His Jilted Bride (Historical Regency Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

case of muscle cramps later, they arrived at Templemore's
residence, where the archbishop was staying.
    “ Banks,” Templemore greeted, coming into his study.
    Elijah nodded. Templemore had attended
Eton with Elijah and Henry. Templemore stood at least six feet tall
with black hair and green eyes and was of exceptional intelligence.
The young ladies swarmed to him in his first Season, but he hated
the attention and chose to keep to himself, doing God only knows
what in his townhouse. So it was to Elijah's surprise that when he
returned home a few months ago he learned that Templemore had
actually married last year, but it was not so surprising to find he
was now spending the first part of the Season still in the country.
“This might seem an odd request, but is your uncle in
residence?”
    “ Of course,” he said automatically, craning his neck around to
get a good look at Amelia. “He's in the library right
now—praying.”
    Elijah and Amelia exchanged looks. “Do
you think he'll be finished shortly?” Elijah inquired.
    “ I suppose,” Templemore said with a shrug.
    If Elijah wasn't so tired from riding
a horse all day, he just might strangle the man. Templemore had
always been insolent, rivaling only Henry with his trite answers
and infuriating quips. “Do you suppose you could go fetch
him?”
    “ I suppose,” Templemore said. “But do you suppose you might introduce me
to your companion first?”
    Elijah flushed. “Of course. Amelia,
this is my friend Caleb Law, Earl of Templemore. And, this is Lady
Amelia Brice, soon-to-be Mrs. Elijah Banks, I hope.”
    “ I see,” Templemore said, drawing out the words.
    Just then, a dark-haired, lady joined
them in the drawing room. “Oh, excuse me; I didn't realize you had
company,” she murmured to Templemore.
    “ Anne, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Elijah Banks and
his...er...intended, Lady Amelia Brice.” Templemore pulled the
woman closer to him. “Elijah, Lady Amelia, this is my wife, Anne,
Lady Templemore.”
    “ It's nice to make your acquaintance,” Elijah said
automatically. Surely, Amelia said something to her, too, but
Elijah didn't hear her. He was still in shock that Templemore had
found someone who could actually tolerate him well enough to marry
him.
    “ Thank you.” Amelia's voice floated to his ears and he shot
her a questioning look. “He's sending the butler to find the
archbishop.”
    “ Very good. You two don't mind being witnesses do
you?”
    “ Do we have a choice?” Templemore asked.
    “ No. Not really.”
    “ Well then, we'd be honored,” Templemore said
dryly.
    A few minutes later the Archbishop of
Canterbury lumbered into the room. “I understand my presence has
been requested.”
    “ Yes, sir,” Elijah rushed to say before Templemore could say
anything that might dissuade the old codger from performing the
ceremony. “Lady Amelia and I would like for you to marry us.
Now.”
    The older man pursed his lips and
cocked his head to the side. “I'd be honored to perform the
ceremony, but this is hardly the time or place, son.”
    “ Is it not?” Elijah challenged. He heaved an exaggerated sigh.
“I suppose you're right. Come along, sweet. We'd better start for
Gretna Green now if we'd like to arrive in the next fortnight. Lady
Templemore, do you happen to like Lady Amelia's gown? I think it's
far too extravagant for her to ride across the country in while
sharing a horse with her groom-to-be.” He dropped his voice to a
stage whisper. “Not to mention it might be too heavy for her to
wear at night and she—”
    “ That is enough, young man,” the archbishop snapped. He ran a
hand over his wrinkled face. “Your point has been received. The
wedding shall take place tonight.”
    “ Excellent,” Elijah said, beaming at his bride, who looked too
travel weary to counter the not-so-flattering insinuation he'd made
to the archbishop.
    A few minutes later, the ceremony had
begun.
    Despite her ripped and dusty gown