Read Online Corrected by the Colonel by Celeste Jones - Free Book Online Page B

spare male heir to secure the family line in the event the eldest son died without issue, Blaise had relished it. As far as he was concerned, he had all the benefits of wealth and privilege without the duties and expectations. His commission in the army fulfilled his need for adventure and excitement. He had no desire to settle down. Had never considered a wife and family. To his thinking, children were nothing more than a bother which he was glad to avoid, particularly now that his brother had produced twin sons.
              And yet, when a beautiful blonde mistook him for a footman and handed him her shoe to repair, all this bravado fell away. At least most of it did. Their encounter in the barn, and her submission to his thumb probing her bottom hole, melted his defenses.
              He was a man who liked order and discipline, but he also liked a challenge. For him, Miss Cassandra Sheridan was a perfect match. He envisioned their future together and his heart warmed at the thought of the children they would have. He whispered as much against her sweet smelling hair.
              When she made no response at all, he tipped back to examine her face only to find her softly sleeping in his arms.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
              "No, I will not have it. Your mother is surely turning over in her grave. It is shameful enough that you insist upon marrying a girl such as Miss Sheridan, but I shall not allow the event to take place at Hadley Hall." Lady Tyndall's strident tone sent Cassandra ducking into an alcove outside the breakfast room, grateful she had not entered during what was obviously a conversation about her.
              She had woken from the most delicious dream. She dreamt she had fallen asleep in Blaise's arms, that he'd whispered words of love while he held her close then carried her to her room, gently removing her clothing and slipping her into bed in her nightclothes before tucking the covers under her chin and kissing her on the forehead.
              For the first time in months her dreams had been filled with happiness and hope rather than visions of herself as a scullery maid and her sisters married off to any man who would have them.
              But of course, it was only a dream. Though she had no recollection of what happened after Blaise snuggled her in his lap, she was certain her imagination, and possibly the wine, had created the tantalizing fantasy.
              A fantasy which vanished with Lady Tyndall's harsh tone, though what followed shocked her even more.
              "I am sorry you feel that way, Aunt. If you do not wish the marriage to take place here, then Miss Sheridan and I shall vacate your home as soon as our bags can be packed. You may be assured we will not darken your door again. Your unkindness to the woman I have chosen as my bride is uncalled for and if my dear mother were to be turning over in her grave it would be because of your maliciousness and not the perceived unsuitability of Miss Sheridan as my wife."
              Cassandra covered her mouth with her hand to stifle an involuntary gasp. If she had been able to peek into the breakfast room she would have seen Blaise's stiff bow to his aunt before he exited the room, but since she could not, his sudden presence in the hallway, and firm grasp of her arm, caught her by surprise.
              Still holding her arm Blaise led her to her bedchamber. "We shall leave in one hour. I have arranged for a special license and will alert the vicar to expect us."
              Cassandra stared after him as he tromped down the hall. She sighed and entered her room, prepared to pack her things.
              The task was quickly accomplished. While she waited for Blaise to collect her for their departure, she read her sister's letter for the hundredth time. So much had happened since she first read it