A Virgin Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

when I was in Paris and Rock would have been very foolish if he had either refused such charmers or had married, as his family wanted him to do, when he was still in his early twenties.”
    â€œThen how old is he now?”
    â€œHe must be nearly twenty-nine and his family are frantic in case, having not yet provided an heir, he breaks his neck in a steeplechase or has an accident when, as he loves to, travelling in some uncivilised part of the world.”
    Venetia felt that this was the only interesting fact she had heard about him so far, but she did not interrupt.
    â€œAs I have already said,” continued Lady Manvill, “Rock has only to lift up his little finger and a woman falls into his arms. Now unexpectedly he is in trouble because he has not been particularly intelligent!”
    â€œThat is what I thought he must be and, naturally, after what you have said, it concerns a woman.”
    â€œYes, and the lady in question is very beautiful. As so many women are jealous of her, they will be delighted she has been caught out.”
    â€œPlease explain to me what has happened – ”
    â€œIt is already the talk of Mayfair.”
    â€œWhat is?” Venetia demanded desperately.
    â€œWhen the Earl of Darran came home unexpectedly at exactly three o’clock in the morning, Rock was at that very moment leaving his house.”
    â€œAt three o’clock in the morning!”
    â€œIt was fortunate for Rock that the Earl was not earlier. The Earl has naturally accused him of seducing his wife, Leone, and challenged him to a duel. He is also threatening to divorce Leone, which would completely destroy her.”
    She paused and Venetia commented wryly,
    â€œNo one can blame the Earl for being annoyed.”
    â€œAnnoyed is a mild way of putting it. He is furious and determined, if he cannot kill Rock, to humiliate him in every possible way.”
    â€œI suppose one can understand his feelings – ”
    â€œIn the case of an ordinary man I would agree with you, but the Earl is a particularly unpleasant creature. He has been unfaithful to his wife dozens of times since they married. He bullies his servants and is, it is said, cruel to his horses. No woman would be on his side if they were not jealous of Leone.”
    Venetia was silent as Lady Manvill added quietly,
    â€œNow you understand why Rock has asked for your hand in marriage and I have to say it is very astute of him.”
    â€œWhy?” asked Venetia doubtfully.
    â€œWell, for one thing, the Earl will hesitate before antagonising your father, since he is a great friend of the Prime Minister and is always welcome at Windsor Castle.”
    Venetia knew this to be true.
    â€œApart from this, as your mother was so loved and admired by everyone in the Social world, the Earl will find it difficult to gain support if he upsets you.”
    â€œBut why should I be the one to extract the Duke from the mess he has got himself into?” enquired Venetia.
    Lady Manvill smiled.
    â€œBecause, my dearest, you are very beautiful and your parents are deeply respected by everyone from the Queen down to the lowest commoner. You would in point of fact, as soon as your engagement is announced, make it impossible for the Earl to force Rock into a duel or in any way to accuse him publicly of seducing his wife.”
    Lady Manvill gave a little laugh before she added,
    â€œRock was not the first to pay his respects , shall we say, to the lovely Leone. As it is, most people are sorry for her being married to such an unpleasant and disagreeable husband. It was only to be expected that she would enjoy herself when she had a chance with the most charming and good-looking young Nobleman in London.”
    â€œSo I am just to be a protective shield for the Duke of Rockinston,” Venetia objected bitterly, “and no one will be the slightest bit sympathetic if I run away and hide instead of marrying him.”
    â€œThey