Read Online Jilted in January by Kate Pearce - Free Book Online

on the occasion of your marriage. I will do my best to see if I can release it to you, but don’t get your hopes up.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    He doubted his father appreciated the hint of sarcasm in his reply, but he no longer cared. If the man sold a couple of his prized hunters he would have enough to pay Colin’s measly portion. There was a lot more he wished to say, but it was neither the time nor the place for recriminations and questions. If his money didn’t materialize, he would set the Beckworth solicitors on his father. Then the spendthrift earl would see what the power of having a ducal relative could achieve.
    The earl sauntered back toward the door, and Colin moved to open it.
    “I have to return to London today. I believe Lieutenant Leyton and his friend also intend to leave.”
    “Then I will wish you a safe journey, sir.”
    Colin was fairly sure his father was right. There was no need for Leyton to hang around now when everything had been settled to his satisfaction.
    Now all Colin had to do was get on with married life…

    Rose turned a slow circle as Mrs. Pemberley shut one of the drawers on the tallboy.
    “Mr. Ford is moving in here?”
    “Lady Maude doesn’t think the land agent’s set of rooms is of sufficient quality for you both.” Mrs. Pemberley opened a drawer and deftly relocated the contents into another. “When the new duke is found, she will consult with him about offering you more private accommodation. There is a very nice house on the estate that was occupied by Mr. Morehouse’s predecessor that would suit you very well.”
    “I see.”
    Mrs. Pemberley came toward Rose, her expression softening. “Let me help you out of that gown. You have had a rather exciting day and must be exhausted.”
    It wasn’t until after Mrs. Pemberley undressed her and helped her into her nightgown and robe that Rose remembered Mr. Ford would soon be appearing. She glanced doubtfully down at her quilted robe. In truth, she was more covered up than she’d been at the wedding, and if she got into bed… he would see nothing if she pulled the covers up to her neck.
    She was drawing back the quilt before she thought about that. If she were in bed, would he assume she was ready or even eager to consummate their marriage?
    She leapt back from the bed as if she had been scalded. Great-Aunt Maude had told her to lie still and let Mr. Ford have his way. What she’d meant by that still remained a mystery. Did Mr. Ford even know his belongings had been relocated to her bedroom? Was he currently roaming the house wondering where on earth he was supposed to sleep?
    The soft sound of someone clearing his throat made her jump and clutch at her throat.
    “Miss Leyton?” He stood in the doorway, his expression concerned. “Did I scare you?”
    “Not at all.” She beckoned him closer. “You are… most welcome.” Was that her squeaky little voice?
    He contemplated her from a safe distance. “My father and your brother and his friend have left. I persuaded them all into the carriage, where I expect they’ll sleep for the entire journey back to London.”
    “Both being drunk and relieved of their familial duty toward us,” Rose said.
    “Exactly.” He shoved a hand through his dark curls. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of a single way to get us out of this impossible situation without ruining us both.”
    “I am just sorry your kind gesture to ensure my future happiness ended with you being married.” She took a deep breath. “You could have run away.”
    “And left you at the altar?” He smiled. “No, I could not have done that to you.”
    “Then I should’ve run.”
    His smile died, and his gaze shot to her face. “If you are… unwilling to continue this relationship, I quite understand.”
    “What exactly are you suggesting?”
    “If we do not… consummate the marriage, there is a small chance that the new duke might be able to—”
    She held up her hand, interrupting him. “Knowing