Read Online Magical Weddings by Leigh Michaels, Aileen Harkwood, Eve Devon, Raine English, Tamara Ferguson, Lynda Haviland, Jody A. Kessler, Jane Lark, Bess McBride, L. L. Muir, Jennifer Gilby Roberts, Jan Romes, Heather Thurmeier, Elsa Winckler, Sarah Wynde - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Leigh Michaels, Aileen Harkwood, Eve Devon, Raine English, Tamara Ferguson, Lynda Haviland, Jody A. Kessler, Jane Lark, Bess McBride, L. L. Muir, Jennifer Gilby Roberts, Jan Romes, Heather Thurmeier, Elsa Winckler, Sarah Wynde
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no one had disappeared, and Hester and Prudence wandered past a heap of stone and brick to where the view of the valley was unobstructed. Imogene and her betrothed had dawdled far behind even Lord Billings’ slow pace.
For a moment Celia found herself alone with Dimity. She knew she must seize the opportunity, for there might not be another chance when the gentlemen were not present to absorb attention.
But what to say?
So sorry about the bouncer I told yesterday, but Simon has the same chance of inheriting a title as Lord Stone’s cook does.
“It’s just as well you were stuck with that mare,” Dimity said. “She’s good-looking, but even with an excellent rider, she couldn’t have kept up with Lord Stone. I wonder why he keeps her.”
Even with a good rider?
If politeness hadn’t kept her jogging alongside Lord Billings, Celia and the mare would have been far in front, enjoying a wild run. The insult made her bones itch, but diplomacy was called for if she was to fix the mess she’d made yesterday.
Dimity glanced around as if to make certain they couldn’t be overheard. “It’s the oddest thing, but you were right. Hester
doesn’t
seem to know about Mr. Montrose.” She dropped her voice further. “His coming into a title, I mean.”
“You told her?” But what had Celia expected? It was far too good a tale not to share.
Dimity drew herself up and tossed her head. “Of course not. You said he prefers the matter not be discussed, so I did no more than hint–only to find out how much Hester knew, you see.”
“I beg you will forget I said anything at all. I should not have brought the matter up.”
“I only wish you hadn’t spoken in front of Jane and given her ideas. But you can count on Prudence and me not to let anything slip. My sister and I are excellent at keeping secrets.” Dimity’s eyes gleamed. “Particularly from Hester–and especially when it’s something she would very much enjoy knowing.”
Especially when they think it gives them an advantage in the marriage market. If I can’t convince her I was exaggerating, they’re still going to be after Simon, and he’ll be even more annoyed with me.
“I–Well…” Celia plunged in. “The truth of the matter is it’s a far more distant relationship than I implied yesterday.”
“You mean he’s
not
in line to inherit a title?”
“Not directly. I mean, I don’t really know how the thing stands, but…” Dimity’s eyes brightened, and Celia realized that kind of mealy-mouthed explanation wouldn’t do at all; she must extinguish all hope if the Carew sisters were to go back to treating Simon normally. “I’m certain the possibility is vanishingly small. Of course you can understand how embarrassing it would be for everyone if it were to be mentioned. I just hope my misstatement doesn’t lead to confusion about my cousin’s circumstances.”
“You mean you lied, and he’s not an eligible suitor after all.”
The flat statement struck Celia like a blow across the face. Not the part about her fabrication, for on the entire long ride she’d been regretting the crack in her character which had allowed her to go so far astray. But for Dimity to dismiss Simon coldly because a title was the only thing that mattered to her…
Perhaps it’s just as well she thinks as she does.
Simon deserved something far better than these title-hunting vixens, that much was certain.
“Mr. Montrose has many merits and good qualities,” Celia said stiffly, “even though a title is not one of them.”
She hadn’t seen Jane come up to them until the companion gave a polite little cough. “Shall we walk over to take in the view?”
Dimity strutted off to join her sister.
“I beg your pardon, but I couldn’t help overhearing,” Jane said. “That can’t have been an easy conversation.”
“I hope my overstatement will go no further. I was very wrong to say anything at all.”
Jane smiled. “Of course, my dear.”
Celia
For a moment Celia found herself alone with Dimity. She knew she must seize the opportunity, for there might not be another chance when the gentlemen were not present to absorb attention.
But what to say?
So sorry about the bouncer I told yesterday, but Simon has the same chance of inheriting a title as Lord Stone’s cook does.
“It’s just as well you were stuck with that mare,” Dimity said. “She’s good-looking, but even with an excellent rider, she couldn’t have kept up with Lord Stone. I wonder why he keeps her.”
Even with a good rider?
If politeness hadn’t kept her jogging alongside Lord Billings, Celia and the mare would have been far in front, enjoying a wild run. The insult made her bones itch, but diplomacy was called for if she was to fix the mess she’d made yesterday.
Dimity glanced around as if to make certain they couldn’t be overheard. “It’s the oddest thing, but you were right. Hester
doesn’t
seem to know about Mr. Montrose.” She dropped her voice further. “His coming into a title, I mean.”
“You told her?” But what had Celia expected? It was far too good a tale not to share.
Dimity drew herself up and tossed her head. “Of course not. You said he prefers the matter not be discussed, so I did no more than hint–only to find out how much Hester knew, you see.”
“I beg you will forget I said anything at all. I should not have brought the matter up.”
“I only wish you hadn’t spoken in front of Jane and given her ideas. But you can count on Prudence and me not to let anything slip. My sister and I are excellent at keeping secrets.” Dimity’s eyes gleamed. “Particularly from Hester–and especially when it’s something she would very much enjoy knowing.”
Especially when they think it gives them an advantage in the marriage market. If I can’t convince her I was exaggerating, they’re still going to be after Simon, and he’ll be even more annoyed with me.
“I–Well…” Celia plunged in. “The truth of the matter is it’s a far more distant relationship than I implied yesterday.”
“You mean he’s
not
in line to inherit a title?”
“Not directly. I mean, I don’t really know how the thing stands, but…” Dimity’s eyes brightened, and Celia realized that kind of mealy-mouthed explanation wouldn’t do at all; she must extinguish all hope if the Carew sisters were to go back to treating Simon normally. “I’m certain the possibility is vanishingly small. Of course you can understand how embarrassing it would be for everyone if it were to be mentioned. I just hope my misstatement doesn’t lead to confusion about my cousin’s circumstances.”
“You mean you lied, and he’s not an eligible suitor after all.”
The flat statement struck Celia like a blow across the face. Not the part about her fabrication, for on the entire long ride she’d been regretting the crack in her character which had allowed her to go so far astray. But for Dimity to dismiss Simon coldly because a title was the only thing that mattered to her…
Perhaps it’s just as well she thinks as she does.
Simon deserved something far better than these title-hunting vixens, that much was certain.
“Mr. Montrose has many merits and good qualities,” Celia said stiffly, “even though a title is not one of them.”
She hadn’t seen Jane come up to them until the companion gave a polite little cough. “Shall we walk over to take in the view?”
Dimity strutted off to join her sister.
“I beg your pardon, but I couldn’t help overhearing,” Jane said. “That can’t have been an easy conversation.”
“I hope my overstatement will go no further. I was very wrong to say anything at all.”
Jane smiled. “Of course, my dear.”
Celia
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