Read Online His Dark Enchantress (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Victoria Chatham - Free Book Online Page A

voice. “I will stay with grandpapa until the end. When he no longer needs me, I will open a school. There are people who will help me, and Lord knows the parish needs it.”
    The rap of the knocker on the front door prevented her great-aunt from further comment. Emmaline’s heart leapt in her chest and battered against the cage of her ribs. She raised her trembling fingers to her lips to catch the name she was about to utter, but was too late.
    Her aunt heard it. Mrs. Babbidge opened her eyes wide with pleasure and a smile split her face, making rosy round apples of her cheeks.
    “See? I knew you were not averse to him.”
    “Nonsense, Aunt.” Emmaline straightened her back. “He is merely being polite for Juliana’s sake. And I bear with him for the same reason.”
    Giles opened the door.
    “His Lordship has arrived, Miss Em.”
    Mrs. Babbidge continued to beam at her. “Come along, you goose. I’ll help you with your hat, that’s all you need this fine morning.”
    Her aunt hurried her into the hall, where she set Emmaline’s blue silk shako hat on top of her dark curls.
    “Now you just behave like a proper lady should,” she said. “Here’s your gloves and riding crop. Let me look at you.”
    P ride shone in her eyes and she nudged Emmaline towards the door.
    Emmaline took a deep breath and stepped out into the bright morning to meet the tormentor of her soul.
     
    CHAPTER 6
     
    “Good morning, Miss Devereux.”
    “Good morning, my Lord.”
    Lucius chuckled and at the sound Emmaline set her jaw and lifted her chin.
    “Does it kill you to b e polite to me?” Lucius asked, his voice as soft as the silk lavender gown she had worn to Almack’s.
    “Cuts me to the core,” Emmaline responded promptly.
    He laughed at that and escorted her to the waiting riding party.
    “I hope you find Psyche to your liking,” he said, indicating the perfectly groomed dark brown mare that Noble held.
    “She’s very pretty.” Emmaline patted the mare’s neck before allowing Noble to assist her in to the saddle.
    Lucius mounted his own horse and with a clatter of hooves they made their way towards the park. Beamish rode ahead with Lucius while Noble brought up the rear.
    “Is all well ?” Juliana reached across from her horse, caught Emmaline’s hand and gave it a little squeeze.
    Emmaline returned the pressure. “I’m so sorry, Juliana, but I’m afraid your brother appears to bring out the worst in me.”
    “Don’t feel badly about that, it is a reaction many people experience.” Juliana smiled a little as she thought of how best to explain her brother’s behaviour. “Lucius can often be overbearing. I think it stems from him having inherited the title at such a young age. He was but fifteen when our Papa died and I think losing him greatly affected Lucius.”
    “I’m sorry, I did not know that.”
    “Well, it was a long time ago. Caroline tells me they were on very good terms and she would remember, being the eldest of us three. Lucius tried ve ry hard to be responsible but became quite wayward after he went to Oxford.”
    “ I remember you telling me he was considered quite the rake. But, rake or not, you are so lucky to have a family.” A wistful tone twisted in Emmaline’s voice.
    “Not all the time.” Juliana checked her mount which showed signs of wanting to forge ahead. “Both Lucius and Caroline, who I know mean well, are doing their best to marry me off to gentlemen who do not inspire me in the slightest.”
    Emmaline took note of the words but didn’t miss the softness with which they were spoken.
    “Mr. Beamish has still not spoken to your brother?” she whispered.
    Juliana shook her head. “The opportunity has not yet presented itself.”
    “How did you come to know Mr. Beamish?”
    “His father’s estate borders Avondale Park and he and Lucius practically grew up together. They are close in age, you know, and went up to Oxford within a term of each other.”
    “Oh, I