Read Online Cross the Ocean by Holly Bush - Free Book Online

“And this foray will have to be delicately handled. I will not allow Melinda to suffer for her mother’s mistakes.”
    Gert raised her brows. “You disagree with your daughter, then?”
    “Gertrude,” Elizabeth said. She shook her head.
    Lady Katherine stared at Gert. “It’s alright, Elizabeth. The chit has the courage to ask. I suppose I’ll supply the answer. Ann and Sanders’ marriage was arranged from birth. Two old families joining. He was a decent sort as a young man. I thought for many years I had done the right thing. Just as my parents had done for me. The difference was I respected my husband and eventually loved him. And he me, I believe. Sanders never loved or respected Ann.”
    “But Lady Katherine,” Elizabeth asked. “You and I both know love is an unusual ingredient for marriage in the ton.”
    “Yes, yes,” Lady Katherine said impatiently. “But as I got on in years and watched my daughter fade from life for a lack of attention, it galled me surely. Ann dismissed everything she was taught, all that her father and I imparted to her and yet this is the first time I’ve seen my daughter happy in fifteen years. I can’t deny I’m glad for her and her merchant.”
    “If she’s happy then I suppose you’ve achieved your life work, Lady Katherine,” Gert said. “I’ve no children but I can’t imagine watching them suffer. Melinda was confused by it all.”
    “Melinda? What did she have to say on the subject?” Lady Katherine asked.
    “We told Melinda everything that was said was in confidence. I’m not sure we should repeat it,” Gert said.
    “This is Melinda’s grand mama, Gertrude. Surely she knows most of it anyway,” Elizabeth said and proceeded to tell Lady Katherine of their meeting with Melinda. The girl’s tears, confessions, fears and of Gert’s advice.
    “Told my granddaughter not to worry about the gossips. You’re right, she’s not to blame in this affair.”
    Lady Katherine studied Gert. “I would be indebted if you would assist us in London, Miss Finch.
    Melinda will need every ally we can muster. I don’t think you’d stand by idly and watch her spurned. Or allow gossip to be spread.”
    “It’s kind of you to trust me but be forewarned. I speak my mind, especially with Melinda’s father,” Gert said. Had she just accepted this role? Gert could hardly believe her words. She had come at Elizabeth and Anthony’s insistence to meet the grandmother, fully intending to refuse.
    Lady Katherine rose. “Shows more good sense than you know, Miss Finch. Fool Sanders is to never realize the gem he had in Ann.”
    “In America we would call him a horse’s ass,” Gert said.
    Lady Katherine laughed aloud. “Apt description, I’d say.” She bellowed to the door. “I know you’re listening, Boscoe. Fetch Sanders and Burroughs. Be quick about it.”

    * * * *
Blake was feeling confident when he went into the morning room. The American had probably prattled on about women’s rights. With any luck his mother-in-law had fainted. He passed Miss Finch and Elizabeth in the hall. He nodded smugly.
    “Miss Finch will accompany us to London. Burroughs has agreed to handle the wardrobe. She’ll be staying with you and Anthony and Elizabeth in London,” Lady Katherine said as he entered the room.
    Blake skidded to a stop. “Certainly you can see the inherent flaws in this plan, Katherine.” She shot him a look. “Lady Katherine.”
    “What flaws, Sanders?” the dowager asked.
    Blake paced the room. “This will be difficult enough for Melinda. Any indiscretion by Miss Finch, Melinda will suffer for.”
    Lady Katherine stared at him and spoke regardless of her audience. “Could hardly be worse than any of your many indiscretions.”
    Blake swallowed. And admitted defeat. Two months under the same roof with the woman. Could he take it? For Melinda, he supposed he could. “Very well.”

Chapter Five
    The next week flew by for Gert. She sent a letter to Uncle Fred