Accidental Fiancee by Mary Moore Read Free Book Online

this man the truth, Grace?” Brandon asked her quietly, with no hint of his usual sarcasm. He found himself holding his breath while waiting for her answer.
    “I do not need to tell him anything at all. Besides, by the time he hears of it, the betrothal will have been broken and I will be back there. And you, sir, were the one who said the fewer the people who know the truth, the better.”
    He laughed at her. She continually amazed him with her innocence. “My dear, I do hate to disillusion you, but as the announcement will go in the papers as soon as we arrive in London, he will know of it.” He turned his gaze to Lydia. “They do teach the young men of Essex to read, I presume?”
    Lydia smiled, but seemed afraid to say any more. Grace appeared to be thinking of something else.
    “An announcement in the papers?” she asked. “Is that necessary?”
    “Not to make it known, as the Marchmonts have had a head start, but in terms of propriety, it is definitely necessary,” he said, frustrated. “Grace, you must get it through your head that we are going to do this the proper way. I should have gone immediately to your father, however, I did not wish you to face the London tabbies alone. So, I must settle for sending him a letter as soon as I reach Town.”
    He watched as she physically blanched. Prepared for her next thought, he hurried to say, “Yes, yes, I know you are of age, but asking his consent is required for our betrothal to be valid. Your neighbors will know soon enough.”
    He knew her conscience was once again pricking her. She looked back and forth to her companions. “Father must know the truth. He certainly knows he never met you before.”
    “It is up to you, my dear,” he stated categorically. He leaned forward, face-to-face with her. “You must think seriously before you make the decision to tell him. What will your father do if your Essex suitor goes to him, waving the announcement in the newspaper? Will
he
be able to convince your young man that we are in love? Will you want him to?” He noticed Grace beginning to twist her hands in agitation. He took them into his. He did not wish to upset her, but she must accept this.
    “Listen to me. If you decide to tell your father the entire story, he has no choice but to truly make us marry. I insulted you in public, and his honor and mine require that we wed. If you decide we do not suit a month from now, and end our engagement, I would have to accept it. Your father would not. He would still demand that you marry me.”
    “This is a nightmare. My lord, I...I...cannot.”
    Lydia broke the tension with her question. “You insulted her? When? How?” He saw the righteous indignation take over her expression, and laughed.
    Grace looked at him as if she would like to land him a facer. “Lydia, it makes no difference,” she said. “Leave it be.”
    “I was caught gazing into her eyes and I kissed her hands tenderly. It was at the inn. Did Grace not tell you? Actually, I also kissed her lips, but no one saw that, so it cannot be part of the reason.” He grinned, winking at her.
    “Of course I did not tell her.” Her color once again heightened.
    Now
he
was surprised. “What in the world do you expect her to do when she sees us kiss in London? It would certainly not do to have her be surprised or shocked.” He shook his head in exasperation. “No one will believe us to be in love at this rate.”
    Lydia was amazed. “He kissed you, Grace? Then there should be no farce, you must marry!”
    Grace’s ire rose. Taking matters into her practical hands, she said, “This has gone far enough. Lydia, I told you the Marchmonts saw us in a compromising position. The exact nature of the incident makes no difference.” She turned fiery green eyes on him and said, “If you make one sound, say one more word, I will box your ears. I vow I will.”
    He held up both hands in mock surrender.
    “As far as kissing in London, Lydia will see us together and