AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Three
Mid December 1813
Northumberland, England
“Blast, the countryis a humdrum place after dusk. In London, my circle would just be waking up.” Turnsley paced the room and stopped in front of the dark windowpane to study his reflection. He adjusted his cravat for the third time and tugged on his Spanish blue waistcoat. “Mr. Miller seems a decent fellow and landed gentry, at least. I’ve invited him to hunt with me tomorrow.”
“They’re thoughtful neighbors. Mrs. Miller was such a comfort when Papa passed.”
“Their daughter is a rum doxy, though she’s tongue-tied in my presence. I’m sure men of my quality are rare in these parts.”
Etta bit back the smile. Their cousin had lived up to his own description: congenial, self-serving, and vain—but harmless. He clasped his hands behind his back and went back to his pacing.
Her sister’s nose was in a book, as usual. She barked a laugh at something on the page, which drew their cousin’s attention. His eyes went wide at the volume of her chortle.
“What in deuce are you reading?” he asked.
Etta answered for her sister. “She’s quite obsessed with romance novels.”
“A romantic, is she?” He stopped, his silver gaze intent on her. “And what about you? Notions of love and courtship, or are you a practical lady?”
“I-I’m not sure. I haven’t given it much thought.” Would their cousin want them to return to London? Would she finally get the Season her father had promised?
“I have.”
His tone had changed from pleasant to detached in a blink.
“I spent the afternoon with the steward. Good man, knows his trade. The income from the estate should keep me flush in the pocket. However, I will need to make some adjustments in order to cover my present debts.”
Her gut twisted. “What kind of adjustments?”
“If I remove you both to London, I can close this house up. You would have to leave at some point, eh?”
“Well yes, but I hoped to stay until I was married.”
“Which brings us to the next part of my scheme. By marrying me, I not only save a generous dowry, but you will retain your childhood home. Your sister will stay with us, of course, until we find her a suitable match. Both of our dilemmas solved.”
Dread clutched her throat. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Her eyes flashed to Tia, who had looked up from her book. Her sister recognized the panic in Etta’s eyes but not the cause.
“What is it?” she cried too loudly.
Turnsley’s lip curled at the strident shriek. “This is sudden, and I see you’re overwhelmed. I can’t say I blame you.” He moved from behind Tia and stepped in front of Etta, the warmth returning to his gray orbs as he took her hand. “I’m sure you never imagined such good fortune.”
“W-we barely know one another,” she stammered.
Her cousin chuckled and shook his head. “You are a fetching little gudgeon, refreshing really. It’s quite an advantageous match for you. My family is well connected.”
“But you don’t love me.” Etta knew thetonhad different standards for marriage, but she’d been raised in the country. Far, far away from London.
“I’ve been groomed for a marriage of convenience, and I have no doubt your affection will grow.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Yes, I’ll teach you things that you haven’t read in a book, my sweet.”
Etta cringed inside. When had this petulant blunderbuss transformed into a pragmatic whipster? His fingers trailed down her neck and traced her collarbone. She blinked furiously. “Etta! What is wrong?” Tia stomped her foot, her book falling in her lap.
“We’re betrothed. I will be your brother.”
Tia’s eyes went wide, darting to her sister for confirmation. Etta nodded and tapped her ring finger. Tia’s mouth formed an O before her laughter filled the room. It took a moment for her to realize Turnsley was serious. She struggled to compose herself. “I’m sorry,” she said with a soft hiccup. “You surprised me.”
“Of course. You’re young and do not understand the ways of the world.” He cleared his throat and spread out his hands. “Now, it’s time to celebrate. Please, sing for us.”
