Read Online Emily Hendrickson by The Scoundrels Bride - Free Book Online Page A

trip across London was accompanied by soft murmurs of, “What do you think he will say?” and “I cannot believe you are so daring as to risk this.”
    They left the hackney, advancing upon the building with hesitant steps. They passed the little shop selling coffee and tea, tobacco and cigars, then walked to the entrance that was set back some distance from the street.
    Inside, after paying four shillings for herself and the others, Chloe searched the area. She hadn’t realized how tense she was until she relaxed upon seeing Mr. St. Aubyn advance from the shadows.
    “Good afternoon, Lady Chloe. Miss Spayne, what a pleasant surprise.” He half turned to speak to another person who had remained in the shadows. “Theo, my good fellow, why not join us? Surely you do not need to go to Jackson’s just now?”
    Theo grinned and walked the distance with flattering haste. “Lady Chloe and Miss Spayne! The lure of Jackson’s cannot compare with this treat. Shall we?” He offered his arm to Laura, who accepted with apparent delight. Her glance back at Chloe was one of pleased conspiracy.
    “That was fortuitous,” Julian said quietly as he ushered Lady Chloe up the stairs to where the panorama would be seen. It claimed to offer a comprehensive and most lifelike view of the Swiss Alps in full and glorious color.
    “Indeed, but Grandmama insisted I have someone besides Ellen along with me,” she replied sedately. Then forgetting to be composed, she turned to him and said anxiously, “Have you thought of something? Anything?”
    “I have considered your situation at great length.” Julian failed to add that he was approaching desperation himself. Elinor had been pressing him again, and he suspected she was quite willing to create a scene to suit her purpose if needs be. What that might consist of, he did not even wish to contemplate. However, he surmised that nothing would be beyond her capabilities as he had come to know them.
    “And?” Lady Chloe prompted.
    “I believe it would be a good idea if we proceed to appear as though we have reached an understanding.” Ignoring the gasp from Lady Chloe, he revealed, “You are not the only one who wishes to escape an unwanted marriage. While I have no desire to name anyone, there is a lady who is pressing her intent. I have no wish to marry her and my father would not be pleased at that union.”
    “He would not be dismayed to see our names linked?”
    Julian allowed a wry chuckle to escape. “On the contrary, he would think all his prayers have been answered. My father is convinced that an amenable wife would be the making of me.”
    “I fail to see how we may accomplish this scheme in a short time, for you know that Lord Twisdale is urgently pursuing my marriage to him and Grandmama has endorsed his suit,” she argued, prudently ignoring his comment on a wife.
    It was plain that she was highly dubious and Julian could not say he blamed her. He simply could not think of anything better. He had no wish to leave London merely to escape Elinor Hadlow. And he also knew a desire to help this young woman elude marriage to a man he strongly disliked—even distrusted.
    “Theo has agreed to help us. He will tell everyone he was with us this afternoon, imply that we were quite taken with each other, that sort of thing. He’s rather good at implying things, actually.”
    Lady Chloe turned a grave face to him. They had reached the top of the stairs and were about to join the others inside the Rotunda to view the spectacle. “It is agreeable to me. I would do anything to avoid marriage to Lord Twisdale.”
    “Even appear attracted to me? How you do flatter a chap,” Julian said in his most mocking manner.
    “Oh, Mr. St. Aubyn, it is not that at all, and I believe you know it,” she said with a hint of a smile. “Why, a plain girl such as myself could never interest a dashing gentleman like you in the normal course of events. It will cause a deal of talk, you know,” she