Read Online Pride and Fire by Jomarie Degioia - Free Book Online Page B

right of it.”
    Betsy nodded and dressed Michelle’s hair, pinning the curls in a graceful tumble on top of her head. Michelle slipped into the beautiful gown of deep violet she’d chosen that morning. Michelle let Betsy finish with her, saying nothing. Betsy must have sensed her mistress’ reticence, for she kept her opinions to herself. With a nod to her mistress, Betsy took her leave.
    Michelle regarded herself in the cheval mirror. She’d been so happy that morning when she’d chosen the beautiful gown. She’d imagined the pleasure on Paul’s handsome face when he saw her in it. But now the thought of seeing him filled her with unease. What would she say to him? Was their engagement still intact? Did she want it to be? Next Season, indeed.
    She pulled on her gloves and went down to the carriage.
    There were several parties that evening and Michelle was happy for the diversion. She was relieved when she didn’t see Paul at the first one she attended but disappointed as well. She traveled with some friends, two young girls who were completely oblivious to her discomfort in the noisy hubbub. At least they left Michelle on her own, much to her relief.
    She entered the ballroom at the second bash, glancing around the room for any sign of Paul. She saw his sisters and froze. To her renewed relief and disappointment, they were escorted by the Earl of Chester and Viscount Roberts. Paul was nowhere to be seen.
    Chester crossed over to her. “Lady Michelle,” he said with a bow. “How nice to see you.”
    “Hello, Lord Chester,” Michelle said.
    “And are you enjoying yourself?”
    She managed to smile. “Oh, the party is lovely. But, enjoying myself? Not particularly.”
    Chester blinked at her in apparent confusion. “Do you happen to know why Leed—?”
    Roberts stepped in front of Chester and bowed. “Good evening, Lady Michelle.”
    “Lord Roberts,” she returned.
    “May I say you look lovely this evening.”
    “Thank you,” she said quietly.
    Roberts held his hand out to her. “As our dear friend Leed is not in attendance, perhaps you will do me the honor of a dance?”
    She flinched at the unexpected mention of Paul and the room seemed too hot for a moment. She recovered herself and gave her hand to Roberts. She let him twirl her about the floor, blessedly conscious of only the music and the dance steps.
     
    * * * *
     
    Paul stayed home that evening, coward that he was. While he didn’t think Michelle would attend the parties, he couldn’t face that chance. What would he say to her if he saw her?
    He ate dinner alone in his dining room, his mind occupied with thoughts of Michelle and their engagement. How could he prove he still wanted to marry her? He only wished to push the wedding back until he had a firmer grasp on his finances. But he couldn’t tell her that. She was an heiress, for God’s sake! And he’d rather lose her than admit he couldn’t provide for her and their children. If he was being prideful, so be it. With a sigh of irritation, he pushed his dish away. According to his father, pride was really all he had at the moment. He went into his study, prepared for a long, lonely evening.
    Chester opened the door to Paul’s study some time later.
    “Chester, what—?”
    “You’re a fool, Leed.”
    Paul blinked at the anger in Chester’s eyes. “What are you talking about?”
    “You’re going to lose her if you’re not careful.”
    “Why?” Paul came to his feet. “Where is she?”
    “She’s at a party without the man who offered for her, that’s where she is.”
    “But, I…” He pushed his hair back from his brow. “How did she look?”
    “She looked very beautiful, Leed. And very sad.”
    “Ah, Chester.” Paul groaned and slumped back down into his chair. “I see no way out of this.”
    Chester sat in the chair facing him, his brow furrowed. “What happened?”
    “I went over to her mother’s today.”
    “And? Surely her mother didn’t refuse