Undressed (Undone by Love) Read Online Free PDF

Colin protested, chafing at the injustice of it all . He liked to gamble, yes. But his misdeeds went no further. One might call him a bit reckless, perhaps, but he was a man of honor and integrity above all else.
    “If you say it’s the truth, then I believe you,” Ballard said with a smile . “I’ll do my damnedest to convince the lady of your innocence.”  He reached up to straighten his cravat as he strode toward the door.
    Colin hesitated briefly before following suit . For a moment he considered telling Ballard not to trouble himself, that he’d convince Honoria of his innocence himself. No, he wavered, retrieving his gloves and hat. What harm could come of it? Perhaps she’d listen to Ballard.
    Besides, the situation couldn’t possibly get any worse than it already was .

     
    Chapter 3
     
    “There now, Margaret. You look lovely.”  Lady Danville patted Brenna’s hair in place. “That’s all, Celeste.”
    “Yes, your ladyship.”  The harried-looking lady’s maid bobbed a curtsy and hurried out.
    “That gown is simply stunning, isn’t it? Madame Vioget works wonders.”
    “’Tis lovely, indeed . I thank ye for your generosity, Lady Danville.”  Brenna swallowed hard, barely able to believe that the young woman staring back in the looking glass was her. Never in her life had her hair been dressed so intricately. She glanced down at the emerald-green silk gown she wore, its bodice generously encrusted with seed pearls. She felt like a stuffed pigeon, trussed up for a feast. Worse still, the cut of the neckline was positively indecent, and she could barely breathe, tightly laced into a rigid corset. She was terrified of exposing her breasts, small as they were, if she did manage a breath. Did they truly expect her to go out in society in such a state of undress?
    Apparently they did . Lady Danville reached for her hand and helped her to her feet. “Come now, Margaret. I hear the carriage. Promise me, dear, that you’ll remember what I’ve taught you. And do your best to rid your voice of that awful brogue. I won’t have my daughter sounding like some barbarian.”
    Brenna resolved at once to make certain her accent sounded as Scots as possible for the remainder of the evening .
    “And you must call me Mama ,” the woman added, patting Brenna’s cheek with a gloved hand.
    Brenna tipped her chin in the air . “Only if ye will agree to call me Brenna .”
    “But...but,” the woman sputtered, “your name is Margaret, after your father’s mother, God rest her soul . You were christened Margaret Elizabeth Ballard, right before my very eyes. You cannot expect me to call you anything else.”
    “But I was re christened Brenna Margaret Elizabeth, and I’ve answered to that name for six-and-twenty years now. Ye canna expect me to suddenly answer to another.”
    The woman’s eyes narrowed . “I shall speak to your father about this.”
    “As will I,” Brenna challenged, refusing to lower her gaze .   Lady Danville was a stubborn woman, indeed, but Brenna could be equally stubborn if she chose to be. They had that much in common, if nothing else.
    The maid reappeared in the doorway . “The carriage is here, mum.”
    “Thank you, Celeste . Tell Lord Danville we will be down directly.” 
    “Very well, mum.”  Celeste bobbed a curtsy, and disappeared back down the hall .
    Lady Danville turned back to face Brenna . “I hope you will make us proud tonight, Margaret. I’ve waited many years for this.”  Her mother reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze, tears shining in her eyes. “My only daughter, at last taking her rightful place by my side.”
    Brenna returned the pressure, instantly regretting her ill temper . These people had suffered so dearly. “I promise I will do my best to make ye both proud.”  And she would, as best she could. She owed them that, at least.
    “Very well, dearest . After all, it will be difficult enough to secure you a husband, given your age and