Read Online To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online Page A

anytime soon.”
    Faith frowned. “I had nearly forgotten about him. Didn’t he propose to you, years before he and Harriet became engaged?”
    â€œYes.” Meredith dragged in a long breath, then sighed deeply as she exhaled. “Julian was one of the more persistent suitors, swearing continually that he couldn’t live without me. He must have proposed a dozen times that season. Eventually I had to stop receiving him at home. Yet still he persisted. It became an exhausting task, trying to elude him at parties, though I do confess to getting rather good at it by the end of the season.”
    Faith shook her head slowly, trying to imagine such an experience. “Didn’t you find it utterly romantic, having a handsome young man declare undying devotion?”
    â€œGracious, no!” Meredith angled a glare at her friend, then blushed prettily. “Such uncontrolled passion had me breaking out in hives. How could I possibly spend the rest of my life with a man who made bright red welts and a blotchy rash break out on my skin?”
    â€œOh, Merry.” Faith smiled, trying to picture the beautiful Meredith in such a state. “I daresay you would still look ravishingly beautiful covered in a red rash.”
    â€œBut think how it would itch.” Meredith tapped her fingers lightly on Faith’s arm. “Surely a gentleman cannot find anything attractive about a woman who is constantly scratching at her person.”
    â€œNow, that would be a sight.” This time Faith broke out into a true laugh.
    Meredith joined her. “There, I’ve managed to chase away your gloom,” she said triumphantly. “I cannot bear to see you so unhappy, Faith.”
    â€œI thank you for the distraction. And for listening to me. I’m sure by this evening I’ll be back to my misery, but I do appreciate the respite.”
    â€œNonsense. You shall come to London with me,” Meredith suggested impulsively. “There is certainly no need to stay here and wallow in pity. A change of air and atmosphere will do you a world of good.”
    â€œTo London?” Faith’s mind began racing. It would be wonderful to get away for a few days or even a week. A true escape. There was little that could be accomplished here, now that Griffin had refused to consider her situation. Time away might give her a better perspective. Lord knows, her troubles would still be here waiting when she returned. “But I have nothing packed.”
    â€œWe can make a quick stop back at the manor,” Meredith improvised. “You only need to bring the barest of necessities. We shall enjoy the sights, including the lovely shops on Bond street. It shall be a grand adventure. Oh, do say you’ll come to town.”
    â€œDo I dare?” Faith’s eyes twinkled with excitement, but then her face darkened and she turned away. “The season has already begun. I know you have many social obligations. I would only be a burden and feel guilty about depriving you of society.”
    â€œMy goodness, you of all people should know how I feel about attending society functions. They are deadly boring, every last one of them.” A wicked gleam of mischief entered Meredith’s blue eyes. “It would be difficult to secure invitations to the more select gatherings at this late date, yet if you have a mind, I’m sure we can devise a way to sneak you into a ball or two.”
    â€œMeredith! I couldn’t.”
    â€œWhy not? These events are generally such a crush no hostess is ever certain exactly who is in attendance. With my parents out of the country, Great-Aunt Agatha acts as my chaperon. She is a dear but prefers to eat heartily from the buffet and then snore quietly in a corner until it is time to leave. She would probably be pleased that I have a female companion who enjoys strolling about the ballroom.”
    â€œI suppose I could come to town,” Faith said slowly.