The Sherbrooke Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

understand something of our situation, but anything you do is insignificant. And Reginald—a wastrel, Alex, and in all truth I have little hope that his character will improve.”
    He fell silent again, a small smile on his mouth now. He was saved. He felt hope and he wasn’t about to allow Melissande to toss her beautiful head and tell him she wasn’t interested. Bread and water in a locked room would be fitting were she to go against him.
    â€œWhat do you think, Alex? You do not mind about a Season? You are such a sensible girl and you understand there is no money and—”
    Alex just smiled. “It’s all right, Papa. Melissande is so beautiful, so sparkling and gay, so natural inher gaiety. If we went to London, no one would have paid me much attention in any case so I don’t mind not going. I am not lying to you. It terrified me, the thought of meeting all those ferocious ladies—if their eyebrows twitch, you’re forever beyond the pale—that’s what Mama says. So, you needn’t worry. I go along fine here. There are other things besides parties and routs and Venetian breakfasts and dancing holes in one’s slippers.” There were other things, but that list was woefully short.
    â€œOnce Melissande is wed to the earl, she will do her duty by you. As the Countess of Northcliffe, she will take you about so that you may meet appropriate young gentlemen. That is what is right and she will do it. And you will comply because that is the way one normally secures a husband worthy of one.”
    â€œYoung gentlemen don’t appear to be remarkably attracted to me, Papa.”
    â€œNonsense. There are very few young gentlemen here about to see you, and those who are, look upon your sister and lose what few wits they possess. It is of no matter. You are a dear girl, and you are bright and your mind is filled with more than ribbons and beaux and—”
    â€œWhen one isn’t a diamond, Papa, one must cultivate other gardens.”
    â€œIs that your attempt to rephrase Monsieur Voltaire?”
    Alexandra smiled. “I suppose so, but it’s the truth. There is no reason to quibble about it.”
    â€œYou are also very pretty, Alex. You surely don’t wish to insult your glorious hair—why ’tis the same shade as mine!”
    She smiled at that, and the duke thought, pleased, everything would work out all right now. The Earl ofNorthcliffe had just offered to save him from inevitable financial disaster and rid him of his eldest daughter at the same time, a set of circumstances to gladden any father’s heart and purse.
    â€œI trust Melissande will decide to take Douglas Sherbrooke this time,” Alexandra said. “As I said, he is a very nice man and deserves to have what he wants.” Her fingers pleated the folds of her pale yellow muslin gown, and her eyes remained downcast as she added quietly, “He deserves happiness. Perhaps Melissande will care for him and make him happy.”
    That was the sticking point, the duke thought, grimacing. He could imagine Melissande making a gentleman’s life a series of delightful encounters until the gentleman chanced to disagree with her or refuse her something. Then . . . it made him shudder to think of it. He wouldn’t worry overly about it. It wouldn’t be his problem. However, he would pray for the Earl of Northcliffe once the knot was tied.
    â€œI’ll go fetch Melissande for you, Papa.”
    The duke watched his daughter walk from the library. Something strange was going on here. He knew her well, for she was his favorite, the child of his heart and of his mind. He remembered her sudden rigidity, the trembling of her hands. And he thought blankly, as a crazed notion bulleted through his brain—does she want the Earl of Northcliffe? He shook his head even as he tried to remember three years before when Alexandra was only fifteen, painfully shy, her