Once Upon A Wedding Night Read Online Free PDF Page B

estate runs smoothly while in my possession, however shortlived that may be. You should not worry over its management in your delicate condition."
    Grimley bobbed his head in agreement. "Splendid, every gentleman should take his responsibilities so gravely."
    It took all her will not to pound both men over the head. Delicate condition, hah! What did men think was so delicate about childbirth? More than likely Caulfield wanted her out of the way so he could manage her life and her household to his heart's content. He was probably one of those men who had to control everything within his sphere. The gall. To think he needed to oversee matters for her when she had managed the estate for years without any man directing her.
    Forcing a smile, she said, "As you wish. But I think you'll find things well in hand. I've managed Oak Run in my husband's frequent absences."
    "But not too frequent?" He inclined his dark head toward her middle.
    Her cheeks burned. Heavens. Was he suspicious or simply bold with his words? Either way, she quickly defended—perhaps too quickly, "I last saw my husband in Bath. My aunt and I stayed a fortnight there shortly before he… expired." She had worked over the details. It seemed wise, especially considering that she had not seen Edmund in three years, when he last brought a hunting party to Oak Run. Fortunately, she and her aunt had been in Bath at that time to corroborate the story. It was highly unlikely that anyone could contradict that Edmund had visited her at least once while she was there. "Edmund did not care for the country. He left the management of Oak Run to me."
    "Oak Run does not have a steward, my lord," Aunt Eleanor chimed, blinking owlishly over the rim of her teacup. "My niece handles all estate matters, and quite ably. Edmund had every confidence in her," she fibbed, making it appear that Meredith and Edmund enjoyed an agreeable relationship.
    "Yes," Meredith added. "I would not want to prevail upon your time. You undoubtedly wish to return to London."
    "Just the same, I should like to stay for a while."
    Stung by his rebuff, she tried for a demure air. "Of course, I did not wish to imply you were not welcome to do so. This is your home too." She rose to her feet. "Would you like to see your room and settle in before dinner?"
    Before he could respond, the drawing room door burst open and her father strode into the room. They all froze in a surprised tableau. With his white hair wild about his head, her father looked fresh out of the asylum. The blood pounded in her temples and she braced herself, instantly recognizing he was having one of his bad days.
    His flashing eyes settled on Caulfield with deadly intent. For a man of seventy years who had spent almost every one of them behind a pulpit, he was amazingly spry. Before anyone could react, he launched himself against Caulfield's chest. Meredith heard a faint popping and hoped it was her father's creaking joints and not Caul-field's ribs.
    "Swine," he cried, grabbing Caulfield by the cravat. "Papist swine!"
    Then pandemonium broke out.

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Chapter 4

     
    Aunt Eleanor screamed. Someone turned over the tea service. China shattered on the carpet and Meredith gave the broken pieces a brief, mournful cringe. Grimley hollered for help. Servants poured into the drawing room like a small invading army, adding to the chaos by pure presence if not volume. And throughout it all Caulfield remained calm, an amazing feat considering her father strangled him with his cravat.
    "Please, don't hurt him!" Meredith beseeched above the din.
    "He's got a bad back!" Aunt Eleanor screeched, her hands fluttering helplessly in the air. "Watch his back!"
    "He's trying to bloody choke me." Caulfield shot her a look of pure incredulity as he worked to carefully disengage himself from her father. It all happened in the span of a few moments, but time seemed to stretch endlessly before her father was restrained. Nels held her father tightly, yet gently, in his