The Counterfeit Betrothal Read Online Free PDF Page B

demanded, his color and voice rising. “But they grew up on neighboring estates and have known one another all their lives!”
    “You forget, Gilbert, that by your decree Jeremy has not been by here for some number of years. Moreover, I’ll not have the pair of them bullied into a hurried marriage,” Sir Osbert countered. “I’ve no wish, even if you are indifferent to gossip, to have it bandied about that there was something havey-cavey about the business. You don’t wish it said, do you, that this was a matter of urgency?”
    Gilbert halted in midprotest as the meaning of Osbert’s words sank in. After a moment he said, “You are right, of course, old friend. Very well. We shall not yet set the date. But I am sure,” he added, fixing his son with a firm stare, “that my son will wish to spend as much time as possible getting to know, as you put it, his fiancée .”
    “By all means,” Sir Osbert agreed cordially. “But for now, off with the pair of you. You may call again tomorrow, Jeremy.”
    Jeremy bowed, said all that was polite, and took his leave with his father. That unhappy gentleman kept a civil tongue, but even Emmaline could guess he would have a great deal to say when he reached home.

 
    4
    Over the next several days, Emmaline had to endure the delight of her father’s entire staff over her impending marriage, even as her own uneasiness grew, an uneasiness she had no explanation for. Jeremy came to call every day and he was attentive and amusing, and yet she could not help but feel that something was wrong.
    Mrs. Bailey, however, was in raptures as she said, “ Such a handsome face! And such excellent manners. You must be so happy, Miss Emmaline. And may I say we are all so happy as well to know that you will soon be settled so comfortably.”
    Emmaline toyed with the tassle of a curtain as she said, “Yes, well thank you, Mrs. Bailey. But there is no question of an immediate wedding, you know. Not so long as Papa—”
    “Oh, go on with you,” Mrs. Bailey scoffed. “As though your father would allow that to interfere. I happen to know he has already spoken with Dr. Farley, who said that there would be time to send for you should your papa take a turn for the worse while you were on your honeymoon. And Mrs. Colton has offered to come and look in upon your father every day if he wishes. Once you’re married.”
    “Mrs. Colton is a dear lady and has been good to us,” Emmaline said with a smile, “but she is scarcely out of mourning for her own husband. How I can I ask her to take on such a task as that?”
    Mrs. Bailey sniffed. “You wouldn’t have to ask her to take it on. She’s already offered.”
    With a hint of desperation in her voice Emmaline said, “Yes, well, we shan’t need that just yet. Neither Mr. Barnett nor I are quite prepared to set the date of our wedding.”
    “Aye, but that will change in a few days or weeks, you’ll see.” Mrs. Bailey nodded her head wisely. “Gentlemen always become impatient. P’rhaps that’s the gentleman’s carriage I hear.”
    To Emmaline’s relief—a sensation that did not auger well for the future—it was not Jeremy’s curricle the housekeeper had heard but her sister’s. “Caroline?” she said with some surprise a few minutes later. “I am delighted to see you, but this is very unexpected.”
    A trifle breathless, Caroline stepped into the parlor, stripping off her gloves as she did so. She kissed Emmaline upon the cheek and then sat beside her on the sofa. “Oh, Emmy, I had to come and see you. Is it true you are to marry Jeremy Barnett?”
    Avoiding her sister’s eyes, Emmaline said, “Why, yes, are you not pleased for me?”
    “No!” Caroline said vehemently. At Emmaline’s startled look she possessed herself of both her sister’s hands and said, “I know you have always had a fondness for him, Emmaline, and I know that in spite of everything anyone may say he is still the most eligible parti hereabouts and I