Read Online To Catch A Spinster (The Reluctant Bride Collection) by Megan Bryce - Free Book Online Page A

Blakesley?”
    “You assume correctly. However, there is a small problem.”
    “And you’ve come to me to fix it? How odd. Are you feeling quite well, dear?”
    “No. I have a recalcitrant bride-to-be who will not listen to me at all.”
    “Hmm. You’ve picked well for yourself. I’d hate for you to be saddled with a woman who ran to do your bidding.”
    “Thank you. Now will you help me?”
    “Of course. A woman always needs more grandchildren.”
    Nathaniel muttered under his breath. Where the idea came from that the female was the weaker sex, he had no idea. They always did exactly what they wished.
    “First, I must make sure that the lady in question does want to marry you. I would hate to coerce Miss Blakesley into marrying an ogre if she didn’t love you.”
    “Thank you again, Mother. Why don’t I ask Barters to stab me in the back as well.”
    “Your valet would never do such a thing, even if you begged. Blood is quite awful to get out of cloth.” Anne skewered her son with the look. “Why does Miss Blakesley refuse your hand?”
    “I don’t know. Yes, I do. Because she has had too much freedom in the past. Too much time to think. She should have been married ages ago. She says she would make me a terrible wife.”
    “Hmm. Have you considered that she may not love you, Nathaniel? I do not mean to be cruel, but perhaps she was being tactful.”
    “Olivia? Tactful? She’s never heard the word. If she didn’t want to marry me she would have come right out and told me I was an under-educated toad.” He sighed. “She came damned close to tears when she refused me. She is simply being stubborn.”
    “I shall call on a few ladies. How do they say it in the militia? I will gather my forces. It is a mother’s duty to see her children married.”
    Anne held her hand out to Nathaniel and he rose to his feet swiftly.
    “Shall we plan on an autumn wedding?”
    “I would prefer summer, Mother. Perhaps I’ll apply for a special license. Or carry her off to Gretna Green. I’ll need some rope and a gag.”
    “No, Nathaniel. I only have two children and I will have full weddings for the both of you. Leave Olivia to me.”
    “Thank you, Mother. I knew I could count on you.”
    “Of course, my dear. That’s what mothers are for.”

    “Mrs. Anne Jenkins is here to see you, Ma’am.”
    “Anne Jenkins? Send her in, send her in. Oh, dear!”
    Mrs. Blakesley nervously ran her fingers over her cap and fingered her fichu . What in the world was Mrs. Jenkins doing over here at this hour?
    The housekeeper escorted Mrs. Jenkins in and Mrs. Blakesley rose. “Mrs. Jenkins.”
    “Mrs. Blakesley. I do apologize for intruding at this hour, but I fear it is an emergency.”
    “Of course, of course. Sit down, please.”
    “Thank you.” She sat demurely, barely glancing at the arrangement of the room and offering no courtesies. “Mrs. Blakesley, you must be aware of the attachment between our children.”
    Mrs. Blakesley nodded. Then her eyes widened and her hand flew to her chest. “Tell me they have not run off to Gretna Green, Mrs. Jenkins! Oh, the scandal!”
    “They have not run off to Gretna Green.”
    “Oh. Then, pray tell, what is the emergency?”
    “Perhaps I spoke in haste. However, there is a matter that must needs be drawn to our attention. It is our duty to see our children married fortuitously, happily, and if at all possible, before our deaths. You must agree with me, Mrs. Blakesley.”
    Mrs. Blakesley held her breath, trying to dampen her growing anger. “I do quite agree with you, Mrs. Jenkins. And I find the match to be fortuitous and happy for both sides.”
    “As do I. Which is why we must act together to marry them off.”
    Mrs. Blakesley blinked. “Pardon me, Mrs. Jenkins. For a moment there I thought you had come to run my daughter off.”
    “Oh, dear. Of course not. I find the match perfectly acceptable. Miss Blakesley is not as young as some girls these days, but I find that