Read Online The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander - Free Book Online

and not as if Dee’s flinging of
     caution resulted in scandal.”
    “Or an untoward incident.” Grayson nodded.
    “Or an adventure,” Mr. Russell offered, again in a deceptively innocent manner and
     again she wanted to smack him. The man was obviously intending to make a habit of
     twisting everything that was said into a reminder of their adventure .
    “And well worth it, I’d say. She did make an exquisite Dresden shepherdess.” Grayson
     grinned at her and gratitude toward her future brother-in-law washed through her.
     But then, even when her sisters had barely acknowledged her existence, Grayson had
     always been nice to her. There was a time when she had thought he was entirely too
     good for Camille. And not all that long ago.
    “You did look lovely.” Camille smiled.
    “Even, dare I say . . .” Mr. Russell—Samuel—paused. She absolutely refused to think
     of him as Sam . “Unforgettable?”
    Unforgettable? Ha!
    “How very kind of you to say so,” Delilah said politely. “Which makes it all the worse
     that I don’t remember you. At all.”
    He gasped and clasped his hand over his heart in a dramatic manner. “I am wounded
     to the quick to have slipped the memory of so lovely a shepherdess. And yet”—he grinned—“I
     am certain I shall recover and bravely carry on.” He paused for a moment. “Yes, yes,
     there you have it. Completely recovered now and wondering if perhaps I mistook you
     for one of the other shepherdesses in attendance.”
    Delilah’s jaw clenched but she managed a smile. “Perhaps.”
    “No, no. I’m certain of it now.” Samuel nodded. “It was definitely another shepherdess
     I met. I never met you at all.”
    Grayson frowned at his friend. “But I thought you said—”
    “My mistake, Gray.” Samuel’s voice was firm. “It must have been some other shepherdess.
     Someone who was indeed . . .” His gaze locked with Delilah’s. “Unforgettable.”
    “No doubt,” she said and pointedly looked away.
    Camille’s curious gaze slid between Samuel and her sister. “Well then, as we have
     this settled, do sit down, gentlemen, and join us.”
    The ladies retook their seats; Grayson pulled up a chair to sit beside Camille, Samuel
     selected another and seated himself between Grayson and Teddy. Delilah breathed a
     sigh of relief that he did not choose to sit beside her. Unfortunately, he was directly
     across the table where it was impossible to avoid his gaze. Blasted man. Why hadn’t
     he stayed in America where he belonged?
    Camille signaled to the butler and requested more cakes and tea and sandwiches for
     the gentlemen.
    “Do tell me, Sam.” Camille turned to the American. “We are delighted to have you here
     but I was under the impression you would not be able to join us for the wedding.”
    “I must confess, I did not plan on coming but business brought me to Europe and, as
     I have business in England as well, it seemed the hand of fate insisting that I attend
     your wedding.” Samuel chuckled. “And I would hate to defy fate.” His gaze met Delilah’s
     briefly then moved on.
    “Wouldn’t we all,” Teddy said.
    “Then I am most grateful to fate.” Grayson nodded. “I should hate to have one of my
     closest friends not be by my side on the most important day of my life.” He cast an
     affectionate smile at his fiancée then returned his attention to his friend. “Besides,
     regardless of any plans I might have, I would never miss your wedding, should you venture down that path again.”
    “Again?” Teddy asked.
    “Sorry.” Grayson grimaced. “My apologies. I wasn’t thinking. I shouldn’t have brought
     it up.”
    “Nothing to apologize for, Gray,” Samuel said in an offhand manner. “My ill-fated
     attempt to reach the altar is common knowledge at home. But, given the joyful circumstances
     of your impending nuptials, this is perhaps not the time to discuss it.”
    “How very thoughtful of you, Sam.” Camille smiled.