Read Online The Notorious Widow by Allison Lane - Free Book Online

conversation, quizzing William about the recent harvest and asking Mary about the book she was reading. It was so good to see Mary talking that Catherine nearly protested when Laura interrupted with another plea for London on-dits , then launched a monologue that included descriptions of a ball Tessa had attended, the most recent tales about the Regent, a local confrontation between Squire Pott and his prize pig that had left the squire stuck in a mud wallow, and a contretemps in London during which Lord Blackthorn had supposedly disowned his heir – which was probably false, judging by Rockhurst’s expression.
    Catherine frowned. Laura had been the area’s diamond before Jasper’s rumors put them all under suspicion, but tonight she had abandoned moderation, adopting the frenzied gaiety that had already cost her two suitors. As soon as they were alone, they must review proper manners.
    * * * *
    Blake finished his blancmange, then sighed in relief as the ladies left the room. The food had been excellent, but this dinner had seemed even longer than his last meal with the Regent. Laura had talked constantly – brightly, vivaciously, flirtatiously, but incessantly. Mary had rarely spoken except in response to questions, though he suspected that this was in self-defense. Laura corrected much of what she said, often sharply.
    He had managed to start William talking about the estate at one point, but then the man had abruptly fallen silent. Had he recalled his reason for issuing this invitation, or had Laura kicked him under the table? Blake couldn’t tell. Nor could he think. His ears rang from endless chatter.
    Catherine had offered occasional relief, conducting intelligent conversation on a variety of topics, but he’d soon realized that she intervened whenever he was too irritated with Laura to bear her prattle a moment longer. Each time, Laura had been more subdued when she reclaimed his attention, though it never lasted.
    By the end of the meal, he had acquitted Mary of conspiring against him, but he had yet to decide on the others. William was as bad as any London matchmaker, extolling Laura’s virtues and drawing attention to her blonde hair and blue eyes. Catherine remained an enigma. He could not tell whether her efforts to deflect his attention were based on a hostess’s desire to set a guest at ease or a matchmaker’s determination to show her protégée in the best light.
    He had no doubts about Laura. She posed a serious danger. Desperation lurked beneath her forced conviviality and bright chatter. Why was she unwed at the advanced age of twenty? She was pretty enough to attract offers despite her reduced circumstances, so he had to suspect a serious flaw. Girls who knew they would never see London chose the best of their local suitors. But whatever her former reasons, Jasper’s attacks promised her a bleak future. With scandal swirling about the family, he represented her only option.
    Hours of icy responses and lengthy silences must have warned her that he had no intention of offering. She was too like the girls he saw in London every Season. A wife who never stopped talking would make his home intolerable. Mary would be better suited, though he had no interest in her, either. Again the image of Cousin Jacob surfaced. Perhaps he should introduce them.
    William drained the last of his port, then led him to the drawing room.
    Blake suggested that Laura demonstrate her mastery of Beethoven’s latest offering. Then he engaged William in a spirited discussion of agricultural reform.
    Two sonatas later, Seabrook left on the flimsy excuse of speaking with Rob. Blake suggested that Laura entertain them with Mozart, then detached Mary from her book to ask about Catherine’s work in the parish and how the rumors were affecting it.
    He slipped away before Laura finished the coda, not trusting her to perform another piece. At least she was talented. He would be listening to a lot of music in the days