry Davis.”
    “He’s a good man, Lin.” Ephraim’s voice was pleasant, agreeable, and yet, that very quality seemed to worsen the horrible, sick feeling in her stomach. “With a good character. He’ll make you a fine husband.”
    “But I don’t love Davis, and he doesn’t love