Read Online The Bride of Devil's Acre by Jennifer Kohout - Free Book Online

a tender for a man of questionable origins. She knew I would never approve of such a match, and the two of them came up with this bit of fiction. It was only through fortunate circumstances that I was able to catch them before they made it to Scotland.”
    Henry collapsed back in his chair. No, it wasn’t possible! Lady Edwards—Jacqueline—the girl he’d grown up with, would never do something so impulsive. Hadn’t he just told her that she needed to stop living a life of duty and follow her heart?
    Henry’s heart beat hard in his chest. What if she had taken him at his word, and this was the result? He had always assumed that he had her affection, as sure as she held his heart. But what if that wasn’t true, and that by encouraging her to follow her heart, he had sent her into the arms of another man?
    “My lord,” Henry said, and stopped to clear his throat. “Are you sure she…?”
    “I’m sure,” Lord John said softly. “I was the one who found them together.”
    “I see,” Henry said, his mind working furiously. Perhaps it wasn’t too late. The circumstances didn’t have to change anything. He still wanted Jacqueline. There had never been anyone else for him. He could certainly overlook a moment of weakness, especially one he may have had a hand in.  
    “You said you found them in time?” Henry asked, wondering at the type of man who could persuade the normally stoic Lady Edwards to act so rashly. “If that’s true, then nothing has changed. Lady Edwards remains in need of a husband and a marriage to repair the damage done to her reputation.”
    “That is very noble of you,” Lord John said, forcing a sad smile. The boy was tenacious—he’d give him that. But there was one thing no self-respecting man could live with. “However, I cannot expect you to take on another man’s bastard child, and there is every possibility that my daughter is already increasing.”
    Henry felt the color drain from his face. “I beg your pardon? I didn’t realize—”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Gates,” Lord John said, shaking his head sadly. “I love my daughter, and it is for her that I have kept silent about the unfortunate details while I try to figure out what is best. But I cannot let you make such a sacrifice without knowing the extent of Jacqueline’s shame.”
    “I see.” Henry rose slowly. “Well, I thank you, my lord, for your time and your honesty.”
    Lord John rose, watching his daughter’s childhood friend collect himself. He felt no shame over the lies he told; it was best for Jacqueline. Gates would never be man enough for his daughter.  
    “I’m sure you can understand that under the circumstances, I regret I must withdraw my proposal.” Henry swallowed past the lump the words formed in his throat. “My father would never allow a woman in your daughter’s condition to bear the heir to the Arlington estate.”
    “Of course,” Lord John said. H tipped his head in acknowledgment, the gesture masking a flash of satisfaction. “I would do the same, were I in your father’s position.”
    Henry nodded and made his way to the door. Halfway across the study, he turned back to find Lord Edwards watching him. “You will give your daughter my regard? I would not have Lady Jacqueline believe I am wholly unsympathetic to her plight.”
    “I’m sure she will appreciate the sentiment,” Lord John said.
    Benson stepped forward and handed him his hat and gloves.
    “Good day, Mr. Gates,” Benson said, eyeing the young man’s pale face.  
    “Thank you, Benson,” Henry said, stepping past him and out into the afternoon.
    Heart pounding, Jacqueline waited for the door to close behind Henry before stepping out from beneath the stairs.  
    …under the circumstances I regret I must withdraw my proposal…
    Shame heated Jacqueline’s cheeks.
    …never allow a woman in your daughter’s condition to bear the heir to the Arlington estate…
    Jacqueline reached out a hand to steady herself.